Taking care of gut health this season

At this time of year, we may eat more than we usually do. And we might end up eating foods that don’t normally feature on our daily menus. Christmas is often filled with rich foods, sweet treats and mulled wine. So, if over the festive period you experience symptoms of indigestion including heartburn and bloating, you may want to think about the foods you’re eating.

Things that trigger indigestion at Christmas include:

We don’t want you to miss out on the festive food you love. But there are changes you can make to your Christmas dinner, and the way you eat it, which might mean it goes down a little easier.

Start being more mindful about the amount of food you’re having and how it’s cooked. For example, you could try a lighter vegetable oil on your roasties instead of goose fat. Or, waiting 10 to 20 minutes after you’ve eaten before digging into seconds. Small changes like these could help your stomach digest your food more easily, allowing you to enjoy your Christmas dinner in comfort.  

If you know you’re going to feel uncomfortable after you eat you could also make sure you’re prepared with some tablets or heartburn liquid. Our pharmacists can recommend the right treatment for you. Just make sure to always read the label.

It’s not just food and drink that can cause an upset stomach at Christmas. The stress and packed schedules can leave us feeling run down and play havoc with our digestion. Make sure to delegate tasks on Christmas day and find time to relax.

Don’t let the pain of indigestion ruin your Christmas. Instead help look after your gut with our indigestion busting tips:

These tips may help to reduce your symptoms. If you regularly experience heart burn or indigestion after eating speak to your GP.