During the holiday season, excess food and alcohol can lead to discomfort, especially as gatherings often result in large feasts. Physician Xand Van Tulleken highlights that while holiday foods aren’t necessarily harmful, overeating and drinking can cause stomach issues, particularly when meals differ from our regular diets. To minimize discomfort, he advises aligning dinner times with bedtime and avoiding late-night eating. Additionally, elevating the head during sleep can help alleviate symptoms like heartburn.
During the festive season, gatherings often lead to an influx of guests, resulting in an abundance of food. In the excitement of hosting, we tend to prepare more than we actually need, leaving our fridges overflowing with culinary delights. This surplus can make holiday dinners feel prolonged and overwhelming.
In fact, there are times when the little ones drift off to dreamland before dessert even makes an appearance. Such extravagant feasting can have repercussions the following day, especially when the children are busy unwrapping their gifts and we are left grappling with an upset stomach. The effects can be magnified if we indulged in too much alcohol the night before, making the following days particularly challenging. A healthcare professional has shared insights on when it might be best to stop dining to avoid discomfort.
Understanding Post-Holiday Stomach Discomfort
As per British physician Xand Van Tulleken, there isn’t anything inherently harmful about holiday food itself. However, consuming alcoholic beverages in excess can contribute to stomach issues. We may also become more attuned to our discomfort because the meals we eat during the holidays differ from our regular diet. He notes, “It is very unlikely that you suffer only after Christmas dinner or once a year. You probably have it often enough, and you ignore it because it goes away. But if you have a cupboard full of acid-reducing pills, you might start to think there’s a little problem.”
Dr. Van Tulleken elaborates on the stomach’s functions, stating, “The stomach is designed to protect you from acid so that it does not burn its walls. But if you take a big meal and the acid splashes your esophagus, it can literally cause a chemical burn that can be very painful and dangerous in the long term.” The holiday season often equates to large feasts, filled with multiple courses and rich dishes, which can lead to inevitable discomfort.
Optimal Timing for Dinner
To minimize the risk of stomach pain during the festive celebrations, it’s essential to synchronize our dining schedule with our bedtime. According to the doctor, “Avoid eating late. Stop eating chocolate 3 to 4 hours before going to bed, because when you lie down, your reflux can worsen, as the acid can more easily enter your esophagus.” For instance, if you plan to sleep at 3 AM, switching to dessert by midnight or 11 PM would be advisable.
Additionally, the doctor recommends, “Finally, before going to bed, use a pillow or any other object to support the head of your bed. This slight incline will help the contents of the stomach go down.” This technique is particularly effective for those who retire early and can alleviate symptoms of heartburn and discomfort, potentially reducing the need for medications. Ultimately, it’s important to remember that the rich foods we enjoy during Christmas can lead to stomach troubles.