Festive Overindulgence

Your Pharmacist’s Guide to Festive Overindulgence

The Christmas party season can become a marathon of rich food and drink, bringing with it sore heads, bloated stomachs, indigestion, and acid reflux. It happens to the best of us, even having decided ‘never again’ after last time!

If you’re suffering from a spot of festive overindulgence, our friendly team of pharmacists can help if you need advice on relieving your symptoms.

What gets rid of heartburn and acid reflux?

Acid reflux, when stomach acid travels up the oesophagus to the throat, causes the horrid burning sensation of heartburn in the chest. It can also leave you with a bad taste in your mouth resulting in bad breath – stomach acid is only useful in the right place!

Taking remedies like Phillips Milk of Magnesia or Gaviscon Chewable Tablets can help soothe an upset stomach, and relieve the symptoms of heartburn.

Is indigestion the same as heartburn?

Heartburn is actually a type or symptom of indigestion, which refers to a broader spectrum of digestive discomfort. Also referred to as dyspepsia, your symptoms might include bloating, nausea and wind. Not likely to put you in the festive party spirit!

Ibuprofen and aspirin can make indigestion symptoms feel worse. Instead, keep your head and shoulders propped up rather than lying flat, and try an antacid like Peptac or Gaviscon.

Dealing with the worst hangover in the world

If you’re suffering from a crippling hangover you’re going to be dehydrated, but avoid the temptation of staggering off to guzzle several glasses of water at once. Doing that is more likely to make you feel worse, so instead, sip plenty of water or isotonic drinks containing electrolytes to rehydrate.

Painkillers will help the pounding headache, but anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining which won’t help your bad stomach! Paracetamol with plenty of water can help, if you’re able to take it.

And whilst you’re still sure that you’re never drinking again, the NHS website has some great advice.

Relieving an upset stomach

Diarrhoea, constipation, and all of the agonising stomach cramps and flatulence in between are unwelcome accompaniments to Christmas eating. Again, it’s important to stay hydrated – it can help alleviate your symptoms, and will help you recover more quickly.

Consult one of our pharmacists for advice, or shop online for relief from constipation, indigestion, or other issues.