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Too Much of a Good Thing

 by David Dixon, Summerland, BC

Every year it’s the same scenario:  Gather with friends and family to celebrate the season, eat too much because the food is too good not to, then, oft’ times, imbibe far more than ‘normal’.  The results are pretty consistent as well and generally not all that pleasant.

Well, don’t fret – not too much, anyway - for there is yet hope.  I’ll explain.

Overeating is generally done during the holiday season to such a degree that our pants need to be let out and that belt must be opened up another notch – or more. As I used to tell people, when they asked what exercise I would recommend to help them lose a bit of subcutaneous adipose tissue (a.k.a. fat), “Try doing some Pushaways.” That’s right, Pushaways.  When you are about half finished your meal, push away from the table.  Works every time, though not all that easy at this time of year.

Seriously though, there are some ways to overcome both the discomfort of seasonal overeating and imbibing that’s a bit too…enthusiastic. 

First, the eating.  Try popping a few digestive enzymes to help with the food overload.  They help you to break down your food into its components so that the body can utilize them. Make sure you get what I call a “Shotgun” enzyme, so that it “covers all bases”.

Since enzymes are extremely specific, a particular type will only address a particular type of food.  For instance, protease (note the “ase” at the end, indicating that it is an enzyme) is very specific to protein substances and will not address anything else, like carbohydrates, for example. Lactase will help to break down lactose, otherwise known as milk sugar.  So, enzymes are very specific, thus the suggestion that you get one to cover proteins, fats, carbohydrates, cellulose and milk sugar.  That way, virtually anything you eat will be better digested.

Okay, now the imbibing aspect of the holidays. (Much of these suggestions will be “after the fact”, but still beneficial to know, should you overindulge at any time of the year.) There are ways of ensuring either no hangover or at least a lesser degree of one, should one wish to celebrate any occasion with a drink – or three.

The old one about drinking a glass of water for every drink of alcohol is good.  When alcohol gets into the system, it tends to dehydrate.  So getting enough water helps to prevent one of the main causes of hangovers: dehydration. There is yet another nutrient that has been known – and shown – to diminish hangover effects.  The good ol’ B-Vitamins play a very important role, even at ordinary times but even more when there is some celebrating going on.

Try downing a couple of B-Vitamin tablets or capsules before beginning your indulging.  Then, along with extra glasses of water, consider resorting to at least one more B-Vitamin tab or cap, first thing the following morning.  Or, should you awaken during the night, try drinking a glass of water WITH an extra B-Vitamin. The combination of these two will greatly diminish any chance of awakening with the feeling that you were hit by a speeding semi…or that you went a couple of rounds with a pro boxer – and lost!

 The Asians have some great concoctions when it comes to health remedies and they have one which has been proven to assist with hangovers, motion sickness and stomach upset, in general.  Talk to a knowledgeable staff member at a local health store and likely, (s)he will know what you are seeking.

If not, there is always Ginger.  This herb has proven beneficial for almost any kind of stomach upheaval – from morning sickness to motion sickness, indigestion etc. (Yes, it’s even one of the rare safe herbs to take when one is “with child”.)

Yes, this is the time of year when most of us enjoy our food (and drink, in some cases), more than usual.  Don’t be too hard on yourself however, should you find that you did overindulge.  One must live also…and find balance.  That’s what I call it: “Balance”.  It’s when you have been very diligent for so long, and then decide to succumb to the attractive calls of highly decadent foods.  It happens.  And so, let it.  Just wait until the holiday season has ended before getting involved in an overall body cleanse.  While it’s a good idea, it’s far more efficient and effective when done after the fact, rather than during.

And don’t forget that rule about water.  For every drink of alcohol, make sure you drink at least one glass of pure drinking water.

Follow the above suggestions and you will likely have less reason to go running to your local health store – or pharmacy – to seek relief from the ravages of overindulgence.

by David Dixon

For the past 40 years, Dave has been a devout Vegetarian.  During this time frame, he has become certified as a Nutritional Consultant, worked as a Fitness Trainer, a certified Reflexologist, Deep Muscle Therapist as well as Quantum Biofeedback Practitioner in the Penticton area.  Dave currently has a biofeedback practice in Penticton ~ 250-493-2213

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