Christine Cheng and Fred Cheng, Compounding Pharmacists
Christmas is one of the most joyous times of year, with loved ones visiting, children laughing, choirs carolling, friends exchanging gifts, and the wonderful holiday food. The food. Mmm. The thought of stuffed turkey with fresh gravy, fresh baked bread and goodies, warm apple-pie with ice-cream… all of it makes our mouths salivate just at the thought! However, the aftermath of a delicious and abundant Christmas meal may involve undesirable feelings of bloatedness, gassiness, heartburn, cramps.
How can we promote proper digestive health and avoid such unpleasant feelings that may ruin a Holiday get-together? Proper portion control and moderate fat and sugar intake is key. Of course, good dental hygiene, including regular check-ups at the dentist and properly-fitted dentures, is a crucial start to proper digestion, since food needs to be chewed thoroughly no matter how yummy it is. One of the most common complaints after a rich meal is heartburn. Sometimes, a Tums or swag of Pepto-Bismol is not very effective. A herbal deglycyrrhizinated licorice root extract on its own, or one that contains inulin and glycine, called DGL Ultra, might be what you need. It works quickly to alleviate heartburn symptoms, augmenting or even replacing prescription and non-prescription antacids.
Inadequate digestion of foods may lead to gas or bloating, not to mention malnutrition. Collections of digestive enzymes, such as Mega-Zyme, or one called Digestive Enzymes, usually contains the full spectrum of enzymes necessary to aide in proper breakdown of each macro-nutrient group (carbohydrates, proteins, fats). Most of the sources of such enzymes are plant-based, but sometimes, eg. bile salts, are derived from an animal source, so be cautious if you’re vegetarian. A peppermint oil extract, called Peppermint Plus, which also contains extracts of rosemary and thyme can be helpful in calming and soothing the intestines, as well as promoting proper stomach tone, and providing gas relief.
Often, the pain and discomfort associated with the bloating and gas in the lower bowels after a meal can ruin a nice meal. Fortunately, bowel symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and flatulance can be alleviated with regular use of an appropriate and broad-spectrum probiotic such as Acidophilus Ultra. It contains 11 different synergistic strains of probiotics that are encapsulated in a special enteric-coated capsule to ensure proper passage through the stomach and then release into the intestines. Regular use can also be beneficial to overall immune function and minimize risk of infections.
There are many supplements out there touting effectiveness for alleviating unwanted digestive symptoms. It’s crucial to check with your doctor or pharmacist regarding the safety of starting each supplement you choose. If any of your symptoms are out-of-the-norm for you, please get a proper diagnosis from your doctor before trying anything on your own. With appropriate supplementation, however, you can enjoy your holiday meals to the fullest.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique family-owned and operated Pharmasave in Cloverdale, BC. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. They would love to hear from you! Contact them HERE.
