How to deal with Christmas indigestion

What is indigestion?

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is a common symptom of an upper gut problem which around 2 in 5 of us may have at some time of year. Although it usually disappears by itself, indigestion can be unpleasant, causing discomfort and even pain in your upper tummy.

We like to indulge ourselves at Christmas, but our festive eating habits can easily trigger Christmas indigestion. To enjoy the festive season in comfort, we can make small changes to what we eat and how - without depriving ourselves of our favourite foods.

The symptoms of indigestion

Indigestion is the term used to describe a group of symptoms that can occur from time to time when your gut is unhappy. Typically, this happens in response to the types of food we consume, as well as if we over-eat after we're full up.

This is why indigestion often happens soon after eating. The main symptom to look out for is pain or discomfort in the upper stomach.

These symptoms can be annoying - particularly on Christmas Day - but the good news is they usually go away after a short while and are not a serious health concern. This said, if you experience indigestion often and it regularly interrupts your life, you can speak to your doctor about treatment.

Some people may think that heartburn - a burning sensation in the lower chest - is linked with indigestion. Instead, it's usually a symptom of a separate condition called gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), where stomach acid travels up into your throat - called the oesophagus or gullet. However, heartburn can also be triggered by eating habits around Christmas.

What can trigger Christmas indigestion?

Reema Pillai, a London-based dietitian says: "Christmas-time includes a wide variety of foods that can contribute to indigestion. In particular, fatty foods that are greasy or higher in fats can lead to indigestion, as can certain spicy foods. An increase in alcohol, fizzy drinks, or chocolate are also frequent contributors to indigestion."

It's no surprise that our intake of these treat foods spikes over Christmas, and for many of us this is deliberate as we get into the festive spirit. While a little over-indulgence can be fun, those who are more prone to indigestion can reduce their chance of getting it, without completely ruling out these foods.

The way that we eat at Christmas is also an important factor.

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How do you stop indigestion at Christmas?

The best way to combat Christmas indigestion is to prevent it happening in the first place. Of course, it's unlikely that you will avoid all the major trigger food and drinks on Christmas Day.

Instead, being aware of what these food and drinks are, and then making a conscious effort to consume them in relative moderation and throughout the day - rather than piled high on one plate - could be enough to keep your gut happy.

On top of this, Pillai shares some more tips...

Relieving Christmas indigestion

If you couldn't resist over-filling on Christmas dinner and mince pies - it is Christmas, after all - and you're feeling uncomfortably full, then remain upright and avoid lying down. A good posture can aid digestion and help to avoid acid reflux. This is where stomach acid travels back up the oesophagus, which can in turn trigger the symptoms of indigestion.

If Christmas indigestion has developed and you wish to ease your discomfort, there are over-the-counter medicines that you can take. These are known as antacids and they can come in tablet or liquid form. Antacids ease the symptoms of indigestion through your stomach acid. While some work by neutralising your stomach acid, others reduce the amount of acid your stomach is producing.

While antacids can ease indigestion and provide a solution on Christmas Day, Pillai advises that it's best to seek medical advice if you experience frequent indigestion that's negatively affecting your day-to-day life. You should always seek help if you're experiencing the serious symptoms above.

Your doctor will be able to advise you on possible triggers and may prescribe longer-term medicine if over-the-counter treatments don't work.