How to survive the holidays without getting sick!

 

Most of us get sick over the holidays from eating more heavy foods and drinking more alcohol than we are accustomed to. There are a few things you can do on a daily basis over the holidays to prevent the common digestive complaints. The most common complaint is heartburn. What is heartburn? Many of us think it is too much stomach acid, however the fact may be you don't have enough stomach acid and are not digesting your food adequately so you get this burning in your stomach and esophagus. By the time we are 50 most of us are producing 20% less stomach acid. By the time we are in our 70's this is down by 80%. The symptoms of too much stomach acid are exactly the same as too little stomach acid. So how do you figure it out? Well you can try taking a mild digestive enzyme that contains plant enzymes rather than hydrochloric acid. These enzymes are proteases, lipases, and amylases. When you take these enzymes with every meal you feel your food going through the digestive tract easier. These enzymes will digest all food groups: fats, carbohydrates, proteins and fiber. If you get burning after taking these enzymes then you should seek professional advice to individualize your treatment.

 

Do you just want to reach for an antacid and be done with it? Wait! Antacids lower your stomach acid, which most of us don't need! I prescribe a peppermint cordial instead. It is a liquid elixir that tastes great and is safe for all ages. Taken for any digestive upsets such as nausea, heartburn, and gas, I find in my practice it works immediately and symptoms tend to not recur as often after this remedy. Chamomile, licorice, peppermint and ginger teas are great for digestion so have these ones handy over the holidays. They are great for kids too and can be used instead of water to dilute juices.

 

Try and get your eight glasses of water per day over the holidays and that heavy bloated feeling you get will be lessened. There are homeopathic combinations on the market, which are good for hangover and the flu. You may want to have these on your shelf for easy use. Colubrina is what I recommend for hangover and the effects of overeating. I also get great results with a remedy called dolococcil for the flu. It is a homeopathic preparation, which if taken within the first 24 hours of feeling fluish can eliminate the symptoms!

 

Take advantage of your time off and get more rest and you will surely survive the holiday season. As soon as the festivities are over consider going on a cleansing program for one or two weeks to start the millennium off on the right foot. Your body will thank you and you will look younger over the years as your body will be less stressed. Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year to you all!

 

Dr. Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com