Festival Food and Acidity Problems: How to Manage?
Diwali, the festival of lights, brings joy, family gatherings, and a spread of delicious traditional foods. However, indulging in sweets, fried snacks, and spicy dishes can trigger acidity issues, leaving you uncomfortable during the festivals.
If you’re concerned about managing acidity during the festive period, you’re not alone. Dr. Vikrant Kale, Consultant Gastroenterologist & Liver Specialist, and Dr. Samrat Jankar, Consultant Laparoscopic, GI & Colorectal Surgeon at Kaizen Gastro Care, offer some practical tips to help you enjoy the festivities without compromising your digestive health.
Common Causes of Acidity During Diwali:
- Spicy and Fried Foods: Popular snacks like samosas, chakli, and pakoras are often deep-fried and spicy, which can upset the stomach lining, leading to acid reflux.
- Overeating: Festivities often lead to overeating, causing the stomach to produce excess acid, resulting in heartburn.
- Sweets and Sugary Treats: Mithai and sugary desserts can slow digestion, creating acidity and bloating.
- Late-Night Eating: Diwali celebrations extend late into the night, but eating heavy meals just before sleeping improves the risk of acidity.
Tips to Manage Acidity During Diwali:
- Moderation is Key: While it’s tempting to overindulge in festive treats, portion control can go a long way in controlling acidity. Enjoy your favorite dishes but limit the quantity to avoid straining your digestive system.
- Eat on Time: Festive schedules often disrupt normal eating patterns, leading to long gaps between meals, which can worsen acidity. Try to maintain regular meal times even during celebrations.
- Opt for Healthier Choices: Balance the heavy, oily foods with lighter options. Include fruits, salads, and grilled items to help your stomach function food more efficiently. Also, try using healthier cooking oils and methods like baking instead of deep frying.
- Stay Hydrated: Water helps digestion and neutralizes stomach acid. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid fizzy drinks and alcohol, which can trigger acidity.
- Mind Your Mealtimes: Avoid skipping meals, which leads to overeating later. Also, try to maintain regular meal times and finish your dinner at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to give your stomach time to digest the food.
- Eat Slowly: Eating too fast can cause you to consume excess air, which may contribute to acidity. Chew your food thoroughly and eat slowly to help ease digestion.
- Use Digestive Aids: Incorporating natural remedies like fennel seeds (saunf) or a small amount of buttermilk with cumin can help soothe the stomach and control acidity after a heavy meal.
- Manage Stress: The festive season can be stressful with the hustle and bustle of celebrations. Stress is a known trigger for acidity, so take time to relax, meditate, or practice yoga to stay relaxed and maintain digestive balance.
- Don’t Lie Down Right After Eating: After a heavy meal, wait for at least 2-3 hours before lying down or going to bed. Lying flat can cause stomach acid to move upwards, leading to heartburn and discomfort.
Managing Acidity During Diwali
If you experience acidity despite taking precautions, here are some remedies to help manage the symptoms:
- Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids can balance stomach acid and provide quick relief.
- Herbal Remedies: Ingredients like ginger, fennel seeds, and ajwain (carom seeds) can naturally soothe acidity and aid digestion.
- Exercise: Engage in light physical activity, such as walking after meals, to support digestion and control acid buildup.
- Consult a Doctor: If acidity persists or worsens, it may be a sign of an underlying issue. At Kaizen Gastro Care Clinic, we specialize in treating chronic acidity and other digestive problems.
When to Seek Medical Help?
If you experience persistent acidity, heartburn, or acid reflux despite taking precautions, it’s important to consult a gastroenterologist. Chronic acidity can lead to complications like GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) and require professional treatment.
At Kaizen Gastro Care Clinic, we offer expert guidance and treatment for managing acidity and other gastrointestinal issues. Whether it’s a recurring problem or a sudden flare-up during the festive season, we’re here to help you stay healthy while enjoying the joys of Diwali.
Why Kaizen Gastro Care Clinic?
At Kaizen Gastro Care Clinic, we understand the discomfort that acidity and acid reflux can cause, especially during festive seasons. Our team of experienced gastroenterologists in Pune, Dr. Vikrant Kale & Dr Samrat Jankar offers personalized treatment plans to manage acidity and prevent long-term complications. Whether you’re dealing with frequent acid reflux or occasional heartburn, we’re here to help you maintain a healthy digestive system during the festivities and beyond.
Book an appointment today to enjoy a worry-free festive season!