the REN DAO Wellness Center Blog

November ushers in another season of holiday festivities and feasting. Year after year this season generate fond memories of family and friends bonded with feelings of thanksgiving and celebration. This season is also synonymous with overeating, over-indulgence and indigestion.Indigestion (or Dyspepsia) has many symptoms including heartburn, nausea, stomachache, belching, flatulence etc. It may be accompanied by diarrhea or constipation. Common causes include eating to fast, ingesting to much spicy or fatty food, or simply overeating. Eating when angry, stressed or overly emotional may cause problems too. Less obvious is eating many different food types together. This can leave some foods undigested leading to bloating, flatulence and altered bowel transit time.
Proper digestion requires a few things; stomach acid, digestive enzymes, warmth and relaxation.
Stomach acid, digestive enzymes and the churning movement of the stomach and intestines break foods down into the basic nutrient absorbed by the body. Normal production of acid or enzymes may be reduced due to age, illness or stress. The ability to manufacture enough acid or enzymes can be overwhelmed by the shear volume of a meal. Taking supplements that support digestion can be helpful. The digestive process (especially the stomach) requires heat to work optimally. Drinking ice cold fluids, eating ice cream or cold, raw foods can diminish the digestive fire leading to poor digestion. Lastly, relaxation shifts energy and resources inward towards the digestive process.Here are a few pointers to insure you eat well, digest well and enjoy your holiday meals:
Come to the table with the intention to fully enjoy your meal, the company you are with, and your surroundings.

• Don’t worry about the weight you think you may gain.
  Eat slowly and unhurried.

• Chew your food well. Allow your sense of taste and smell to engage each bite.
  Take smaller portions. Taking seconds is ok.

• When you feel full, stop eating.

• Stay away from foods you know will upset your stomach.

• Avoid mixing raw easy to digest foods (like fruits and salads) with complex hard to digest foods (like red meats and thick starchy vegetables).

• Avoid drinking excessive fluids with meals. Avoid iced or cold drinks.

• Avoid talking with food in your mouth.