Tips To Avoid Christmas Indigestion

Indigestion is a common problem at Christmastime, when we eat more rich and fatty foods than usual. It is usually not a medically serious problem, but it can cause discomfort and bloating. Here are some tips to enjoy your Christmas food without any unwanted side effects!

The main symptoms of indigestion, also known by the medical term dyspepsia, are bloating, nausea, and feeling full quickly after eating. It’s often triggered by fatty and greasy foods, spicy foods, chocolate, fizzy drinks, and alcohol—no wonder it is more common at Christmas!

However, there’s no need to avoid treat foods completely. It’s usually enough to stick to smaller portions, as Patient Info explains, unless there are foods you know that will immediately trigger your symptoms. It is better to eat small frequent meals than load up your plate for a large meal. 

It can help to practice some mindfulness techniques, to help you eat more slowly and in a more relaxed way. The aim is to focus your mind on the present moment, so that you are really paying attention to the appearance of the food on your plate, the smell, and the taste and texture of the food as you chew each mouthful.

It may feel strange at first, but once you get used to slowing down, rather than shovelling your food down without much thought, it can result in a happier and more comfortable gut. Notice when you are feeling full, and pause before asking yourself if you really want to continue eating. You may find that you will naturally eating smaller portions.

It can be helpful to reduce your overall levels of stress and anxiety as well, because this can also trigger indigestion symptoms. Some people find that exercise is the best stress buster for them, while a mindfulness meditation app may work for others.

After you have eaten, remain in an upright posture rather than lying down, as this reduces the chance of acid reflex, when chemicals and stomach acid travel back up towards the throat, causing the uncomfortable symptoms of indigestion. Avoid doing strenuous exercise for one to two hours after eating.

If you do still suffer from indigestion, your pharmacist will be able to advise you which indigestion relief tablets are most suitable. These medications are known as antacids, work by neutralising the acid in your stomach, or by reducing the amount of acid that it produces, and are available in liquid or tablet form.

In most cases, indigestion is a nuisance rather than a medically serious problem. However, if you experienced persistent symptoms for three to four weeks, and are over the age of 45, it is advisable to consult a doctor. 

If the indigestion is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, vomiting, black stools, or shortness of breath, then this could be a sign of a medically serious problem which needs urgent medical attention. Very severe pain which spreads to the upper body may be the sign of angina or a heart attack.