Don’t let holiday foods foil digestive health

What would the holidays be without food? It is estimated that the average American will consume 5,000 calories at Thanksgiving dinner. The British Heart Foundation says that most people eat close to 7,000 calories for their Christmas meal.

Relatively speaking, the amount of food that equates to these caloric amounts doesn’t even appear to be a lot when you view it on your plate. It’s just that the holidays are often filled with calorie-dense foods that just aren’t very healthy.

While fattening foods around the holidays can affect the waistline, they’re also a detriment to the millions of people who suffer from some sort of digestive disorder, such as GERD or irritable bowel syndrome. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 7 million people in the United States suffer from gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) or symptoms of what is commonly referred to as acid reflux.

Enzymes in the stomach are responsible for keeping the digestive system in check. When enzymes aren’t working effectively to break down the foods we eat, sluggish digestion, discomfort and weight gain can occur. This is only exaggerated when excessive food is eaten, as is common around the holidays. Boosting the natural enzymes in the digestive system can be a good course of action, and beneficial to people who prefer not to rely on prescription or over-the-counter medications.

There are other steps to take that can improve digestion in time for your holiday dinner:

•Choose healthier appetizers: Enjoy raw vegetables dipped in low-fat dressings. Raw vegetables are good for digestion, providing the natural enzymes your body needs. They’ll also help you get your 5-a-day requirement of fruits and veggies.

•Skip the skin: Turkey is a good source of protein. Remove the skin and enjoy about 3 to 4 ounces of the meat for an average-sized serving.

•Fruity stuffings: Skip pork-laden stuffings. Create a healthier one full of dried fruits and whole-wheat bread chunks.

•Opt for healthier cooking methods: If you’re serving the holiday dinner, bake and broil rather than fry foods. Let the fat drip off of roasts and poultry by cooking it on a roasting rack. Season foods with fresh herbs instead of butter and salt. Fill the table with fruits and vegetables instead of fat-laden items.