Indigestion on the menu this Christmas

Indigestion on the menu this Christmas
Aussie revelers are set to tip the scales this Christmas with second serves, sweets and larger portions according to a new report.

They will also reach for twice as many alcoholic drinks and likely wake-up on Boxing Day with a bellyache, according to this study investigating overindulgence in Australia.

The Iberogast Better Bellies Report, commissioned by natural medicine company Flordis in the lead up to the festive season, reveals that diets are out the window and fitness regimes are on hold for the Christmas season.

The average ‘overindulger’ expects to gain an extra 1.1kg in weight over the festive period and those partial to a drink are likely to consume almost twice as many alcoholic beverages as they normally would. This represents a national weight gain of over 12,895 tons and equates to 62.2 million standards alcoholic drinks consumed Australia-wide over Christmas!

Interestingly, parents are set to kick up their heels and overindulge more than those without kids over the Christmas period – consuming more alcohol (35 per cent to 24 per cent for those without kids), and more food (71 per cent to 64per cent for those without kids).

Food Coach Judy Davie, who partnered with Iberogast to share her digestive health tips in the lead up to Christmas, said that it’s no wonder a large majority of Australians tend to experience symptoms of indigestion and heartburn at this time of the year, with the excess food and alcohol consumption, coupled with the common stresses associated with the festive season.

“More than 8.5 million Australians will have experienced indigestion and heartburn in the past year and more than likely struggle with discomfort over Christmas,” said Judy. “It’s all about moderation and planning ahead of the Christmas period. If you know you have a string of work Christmas parties during December or there will be two or three meals on Christmas Day to fit in, stay hydrated between alcoholic beverages and pace yourself at the dinner table.

“By following a few simple tips at this time of the year and considering a clinically proven natural medicine such as Iberogast to help relieve digestive discomfort, you can enjoy the festivities right through to the New Year.”

The Better Bellies Report shows that amongst those who overindulge in food – on Christmas Day, over 8 in 10 (84 per cent) have experienced symptoms of stomach discomfort including fullness (63 per cent), bloating (47 per cent) and indigestion (33 per cent). Two thirds (66 per cent) of Aussies are likely to overindulge in food on Christmas Day with women more likely to overindulge in chocolate (65 per cent; cf. men 46 per cent) while men are more likely to overindulge by filling their plate with meat (73 per cent cf. women 63 per cent). More than half of respondents surveyed (55 per cent) admit that regardless of how full they feel, they always go back for seconds at Christmas. Similarly, just over half (51 per cent) feel that it would be wasteful not to overeat at Christmas.

To view further findings from the Iberogast Better Bellies Report, visit www.iberogast.com.au

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