Try This to Avoid GI Upset Ruining Another Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

And for many of us that means two things… food and football.

Both come with their ups and downs, but especially food.

While it’s a blessing to gather around the table and enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with the ones we love, too much feasting could leave you feeling less than joyful.

Honestly, can anything ruin a nice holiday meal more than GI upset?

Thankfully, with some careful prep ahead of time, you can fend off most post-meal stomach upset.

Now, the first thing you want to do is pace yourself.

If you’ve got a bunch of snacks and appetizers out before the big meal, enjoy a few, but not so much that you’re already stuffed before you sit down for dinner.

Also, drink still water throughout the day to help dilute the food you eat.

This not only makes it less likely you’ll become constipated, it also helps flush out the high amount of salt that’s typically in holiday foods.

Notice I said “still” water.

Carbonated water can exacerbate gas and bloating, so stick to filtered tap water for the day.

As you eat dinner, chew slowly and enjoy the conversation to help avoid filling up your stomach too quickly.

When you’re wrapping up the meal, consider eating a little fruit… but not just any fruit.

A fruit that’s high in fiber and low in acidity, like bananas or melons, can help reduce your chance of developing acid reflux.

Now, if you do overindulge a little too much and start to experience digestive distress, there are a few quick remedies to help alleviate the discomfort.

Like fennel seeds.

If you’ve ever been to an Indian restaurant, you may have been offered fennel seeds on your way out.

That’s because fennel seeds help relax your lower esophageal sphincter. 

And when that happens, you’re able to belch a bit to relieve some of the gas and stomach pressure that’s built up.

Not a fan of the taste of fennel? How about peppermint?

Like fennel, peppermint relaxes the esophageal sphincter.

So, enjoy a warm cup of peppermint tea or suck on a peppermint candy for relief.

Another thing you should do if you’re feeling acid buildup is stay upright.

I know many of us feel a little sleepy after the big Thanksgiving dinner and just want to curl up on the sofa to rest.

But when you lay down, you’re more likely to let food creep up into the esophagus where it can cause trouble.

Stay upright for a couple hours after your meal to help your stomach empty properly.

And if the weather is nice, you could even head outside for a walk.

Indulging in a few delicious treats is certainly appropriate for Thanksgiving.

(Lord knows I’ll be dipping into some pie.)

Just take steps to ensure a few indulgences don’t lead to full-on gluttony to help keep your stomach happy.

And if you do overdo it, have some fennel seeds or peppermint on hand, just in case.