Too Much Turkey? Here’s How To Cure Common Digestive Issues

This is not medical advice.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, spending time with the people you love — and, of course, enjoying plenty of delicious food. Overeating on Thanksgiving and the days following can, however, lead to a variety of digestive problems, which can quickly become a major nuisance.

If you’ve overindulged on turkey (or mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie or red wine) this holiday season, there’s no need to fret. Read on to learn more about what causes common digestive issues and how to treat them.

What Causes Digestive Problems?

Within the digestive tract, there are many different microorganisms that impact your gut health. Gut health refers to the delicate balance of bacteria, viruses and fungi that keep your immune system up and running. While certain microorganisms can make you sick, others (such as healthy gut bacteria) can actually prevent illness. Digestive problems typically arise when the gut’s microorganisms are out of alignment. This imbalance can be caused by a number of factors, including antibiotics, stress, age, chronic disease, infections and diet.

How To Improve Digestive Health Naturally

Eating a fiber-rich diet high in whole foods, as well as fermented foods, can help promote a healthy gut microbiome. Lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly and lowering stress levels wherever possible, are also associated with better digestion. Some people also take probiotics (the “good” live bacteria and yeasts) to maintain good gut health.

Because there are so many supplements and solutions out there, the best way to start improving your overall digestive health is a visit to your doctor. You can schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, or use a tool like GoodRx Care to see a specialist through a virtual telehealth appointment. Your doctor may recommend a specific diet, suggest a probiotic or supplement, or prescribe you medication to help you better manage your gut health.

Common Digestive Issues And How To Cure Them

Even if you typically follow a “gut-healthy” lifestyle, holiday meals and outings can throw your digestive system for a loop. Here are five common digestive issues and how to treat them.

1. Constipation

Constipation occurs when waste moves too slowly through the digestive tract or cannot be eliminated effectively, causing stool to become hard and dry. Blockages in the colon or rectum, conditions that affect your body’s hormones, and problems with the muscles or nerves associated with bowel movements can all cause constipation.

For a one-off instance of constipation, over-the-counter laxatives can make it easier to have a bowel movement; more persistent cases may require prescription laxatives or other types of medications. Increasing your fiber intake, exercising regularly and allowing yourself enough time to use the bathroom can also help relieve constipation.

2. Diarrhea/Vomiting

Diarrhea and vomiting can be caused by viruses or bacteria, certain medical conditions, or even as a side effect of certain medicines. Difficult-to-digest foods (such as large amounts of sweets) and undercooked meat can also result in vomiting and diarrhea. The rapid loss of fluids also puts an individual at risk of dehydration.

Most cases will resolve with home remedies and rest in a day or two. The first step is to rehydrate the body with water, sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions (containing water, salt and sugar). Bland, low-fiber foods like rice and bread are more likely to “stay down,” as well as result in a more solid bowel movement.

3. Heartburn/Acid Reflux

Heartburn describes the feeling of pain, discomfort, or burning in the chest area that may occur after eating a big meal. It is a common symptom of acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus. Other symptoms of acid reflux include a bitter taste in the mouth, coughing and other digestive symptoms (such as gas or stomach pain).

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can provide heartburn relief. Antacids can help neutralize the stomach acid, while H-2-receptor antagonists (also known as H2RAs or H2 blockers) and proton pump inhibitors (such as Prilosec) can reduce the acid. Reducing the intake of foods and drinks that can trigger acid reflux, including alcohol and tomato-based foods, can also decrease symptoms.

People with heartburn are encouraged to keep their heads elevated during sleep, as well as to avoid eating too close to bedtime, to reduce the likelihood of an acid reflux event occurring.

4. Indigestion/Dyspepsia

Indigestion or dyspepsia refers to pain around your upper stomach area, often occurring after eating too much or too quickly. Common symptoms include a painful or burning sensation around the stomach or upper abdomen, bloating, gas and belching, nausea and vomiting, a growling stomach or an acidic taste in the mouth. While it’s common to experience heartburn along with indigestion, the two conditions are separate.

In many cases, over-the-counter or prescription antacids can help calm your stomach. There are also many natural home remedies you can try for quick relief. Chamomile tea, lemon water and ginger can all ease symptoms of indigestion. To avoid further triggering indigestion, you’ll want to reduce your intake of caffeine, alcohol and acidic foods, such as tomatoes and citrus fruits.

5. Nausea

Nausea is a common digestive symptom seen in conditions such as gastroenteritis, food poisoning or simply overeating. It is also linked with several conditions that are not directly related to digestion, including concussion, migraines and appendicitis.

Fortunately, nausea is typically quite responsive to home remedies, according to Scripps Health. Eating light, bland foods (such as saltine crackers) in small quantities can help settle the stomach. Slowly sipping ice water, as well as warm herbal teas, can help relieve nausea quickly. Over-the-counter or prescription acid relievers, as well as plenty of rest, can also speed up healing.

When Should I See A Medical Professional For Digestive Issues?

We all experience short-term digestive issues from time to time, especially after indulgent meals like the ones typically consumed around the holiday season. However, if you are experiencing chronic or recurring symptoms that aren’t resolving with at-home remedies, consider talking with a medical professional.

Your healthcare provider may look for symptoms of infection, allergies, inflammatory bowel diseases (such as colitis or Crohn’s disease) or conditions like celiac disease. A medical workup may include blood work or a stool sample, a scheduled endoscopy or colonoscopy, or prescribed medications to resolve the issue at hand.

Schedule An Appointment Through GoodRx Care

Looking to schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider regarding your gut health? GoodRx Care connects patients with professional, affordable online healthcare. Simply select a service and tell us about your medical history and the presenting problem. From there, you’ll get to discuss your personalized treatment plan with a licensed medical provider, as well as receive any necessary prescription by mail or via same-day pharmacy pickup. You can start your GoodRx visit at any time.

If you need a prescription to help with your digestive issues, GoodRx is here to help. As the leading resource in health care savings, GoodRx allows users to see the exact price of medications at your neighborhood pharmacy using their search tool. You can also get free coupons for your prescription. Simply download the GoodRx app or show your pharmacist the coupon on your mobile device to save big.

Visit GoodRx today to save big on prescriptions, schedule a virtual visit with a specialist and more.