Newswise — (St. Louis)- Despite our best intentions, we often over indulge in food and drinks during Thanksgiving and holiday parties. And because so much going is being consumed so quickly, symptoms of bloating and heartburn are sure to follow. Gloria Grice, Pharm.D., BCPS, associate professor of pharmacy practice at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, advises taking a closer look at what products are in the medicine cabinet before the parties start.
“Products with sodium bicarbonate or calcium carbonate work well for occasional heartburn,” Grice says. “They neutralize stomach acid, which is usually the cause of the burning sensation. And they can be taken as soon as symptoms begin, or up to an hour after a meal that you think may cause heartburn.”
Another option Grice recommends is magnesium hydroxide. “It acts quickly and neutralizes acid,” she says. “However, patients with kidney disease should avoid this product. Also, it can have a laxative effect for any patient who takes multiple doses in a day.”
To avoid these negative side effects, Grice says aluminum hydroxide could be a possibility, but it can cause constipation if not taken with something that also contains magnesium hydroxide.
If you’re planning any Thanksgiving or holiday parties, here are three more tips from Grice:
-Don’t drink any caffeine. It stimulates appetite, which could cause you to overeat, and it also overstimulates the normal processes of the digestive system causing poor absorption of nutrients.
-The best way to prevent bloating is to chew slowly. There are also products to take before the meal, or up to 30 minutes after, which will cut down on intestinal gas.
-Drinking too much alcohol can inflame the lining of the stomach and intestines. Alcohol can also kill beneficial intestinal bacteria leading to indigestion and even diarrhea.
So why take a smaller slice of pie? When sugar, fruit or fruit juice, and starch mix in the stomach, they ferment and cause bloating. You should also avoid fruit muffins and low-fat cookies sweetened with fruit juice.
Grice is available this week to answer more questions about holiday eating. Plus, she can explain why some highly advertised heartburn medications won’t help you on Thanksgiving night.
About St. Louis College of Pharmacy: Founded in 1864, St. Louis College of Pharmacy is the fourth oldest and 10th largest college of pharmacy in America. The College integrates the liberal arts and sciences with a professional curriculum and introductory and advanced practice experiences where students can develop expertise and become leaders in the profession and their communities. Beginning in 2014, the seven-year curriculum leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree will also include a Bachelor of Science. The College admits students directly from high school and accepts transfer students and graduates from other colleges and universities. More than 1,250 students are currently enrolled from 30 states and several countries. Additional information is available at www.stlcop.edu.
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