What To Do When Stomach Discomfort Hits You

Now that Christmas and New Year are just around the corner, Filipinos are surely ready to indulge in delicious food during these festivities, from rich desserts to hearty meals. While indulging in these treats is part of the joy, overeating or consuming food can sometimes lead to stomach discomfort or impatso.

This uncomfortable feeling can put a damper on the celebrations. If you’ve experienced bloating, heartburn, or that heavy sensation after a festive meal, don’t worry—there are simple ways to alleviate these symptoms.

What is Indigestion and Its Symptoms?

Stomach discomfort or indigestion, or known as impatso in Filipino, is a common condition that occurs when your digestive system struggles to break down the food you’ve consumed. If you are experiencing symptoms like bloating, stomach pain, and a feeling of fullness, then you have probably upset your stomach.

Recognizing these symptoms early allows you to take immediate action to relieve discomfort. Here are more symptoms of indigestion you should be aware about:

• Pain or discomfort in your chest or stomach

• Early fullness during a meal

• Heartburn

• Burping and bloating

• Gurgling stomach and/or gas

• Nausea and/or vomiting

What Triggers Stomach Discomfort or Indigestion?

Learning the causes of your indigestion, including possible foods that can trigger your stomach, can help prevent and alleviate indigestion. Understanding these triggers can help you manage your eating habits and prevent indigestion or impatso from ruining your celebrations:

• Overeating: Consuming large portions can overwhelm your digestive system.

• Greasy or Spicy Foods: These take longer to digest and can irritate your stomach lining.

• Eating Too Quickly: Failing to chew your food properly can make digestion harder.

• Stress: Festive preparations can be overwhelming, and stress may affect your digestion.

• Alcohol Consumption: Drinking alcohol with your meals can irritate the stomach and slow down digestion.

Practical Tips For When Indigestion Hits You

The holiday season can be demanding on your stomach, especially with the irresistible choices of foods at every gathering you’re attending to. If you enjoyed feasting too much on the festivity foods and you’re already feeling the discomfort of indigestion, don’t worry—there are tips and remedies you can try to feel better fast:

1. Eat and chew your food more slowly

Taking your time to eat and chew thoroughly allows your digestive system to process food more efficiently. Rushing through meals can overwhelm your stomach, leading to bloating and discomfort. Enjoy every bite, savor the flavors, and give your body a chance to catch up.

2. Eat in smaller portions

Instead of eating three big meals a day, try breaking them into smaller, more manageable portions. This helps avoid overloading your digestive system and reduces the risk of feeling overly full or bloated. It’s also a great way to sample all the delicious dishes without going overboard.

3. Sip warm fluids

Warm water, herbal teas like ginger or peppermint, and clear broths can soothe the stomach lining and promote better digestion. They help relax stomach muscles and relieve symptoms like bloating or a heavy feeling. Avoid carbonated drinks or caffeine, which can worsen indigestion.

4. Consider over-the-counter and home remedies for indigestion

Certain products can help neutralize stomach acid and alleviate gas. Alternatively, natural remedies like taking teas such as chamomile tea or peppermint tea, gingers, mixing a teaspoon of baking soda in water, or consuming probiotics can support digestion and reduce stomach discomfort.

Gamot sa Impatso: Trusted Products for Indigestion

To further help you relieve your indigestion, you can use over-the-counter medicines like Gaviscon and Kremil-S.

Preventing Indigestion During Holidays

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to enjoying the holidays. Here are some things to keep in mind to avoid indigestion during these festivities, and still be able to enjoy hearty meals and good foods:

1. Eat in Moderation: Try smaller portions to avoid overloading your stomach.

2. Chew Slowly: Take your time to enjoy each bite, which aids in proper digestion.

3. Limit Fatty Foods: While tempting, minimize greasy and fried dishes on your plate.

4. Drink Water Between Meals: Stay hydrated, but avoid drinking large amounts during meals, as this can dilute stomach acid and slow digestion.

5. Avoid Late-Night Eating: Give your stomach time to digest before going to bed.

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with loved ones, and stomach discomfort should never get in the way of enjoying delicious meals and festive moments. By understanding indigestion and taking proactive steps to prevent it, you can indulge in your favorite dishes without worry.

While most cases of indigestion or impatso resolve with home remedies or over-the-counter medications, seek medical help if you experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and black or bloody stools. This could indicate a more serious condition that requires professional care. So, take note of the tips mentioned and the trusted products in managing indigestion and ensuring a smooth, discomfort-free holiday experience. Remember, moderation and mindfulness while eating are key to keeping your stomach happy this festive season! — (MyPharma)

References:

1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/symptoms-causes/syc-20352211
2. https://familydoctor.org/condition/indigestion-dyspepsia/
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/indigestion/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352215
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-indigestion