Dr Benjamin Yip featured in The Straits Times
Chinese New Year is a season of togetherness and also a season of extra pineapple tarts, bak kwa, steamboat, and late-night suppers. If you’re feeling bloated, constipated, or uncomfortable after the festivities, you’re not alone.
In a The Straits Times feature, gastroenterologist Dr Benjamin Yip, Medical Director at Alpha Digestive and Liver Centre, shared why post-festive digestive discomfort happens and what actually helps your gut recover safely.
Why your gut feels “out of rhythm” after festive eating
Dr Yip explains that festive meals tend to be richer, later, larger, and more frequent than usual. Over days (or weeks), these changes can disrupt your gut’s normal rhythm and lead to symptoms like bloating, reflux, or abdominal discomfort.
Some common food-related triggers include:
- High-fat foods, which can slow stomach emptying and leave you feeling overly full
- Sugary foods, which may increase gas production
- Alcohol, which can irritate the stomach lining and interfere with normal gut movement
Should you do a cleanse or detox after CNY?
It can be tempting to “reset” with a cleanse — but Dr Yip does not recommend quick-fix approaches, especially those involving laxatives, extreme calorie restriction, or juice-only diets.
He highlights that these methods may:
- disrupt normal bowel function
- contribute to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
- and even worsen bloating when you return to normal eating
What actually helps: gentle, steady recovery
Dr Yip’s guidance is simple: your digestive system is built to recover — you just need to support it with steady habits rather than extremes.
1) Go back to balanced meals (not “punishment meals”)
Aim for regular meals with a balance of protein, vegetables, and complex carbs. This helps your gut return to its usual rhythm gradually.
2) Prioritise fibre — but keep it realistic
Fibre supports bowel movements and can reduce constipation-related bloating. Dr Yip suggests fibre-rich foods such as fruits, oats, and whole grains.
3) Add fermented foods in moderation
Foods like yoghurt or fermented vegetables may help support gut balance when taken appropriately (and not in excess).
4) Hydration matters more than people think
Adequate water supports digestion and stool consistency. At the same time, Dr Yip advises limiting alcohol and sugary drinks, which can worsen dehydration and digestive irritation.
5) Temporarily cut back on “heavy” foods while your gut settles
After a stretch of rich meals, it can help to reduce overly oily, very rich, or heavily processed foods for a short period as your digestion normalises.
The long-term secret: consistency (not perfection)
Beyond festive seasons, Dr Yip emphasises that gut health is built on everyday consistency:
regular meals, balanced nutrition with enough fibre, physical activity, good sleep, and stress management.
He also encourages paying attention to early warning signs — like persistent bloating, reflux, or changes in bowel habits — and seeking medical advice if symptoms don’t settle.
Source / Credit: Dr Benjamin Yip was featured in The Straits Times (Simply Science) on post-CNY bloating and gut recovery.
