How To Avoid And Cure Indigestion

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Why do you get indigestion at Christmas?

Indigestion can be caused by eating a heavy meal, drinking excess alcohol, smoking or stress. All these things go hand in hand with Christmas.

Step 3: What is indigestion?

Indigestion is a pain felt in the abdomen just underneath the rib cage. It is caused by an excess stomach acid. The stomach produces a mucous to protect its lining from this acid but if there is too much acid the stomach lining can become inflamed.

Step 4: Eat regular meals

If you leave long gaps between meals the acid has more time to act on the stomach lining. Eat a balanced meal for breakfast and lunch.
If you have overindulged this Christmas, choose smaller portions for dinner to compensate.

Step 5: Cut down on unhealthy food

Try to stay away from fatty foods. These are in abundance over the Christmas period so if you can't stay away from them altogether then try to cut down.
It is also wise to cut down on alcohol. Drink water and fruit juices instead.

Step 6: Give up smoking

Smoking can be a cause of indigestion too. If you've been trying to quit and aren't having much luck, watch Videojug's http://www.videojug.com/film/top-tips-for-giving-up-smoking for help.

Step 7: Sleep well

Changing your sleeping position can help ease the symptoms of indigestion. Prop yourself up with an extra pillow so that you are sleeping in a more upright position. This will aid digestion.

Step 8: Reduce stress levels

Although Christmas can be a stressful time this can make the symptoms of indigestion worse. If coping with all the arrangements for Christmas day is causing you stress, try delegating jobs to your family and sharing the responsibility.

Step 9: Non-prescription treatments

These are treatments available from your pharmacist without a prescription.
Antacids neutralise the acid and prevent the stomach contents flowing back into the oesophagus and causing heartburn. They are available in tablet, capsule, liquid or powder form.
If your symptoms are difficult to control with antacids, you might want to try H2 blockers which reduce the amount of acid your stomach produces.

Step 10: Ask your doctor

If your symptoms persist, then ask your doctor about other treatments available.