Last updated on July 27th, 2022 at 02:43 pm

For many Americans, Thanksgiving begins with the heavenly aromas of delicious homemade dishes, only to end in discomfort later on. Overindulgence can lead to heartburn, bloating, and frequent trips to the bathroom. But overeating isn’t the only source of the problem — sometimes it’s what you’re eating. Here are some popular foods destined to be on your holiday table that may be the cause of your digestive upset.

Turkey

By itself, turkey is a lean and wholesome protein, but it does require a lot of chewing. Gobbling up turkey too quickly or swallowing unchewed pieces puts added pressure on your digestive system, which can lead to gas and bloating. According to the experts at Ohio State University, you should chew meat up to 30 times before swallowing.

Green Veggies

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are famously healthy for their high-fiber content. Unfortunately, too much insoluble fiber can stimulate your intestines to move faster, meaning you’ll be making more trips to the toilet. These vegetables also contain soluble fiber that produces gas in the stomach as it ferments, leaving some to feel bloated.

Mashed Potatoes

There’s nothing quite like a big, buttery helping of whipped spuds. Many recipes call for generous amounts of cream, butter, or milk to boost flavor and texture. These added ingredients can be hard to digest mainly because of lactose, a type of milk sugar. When lactose isn’t properly digested, cramps, diarrhea, and bloating will result.

Certain Beverages

A festive feast usually calls for a glass of bubbly or cocktails. Before you imbibe, know that alcohol is a common trigger for heartburn. It increases the production of stomach acid and relaxes the lower part of your esophagus, making it easier for the acid to flow back up. Drinks containing caffeine like soda and coffee have a similar effect.

We know it’s hard to hold back when you wait all year to enjoy this special holiday food. So, help yourself feel a little better after the meal with a brief walk around the block to improve digestion. And why not try one of Boiron’s digestive relief medicines? We offer three products that target different digestive conditions including Acidil for indigestion, Gasalia for bloating and gas, and Diaralia for symptoms of diarrhea.* All are available in convenient quick-dissolving tablets that melt under your tongue, so you can be ready the moment symptoms start and get back to feeling better.

Looking to pick these medicines up before the big meal? Visit our store finder now.

*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.