911 For Holiday Heartburn

Article by healthybalance.com staff
Posted on November 26, 2008

Does the thought of Thanksgiving Day Dinner make your mouth water—or stomach to churn? Instead of stocking up on antacids, take a sensible approach to what and how much you eat on Thanksgiving Day.

Your digestive system takes charge of a miraculously interactive process that releases and absorbs nutrients from the foods you eat, nutrients needed for healthy living. In the mouth, enzymes in saliva begin breaking down food. In the stomach, acid and enzymes break down foods, releasing vitamins, minerals, protein and fats. Pancreatic juices and bile from the gal bladder get in on the act, too. A phenomenal relationship between the brain and the gut takes place on a molecular level as neuropeptides and serotonins guide absorption of the released nutrients traveling through the intestines.

Without well-absorbed nutrients, none of the body’s systems can enjoy optimum health. When the digestive system is out of balance, it belches, burns, cramps, holds in or explodes—especially when you feast on a holiday meal.

Here are some ways to avoid those painful and embarrassing symptoms:

1. Don’t overeat.
Heart burn and acid reflux occur when gastric (stomach) juices back up into the esophagus. When you overeat, your stomach runs out of room, leaving nowhere else for those acidic gastric juices to go. In general, to avoid heartburn, eat smaller amounts, more often. That way, you’ll avoid added pressure in the abdomen. On Thanksgiving Day, eat slowly. Wait a few hours after dinner before having dessert.

2. Dress for the occasion.
Wearing clothes that are tight around your stomach or restrict your abdomen can also cause heartburn. Wear accommodating clothing that won’t interfere with digestion.

3. Choose cooked from scratch, natural foods. The chemicals and additives in prepared mixes and ready-to-serve sides and entrees may relax the lower muscles of the esophagus and cause reflux. Many of these synthetic ingredients also are hard to digest, causing even more tummy trouble. Other heartburn offenders include fried foods, soft drinks, chocolate, coffee and alcohol.

4. Pass the fresh veggie plate please. Fresh fruits and vegetables contain enzymes that help digestion. Papain, found in fresh pineapple, is especially effective. Laboratory studies with rats have demonstrated that antioxidants from fresh fruits and vegetables do more to heal acid reflux disease than prescription medications.

5. Avoid antacid remedies.Most remedies for acid reflux and heartburn reduce stomach acid. Acid isn’t always a bad thing. A car battery can’t function without acid. Your digestive system can’t either. The stomach acid breaks down foods and releases essential nutrients. Furthermore, reducing stomach acid also leaves the stomach at the mercy of germs and bacteria that cause food poisoning and other maladies.

6. Relief At the first sign of trouble, drink a large glass of water. For gentle relief, wash a raw potato. Put it in a juicer or blender. Mix with equal parts water and drink as needed.

Resist the temptation to lie down on the sofa for an after dinner nap. Laying down can also cause gastric juices to back up into your esophagus. Instead, talk the family into taking a brisk walk around the block. The fresh air and exercise will stimulate healthy digestion and put every one into mood for family fun the rest of the evening.