Don't let what's on your plate ruin Christmas

Food gives structure to gatherings and shared social experiences bring us joy, but what we eat may lead to or even worsen some health issues

- DR PHILIPPA KAYE

Holiday season is here, so this week is likely to be filled with lots of (hopefully good) food. But it can often cause problems. Indigestion is extremely common and many of us know the feeling of being uncomfortably full or bloated after Christmas lunch!

Dyspepsia is the medical term for indigestion and it can occur after eating but may become more constant. Symptoms include pain in the stomach or chest, which can be burning in nature, such as heartburn. Other symptoms include an expanded belly, the sensation of needing to burp and actually burping, passing wind, nausea, or even vomiting. You might notice a bitter taste in your mouth or food coming back up into your mouth. The burning feeling you may experience in your chest or throat may be caused by acid from the stomach rising up.

The Christmas period is often about eating traditional foods, whatever they may be in your family – and woe betides anyone who forgets the special roasties/hot chocolate/fill in your own blank! But there are particular foods and drinks that can trigger or worsen indigestion. These include those containing caffeine – so cutting down on coffee, tea, cola, and even hot chocolate can be helpful.

Many people drink more alcohol than usual over this period, and this can worsen symptoms, too. Spicy, fatty, rich, and fried foods can all trigger problems, as can acidic foods, such as fruit juice. Smoking can also worsen indigestion – so why wait until the new year to make a resolution? It’s always a good time to quit smoking, and is the very best thing you can do for your health!