Why Am I So Constipated All the Time?
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5 Tips for Managing Digestive Issues During the Holidays
No matter the holiday — Hanukkah, Christmnas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s Eve — the one constant across the board is that there’s generally some food and drink involved as you get together to celebrate with friends and family.
For the 60-70 million people in the United States who have a digestive issue, the holidays aren't all fun and games. In fact, they can be downright miserable if your digestive system acts up.
If you’re worried about digestive issues during the holidays, we’ve got you covered. In the following, Dr. Sam Weissman offers up six tips that will keep your holidays enjoyable.
1. Have a game plan
It’s always a good idea to have a game plan in place when you have a digestive disease, whether it’s for the holidays, when traveling, or during any other special events that can disrupt your usual schedule.
We routinely meet with patients to go over potential triggers, coping mechanisms, medications, and best practices for managing digestive diseases. So, before the holidays really get into full swing, why not pay us a visit so we can design a plan that meets your unique needs and circumstances?
2. Bring your own food and drink
If you’re invited to someone’s house, you can kill two birds with one stone by taking along a contribution that meets your dietary parameters. For example, if you have an issue like celiac disease and you can’t have gluten, why not volunteer to bring a gluten-free dessert? Or, bring nonalcoholic drinks if booze is off the dietary table for you.
By bringing your own dish or drink, you ensure that you’ve got something safe to swallow, and you’re also doing your part for the party.
3. Eat slowly and sparingly
Just because it’s called a holiday feast, it doesn't mean you should dive in and pile up your plate. If you want to avoid post-party abdomenal pain, diarrhea, or constipation, we suggest that you eat slowly and only small amounts at a time. Think of it as grazing more than gorging.
4. Destress as much as possible
Family get-togethers can be stressful, and when you add a digestive issue to the mix, you’re primed for potential problems. It’s a good idea to find ways to destress during the holidays — go for walks, listen to music, leave the party early — whatever works to calm your mind and your gut.
5. Stop eating three hours before bedtime
To encourage healthy digestion, it’s a good idea to stop eating about three hours before bedtime. If you feast and then tumble directly into bed, your digestive tract has to work harder while you’re lying down.
This tip is especially important for anyone who experiences acid reflux — and it’s estimated that about 20% of the population in the US does. When you’re lying down, stomach acids can travel back up your throat more easily.
So, stay upright for a few hours after your last meal to help you sleep more soundly and comfortably.
If you’d like a more personalized plan for the holidays, please call our Brighton Beach area office in Brooklyn, New York, at 609-793-9375 or request an appointment through this website.
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