The holiday season is a time of joy, happiness, and lots of good food. However, all that indulgence can leave you feeling bloated and uncomfortable.

Indigestion can be caused by overeating, eating too quickly, or consuming foods that are difficult to digest. But don’t worry, there are smart strategies you can use to avoid indigestion during the holidays.

Eat Slowly and Mindfully

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of socializing and forget to eat slowly and mindfully. Eating too quickly can lead to indigestion because it can cause you to swallow excess air, which can build up in your stomach and cause discomfort.

Instead, chew your food slowly, savoring each bite. This will give your body time to digest the food properly and reduce your chances of experiencing indigestion.

Avoid Trigger Foods

Some foods are more prone to causing indigestion than others. Acidic and spicy foods, for example, can irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort.

If you know that certain foods trigger your indigestion symptoms, it’s best to avoid them altogether. This can include coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fried foods, and citrus fruits.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is important for digestion. Dehydration can slow down the digestive process, leading to indigestion and constipation. Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day, especially during meal times.

This will help your digestive system function properly and reduce your chances of experiencing indigestion.

Limit Portion Sizes

During the holidays, it’s easy to overindulge and eat large portions. However, consuming large amounts of food in one sitting can cause indigestion. Instead, try to limit your portion sizes and eat smaller meals throughout the day.

This will make it easier for your body to digest the food and reduce your chances of experiencing indigestion.

Avoid Eating Late at Night

Eating late at night can disrupt your sleep and cause indigestion. When you eat late, your body doesn’t have as much time to digest the food before you go to bed, which can lead to discomfort and disrupted sleep.

To avoid this, try to eat dinner at least two to three hours before bedtime.

Take a Walk After Meals

Taking a short walk after meals can help aid digestion and reduce your chances of experiencing indigestion. Walking can help stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and promote the movement of food through the digestive system.

Use Natural Remedies

There are many natural remedies that can help relieve indigestion. Ginger, for example, has been shown to help reduce nausea and improve digestion. Peppermint can also help soothe the digestive tract and alleviate indigestion symptoms.

If you experience indigestion, try sipping on ginger or peppermint tea to help alleviate your symptoms.

Avoid Tight Clothing

Wearing tight clothing can put pressure on the stomach and cause discomfort. Avoid wearing tight clothing, such as constricting waistbands, during meal times to allow your digestive system to function properly.

Manage Stress

Stress can impact digestion and lead to indigestion. During the holidays, it’s important to take time to manage your stress levels. Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help relieve stress and promote relaxation.

Know When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience severe or persistent indigestion, it’s important to seek medical attention. Chronic indigestion can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or an ulcer.

If you experience frequent indigestion symptoms, talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying conditions and discuss treatment options.