Page 15 - Inspire Health November/December 2014
P. 15
IDAY FUN CAN With the holiday season just getting started, this time of year
MEAN PAINFUL can be exciting and filled with plan-making, party invitations
FLARE-UPS FOR and promises of fun.
THOSE WITH But for people suffering with digestive issues like gastro esophageal reflux
DIGESTIVE ISSUES. disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the added stress can also
play havoc with their health. Research has shown stress can aggravate those
By: Linda Doell, Editor and other conditions.
Rich, high-fat foods typically found at holiday celebrations can also
trigger a flair up, according to Kimberly Jegel Chaput, DO, of St. Luke’s
Gastroenterology Specialists.
“Egg nog, cheese fondue and other high-fat foods can exacerbate an
existing condition,” she says.
Holiday food and party fare are notorious for being high in calories, fat
and salt. In fact, the nonprofit Calorie Control Council says an average holiday
dinner can pack a wallop with 4,500 calories and 220 grams of fat.
“You can still stick to your diet during the holidays,” Chaput says. “It just
takes planning and making smart food choices.”
One way to keep your appetite under control and avoid overeating at a
party is to eat a healthy snack like celery before heading out to the party – not
only will you get a serving of vegetables, but you’ll also fill up on the celery’s
fiber and will be less likely to overeat.
Many traditional holiday foods are loaded with fat, cooked in heavy sauces
or sautéed in butter. Even dishes that may seem healthy – like the creamy
bean casserole – may have hidden fat from heavy cream and the fried onion
bits on top.
Chaput says don’t be shy about asking what will be served if you are on a
diet plan with specific dietary restrictions. Take a proactive approach too and
offer to bring a nutritious snack or dish to share with others at the party.
Try to manage stress during the holiday season which also can knock
your body out of whack with all the rushing about and holiday preparation
on top of regular stress from jobs and lifestyle. People who suffer from
IBS and GERD need to take precautions to reduce stress, which can cause
digestive problems.
“Make sure you get plenty of sleep and exercise to minimize the added
stress and try to stick to a regular schedule for eating and exercising,” says
Ayaz Matin, MD, of St. Luke’s Gastroenterology Specialists.
Work in exercise as part of a holiday gathering – go for a walk after a
meal, organize a game of touch football or even play a Wii game to get off the
couch and get moving.
St. Luke’s University Health Network provides testing and treatment
for a wide range of digestive health needs including treatment for GERD,
diverticulitis, IBS, Celiac disease and other conditions.
To help keep your digestive health on track this holiday season, when at a
social gathering where food is being served, try to make wise eating choices.
“You don’t have to give up all your favorites, but limit portion sizes,”
Chaput says. An easy way to fake out your mind is to use a smaller plate.
Once you have food on your plate – this works good at a buffet – move to
another room and away from the food.
“It’s the classic out of sight, out of mind,” she says. If the buffet isn’t readily
available, you can focus more on socializing with your friends and family rather
than gorging on food.
November § December 2014 INSPIRE HEALTH 15
MEAN PAINFUL can be exciting and filled with plan-making, party invitations
FLARE-UPS FOR and promises of fun.
THOSE WITH But for people suffering with digestive issues like gastro esophageal reflux
DIGESTIVE ISSUES. disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the added stress can also
play havoc with their health. Research has shown stress can aggravate those
By: Linda Doell, Editor and other conditions.
Rich, high-fat foods typically found at holiday celebrations can also
trigger a flair up, according to Kimberly Jegel Chaput, DO, of St. Luke’s
Gastroenterology Specialists.
“Egg nog, cheese fondue and other high-fat foods can exacerbate an
existing condition,” she says.
Holiday food and party fare are notorious for being high in calories, fat
and salt. In fact, the nonprofit Calorie Control Council says an average holiday
dinner can pack a wallop with 4,500 calories and 220 grams of fat.
“You can still stick to your diet during the holidays,” Chaput says. “It just
takes planning and making smart food choices.”
One way to keep your appetite under control and avoid overeating at a
party is to eat a healthy snack like celery before heading out to the party – not
only will you get a serving of vegetables, but you’ll also fill up on the celery’s
fiber and will be less likely to overeat.
Many traditional holiday foods are loaded with fat, cooked in heavy sauces
or sautéed in butter. Even dishes that may seem healthy – like the creamy
bean casserole – may have hidden fat from heavy cream and the fried onion
bits on top.
Chaput says don’t be shy about asking what will be served if you are on a
diet plan with specific dietary restrictions. Take a proactive approach too and
offer to bring a nutritious snack or dish to share with others at the party.
Try to manage stress during the holiday season which also can knock
your body out of whack with all the rushing about and holiday preparation
on top of regular stress from jobs and lifestyle. People who suffer from
IBS and GERD need to take precautions to reduce stress, which can cause
digestive problems.
“Make sure you get plenty of sleep and exercise to minimize the added
stress and try to stick to a regular schedule for eating and exercising,” says
Ayaz Matin, MD, of St. Luke’s Gastroenterology Specialists.
Work in exercise as part of a holiday gathering – go for a walk after a
meal, organize a game of touch football or even play a Wii game to get off the
couch and get moving.
St. Luke’s University Health Network provides testing and treatment
for a wide range of digestive health needs including treatment for GERD,
diverticulitis, IBS, Celiac disease and other conditions.
To help keep your digestive health on track this holiday season, when at a
social gathering where food is being served, try to make wise eating choices.
“You don’t have to give up all your favorites, but limit portion sizes,”
Chaput says. An easy way to fake out your mind is to use a smaller plate.
Once you have food on your plate – this works good at a buffet – move to
another room and away from the food.
“It’s the classic out of sight, out of mind,” she says. If the buffet isn’t readily
available, you can focus more on socializing with your friends and family rather
than gorging on food.
November § December 2014 INSPIRE HEALTH 15
