How to survive the holidays: Indigestion

By KATHERINE HOBY

Revellers' bodies are bound to react badly when bombarded with large amounts of bubbly, rich food and general celebration over Christmas.

Most people eat three meals a day, and those meals are of a reasonable size. When Christmas comes along, with its large meals, more sedentary tendencies and happy-go-lucky attitude to imbibing, the body is simply not used to it.

So how are we to survive the silly season? The Heart Foundation suggests enjoying treats in moderation, trying a fresh-fruit platter as a dessert alternative, drinking plenty of water, taking a walk between meals, and laughing as a good way to keep body and soul in good shape.

Here are 10 tips to keep you and your stomach in the best of health:Stop smoking. Yes, we know it is a stressful time but smoking relaxes muscle, making acid leakage into the gullet more likely.

Eat early - at least a few hours before bedtime. This gives the body time to digest food properly.

Avoid tight party clothes. Loose clothing will keep pressure off the valves that control entry and exit from the stomach.

Lose weight now. Even a kilogram will ease pressure on the valve at the bottom of the gullet and stop excess acid leaks.

Eat smaller meals regularly.

Avoid too much alcohol, spicey food, coffee or tea, saturated animal or dairy fat, acidic fruit drinks or scalding-hot food. These may burn or irritate the stomach or gullet lining.

Wear comfortable shoes - a tight fit causes you to clench a variety of muscles.

Be careful about posture. Slumping squashes and squeezes the stomach.

Eat slowly and chew thoroughly to let saliva start the digestive process.

Eat and drink sociably to enjoy and celebrate the Christmas ritual, not as if hellbent on self-destruction.

Herald feature: Health