Everyone’s favorite time of year has arrived, and there is always something delicious on the mind: food. Traditional holiday meals, decadent desserts, and special holiday treats are available for families across the nation to enjoy. But if there is one thing that nobody is looking forward to, it’s the digestive problems that can come after you’ve eaten just a little too much food. Let’s look at how to avoid holiday digestion problems.
Avoid Holiday Digestion Problems
You can still find ways to enjoy your favorite meal of the season and all of its additional spoils without getting an upset stomach. At the office of the best GI doctor Los Angeles has to offer, our staff knows the perfect way to avoid holiday digestion problems while still scarfing down a plate full of Christmas cookies. Just make sure to take a look at the below tips and guidelines before heading back into the kitchen for seconds!
Take Your Time
Everyone is guilty of eating too fast from time to time, but the holiday season seems to be the time where people really love to eat quickly. There are so many goodies to fill your plate with that you want to eat quick, so you still have time for more. However, this can lead to major digestion issues and a backed-up intestine that won’t feel very good to deal with. Not to mention eating fast makes you swallow more air bubbles, which means you are more prone to having gas.
Take your time, chew slowly and well, and savor the moment. Your stomach and your taste buds will both thank you for it!
Simmer Down with the Sugar
If you are planning on baking some delicious desserts, try cutting the amount of sugar you use in half. You can still get a super-sweet cake or pie without having to put too much sugar into your body. Too much of this sweet stuff can add too much acidity to your stomach, leading to uncomfortable conditions like acid reflux. Sugar is also a gateway to infection, making it harder for your digestive tract to filter and get rid of toxins throughout the body.
Work on Stress Reduction Techniques
The holidays tend to get people all worked up. While it is a fun time to bring friends and family together, it is also important to keep in mind how stressful things can be. Cooking several dishes, putting together presents, and decorating the house can just be too much. And there is plenty of research to show that stress leads to digestive issues because stress takes blood away from the gut to tense your muscles. This leaves the gut defenseless against the food it needs to process, and it is weak against potential toxins or waste. To avoid some major GI issues, try working on reducing your stress this holiday season.
Don’t Eat Too Late
Many families make the mistake of eating too late at night, which doesn’t give your digestive system a good opportunity to start working its magic. After eating, it is important that you remain upright for some time to help your body digest. One of the biggest contributors to the development of acid reflux disease is late-night eating. Even if your celebrations go late into the night, try to finish your feast before it gets too late.
Finish with Peppermint Tea
Have you ever been told to eat a peppermint when you have a stomachache? There are healing properties in peppermint that can help soothe your stomach after you start experiencing digestion problems. If you ate too much, you can combat oncoming indigestion with a hot cup of tea. By sipping on peppermint tea, you help ease the muscles in your stomach, allowing food to be processed more easily. Not to mention, peppermint is one of the best winter flavors!
Enjoy a Healthy Holiday Feast This Season!
No matter what you do this holiday season, make sure you do what you need to be happy and safe with your family. Looking forward to those big meals but worried about the post-feast stomach blues? Reach out to our indigestion and constipation Los Angeles specialists at the office of Tabib MD to schedule a consultation ASAP. May you have a very merry holiday!
