CHRISTMAS CURES
BEAT THE BLOAT , TACKLE THE HOLIDAY HEARTBURN AND AID YOUR OVERINDULGENCE INDIGESTION
Perhaps nothing is more ironic than when we are finally given overwhelming permission from society to spend two weeks eating and drinking everything in sight , and after all the anticipation our bodies cramp up with bloating , heartburn , sickness , and some other * cough cough * unmentionable symptoms . Indigestion can be the bane of all our festive seasons , however , we have some help for anyone needing a little relief this Christmas .
What is indigestion ?
The mechanics of indigestion are pretty simple . It is when acid from your stomach irritates the stomach lining and travels up your throat , causing all the horrid symptoms we associate with indigestion . It is that pesky acid that is irritated by large amounts of foods and alcohol , amongst other things , such as smoking and different types of medication . Despite popular misconceptions heartburn and acid reflux are actually one and the same , and are caused by that same acid that just won ’ t seem to stay where it ’ s meant to !
How to avoid indigestion
We ’ ve rounded up some experts to share all their secrets to pre-empt that nasty burn this Christmas . The first and most important bit of advice that all our experts agree with is to pace ourselves . As tempting as it is to shove every mince pie in sight into our open and waiting mouths , it will be no help to your digestive problems . According to TV media medic GP Sarah Jarvis ; ‘ It ’ s easy to get carried away around Christmas , be careful not to overindulge and take your time whilst eating . Avoid eating heavy meals late in the evening to allow your stomach time to digest before lying down .’ Abbas Kanani , pharmacist at Chemist Click echoes this sentiment ; ‘ Know your limitations – the festive period is often an excuse for many individuals to drink more than usual , and to overindulge . It ’ s important to understand that whilst it ’ s important to treat yourself , over indulging on rich foods and alcohol can ultimately leave you feeling fatigued , heavy and may even cause indigestion .’
Another important thing to consider is if you have a history of reacting badly to certain foods or drinks . Is there that one meal that you eat and always regret it an hour afterwards ? If yes , then be sure to narrow down what in the meal is making you feel so ill , and be sure to avoid whatever is disagreeing so strongly with your stomach ! Nutritionist Jenna Hope agrees ; ‘ Indigestion can cause a large amount of discomfort and for individuals who are particularly prone to indigestion managing your diet can be helpful . Avoiding or limiting carbonated drinks , caffeine , spicy foods and alcohol can help to reduce symptoms as these are all common triggers .’
The last piece of advice our experts have for us is really something we should have learned when we were children , but apparently it is something most of us still don ’ t do properly ; and that is to chew our food properly ! If we don ’ t the food becomes harder to digest and can cause those awful indigestion issues we certainly don ’ t want to be having over the holiday period . Emma Thornton , a registered nutritionist at A . Vogel says ; ’ Chew , chew and chew ! The more you chew , the better the production of digestive enzymes and therefore the better the digestion of your food . The stomach has no teeth — chew your food well before it gets to your stomach !’
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