Gaby
As we approach Christmas and New Year’s, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of taking care of our health. The numerous feasts during this season can be a significant stressor for our bodies, particularly for our digestive systems.
Here are a few common consequences of overeating and overdrinking, plus simple ways to deal with them.
Milk for Heartburn
Heartburn is one of the most common issues people face after indulging in heavy meals.
It happens because fatty foods slow down stomach emptying. As a result, the stomach becomes overfilled, gastric acid builds up, and the acid can rise into the esophagus. That causes the burning sensation in the chest.
If someone has never experienced chest pain before, they might mistakenly think they’re having a heart attack, said Peter Worvell, a professor of gastroenterology at the University of Manchester. If there are no antacids at home, he recommends drinking some milk; it buffers stomach acid and can ease the symptoms.
Fruit juices, which are sometimes recommended to soothe the stomach and help digestion, should be avoided when you have heartburn. They can make the problem worse, as can strong mint teas.
Worvell says that if heartburn symptoms persist for more than two to three weeks, see a doctor to rule out more serious underlying problems.
Preventing and Overcoming Hangovers
Severe headaches, nausea, and fatigue from hangovers come largely from dehydration after drinking too much alcohol. Alcohol suppresses the hormone vasopressin, which tells the kidneys to retain fluid. As a result, people urinate more, become thirsty, and often wake up with headaches and exhaustion.
Alcohol also irritates the stomach lining and increases acid production, which can cause nausea and stomach pain.
Ann Nainan, a general practitioner from London, says it can take the body about a day to clear out the toxic byproducts of alcohol metabolism. For rehydration, she recommends drinking a glass of water before bed, another after waking up, and then eight to ten glasses throughout the day.
You can also take rehydration salts or a tablet of paracetamol or ibuprofen. In the morning, have a hearty breakfast, such as oatmeal, eggs, and toast, to help stabilize blood sugar levels.
One of the liver’s functions is to release glucose from cells for energy. Alcohol slows this process, which can cause blood sugar to drop and lead to headaches, nausea, tremors, and confusion.
Some supplements marketed to counter alcohol’s effects contain the amino acid L-cysteine. Experts believe L-cysteine helps neutralize acetaldehyde, a toxic byproduct of alcohol.
Dr. Nainan said researchers view the effects of L-cysteine as promising for preventing or easing these harmful symptoms.
L-cysteine is also found in eggs, turkey, and yogurt, the Daily Mail reports.
Struggles with Post-Meal Bloating
The best way to fight post-meal bloating is to take a walk after eating. Walking improves digestion by stimulating bowel activity and increasing blood flow to muscles, especially the muscles in the digestive system.
Other remedies for bloating include peppermint oil and chamomile tea. A gentle abdominal massage can also help.
When Holidays Turn Stressful
“During Christmas and New Year, we often feel down,” said clinical psychologist Roderick Orner. Studies show mental health often worsens during the holidays.
Instead of resting and recharging, many people turn to unhealthy food and alcohol.
Dr. Orner advises focusing on the people who support and value you, carving out time for yourself, doing activities you enjoy, and spending more time outdoors.
