The festive season is a time for merriment, spending quality time with loved ones and, often, overindulgence in food. It's believed that the average Brit consumes around 6,000 calories on Christmas Day – double or even triple the recommended daily intake.

From the second helping of roast spuds to polishing off the cheeseboard at midnight, we're all aware that the festive feast can leave us feeling a bit rough. But what if those stomach issues aren't just due to overeating?

In recognition of Decembeard – Bowel Cancer Awareness Month - Kiran Jones, a clinical pharmacist at Oxford Online Pharmacy, unveils how to identify the warning signs that could suggest you may have more serious gut health problems, or worse, bowel cancer, this Yuletide.

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Red flag symptoms that could indicate bowel cancer The stubborn belly

Feeling bloated after devouring a turkey dinner is standard fare at Christmas, particularly if you eat too quickly or your body struggles with digesting food. This is typically a result of the stomach expanding to accommodate extra food and gas accumulation in the intestines.

Mild cases can be treated with over-the-counter antacids like Rennie, herbal remedies such as herbal tea or peppermint oil, or even a warm compress. While this is fairly common, it shouldn't last for longer than a few hours after you've polished off your Christmas dinner and if it persists for more than a few days, it could signal gut health issues, or worse, bowel cancer and should be investigated.

Too many trips to the loo

Christmas indulgence can lead to more frequent bathroom visits, especially after a rich meal laden with high-fat and sugary foods. However, if you find yourself needing the toilet more often than usual and it's not just due to overeating, this could be a warning sign.

Keep an eye on any changes in your bowel habits, such as persistent diarrhoea or constipation, or an urgent need to go. If these symptoms persist well beyond the festive feast, it might be time to seek medical advice, as they can be early signs of bowel cancer.

Unexplained fatigue beyond the post-meal nap

Christmas is a hectic time of year, and feeling knackered after prepping the turkey or hosting a house full of guests is normal. But if you're finding it harder than usual to stay awake or battling with ongoing fatigue that isn't relieved by rest, this could be a sign your body is trying to alert you to something more serious.

Bowel cancer can lead to anaemia, as blood loss in the bowel reduces your red blood cell count, causing fatigue. If this symptom persists beyond the festive period, it's important to consult a healthcare professional.

Seeing red when you visit the loo?

Overindulging in festive favourites like cranberry sauce and beetroot salads can sometimes startlingly colour your stool red, but this is usually harmless and related to your diet. However, noticing actual blood in your stool, whether bright red or darker, should never be overlooked.

While haemorrhoids or minor tears from straining might cause this, consistent bleeding is a major warning sign of bowel cancer. Over the Christmas period, don't brush off this symptom as a one-off caused by indulgent food or alcohol – make an appointment with your GP.

Feeling full before you've even started?

It's easy to overestimate your hunger when faced with a feast of festive treats, but if you find yourself feeling unusually full after eating very little, this could indicate a more serious problem. A constant sensation of fullness can occur if there's a blockage or tumour in the bowel. While it's tempting to dismiss this as the result of a heavy Christmas meal, keep a close eye on this symptom, particularly if it persists or worsens.

More than just Christmas cramps?

Overindulging might leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable, but if you're experiencing sharp or persistent stomach pain, it's not something to brush off. If the discomfort is localised, doesn't subside after digestion, or disrupts your sleep, it could indicate a blockage or tumour in your bowel.

Don't put off seeking medical advice until the New Year – it's crucial to get any ongoing abdominal pain checked out as soon as possible.