How to Deal with That I-Ate-So-Much-I-Feel-Like-The-Stuffed-Turkey Feeling

Urgh, I’m never going to eat so much again! Till next time that is.

Why does it feel so bad when you overeat? It’s because your small intestines, stomach and abdominal muscles get stretched by the food, liquid, swallowed air, and gas. This stretching is what causes the discomfort.

Unfortunately, when the temptation to overeat gets too much or you’ve already passed that point, here are some ways to ease the pain.

1. Loosen your pants or change into a looser , more comfortable pair.

The less restricted you are, the less uncomfortable you’ll feel which will in turn reduce the stress on your digestive system.

2. Peppermint tea or coffee to the rescue!

Sipping on peppermint tea can help by relaxing the digestive track which allows you to burp any trapped air in your stomach, so that you don’t feel as bloated. Burping and passing gas stimulates your digestion by causing movements in the food in your stomach.

Coffee may help you, erm, move your bowels (poop). However, coffee can make tummy troubles even worse in people who are sensitive to it.

Do also avoid excessive drinking or overly hot or cold liquids.

3. Stay on your feet instead of lying down.

Lying down can put pressure on the stomach, causing stomach acid to enter your esophagus, triggering heartburn.

4. Try Over-the- Counter Medication if in pain.

Try an antacid like Maalox or Mylanta to reduce the extra acid production caused by overeating or Pepto-Bismol or Zantac, which can settle the stomach and sooth irritation caused by overindulging. Or, try an anti-gas drug like Gas-X, which neutralizes gas bubbles in your digestive tract to reduce bloating.

Perhaps the best way to avoid all the discomfort in the first place is to pace yourself and avoid drinking too much liquid if you are planning on eating a lot.

Regardless, may this Christmas be full of joy and blessings and lots and lots of delicious food!