Remedies to holiday overeating

abs-cbnNEWS.com

MANILA, Philippines - The Christmas holiday season in the Philippines is marked by many parties and reunions with family and friends. It's no wonder then that overeating occurs, and with it come ailments.

Sonny Obligacion attended yet another party after Christmas and again ate traditional holiday foods such as lechon (roasted pig),jamon (specialty ham), and grilled meat and seafood.

"Madaming mga kaibigan nag-aalok. Konti pa nga napupuntahan ko," he said.

Henry Ramos, on the other hand, already feels sluggish due to eating fatty and sweet foods this Christmas, so he has slowed down.

"Mahirap na. Bawal nga sa akin ang mga matataba," Ramos said.

Dr. Buddy Flores, an internist and nutritionist, warned that overeating can cause stomach ache, heartburn, and even heart disease.

Heartburn is characterized by a burning sensation or pain in the chest due to too much acid in the stomach as a result of eating fatty and acidic foods.

To remedy heartburn, Dr. Flores advises drinking warm water to calm the stomach and to ease the pain.

One can also drink antacid, but Flores said those who are 40 years old and above should consult with a doctor first before taking over-the-counter antacid.

He added that patients brought to the hospital for heartburn are always given an electrocardiography (ECG) test to rule out heart attack.

Health and wellness expert Cory Quirino, meanwhile, recommends an easy home remedy for heartburn.

"Kailangan ng 1/4 teaspoon lang ng baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. Haluan ng warm water pagkatapos po inumin po natin 'yan. Within 3 to 5 minutes, meron na po tayong stomach relief," Quirino said.

Those with hypertension should not take this, however, since baking soda has a high sodium content.

Another home remedy is salabat (ginger tea).

Just take chopped luya (ginger), pound it and pour into boiling water. Strain and pour into a cup to make ginger tea.

The ginger tea can be taken without sugar by those who suffer indigestion. It can also help hasten metabolism.

Experts said the best solution, however, is to eat right and not to overeat, and keep that in mind now that preparations are underway to welcome the new year. -- Apples Jalandoni, ABS-CBN News

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