Eight Ways to Fight Food Hangovers

Did holiday overeating leave you not just stuffed and sleepy, but bloated and stomach-achy? You've heard the term "acid indigestion" so frequently in advertisements that you probably feel you're an expert. But the term is used for more than one condition, so it's helpful to know what's actually going on in there. Consume too much of the wrong kind of food and alcohol, and your stomach produces excess acid, the source of that ache. Flatulence, on the other hand, is caused by bacteria in the colon, and may have nothing to do with indigestion. Heartburn is caused when acid backs up into the esophagus causing a burning sensation behind the rib cage. For help fending off a whole range of digestive discomforts, here are tips from Dr. Michael Cox, a gastroenterologist at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore.

1. Beware the Bedtime Snack. To avoid acid reflux, don't eat or drink--even water--at least three hours before going to bed. In the wee hours, the worst thing you can eat are foods containing fat. Say goodbye to that comforting bowl of cereal with whole milk, or the nightly ice cream indulgence.

2. Downsize. Consume small amounts at a time. Eat less and don't clean your plate if you feel full.

3. Slow Down. People who chew gum, smoke or are anxious and wolf down their meals tend to swallow air while eating, which leads to belching, bloating and the sensation of overfullness.

4. Down Some Dairy. A swig of milk can help neutralize acid and soothe mild indigestion.

5. Or Don't. Many people lose the ability to metabolize milk as they age. If milk products make you gassy or bloated or give you diarrhea, try products for the lactose-intolerant or avoid dairy. Some may also be able to eliminate indigestion by banishing fruit from their diet, while others thrive without wheat or gluten, a composite of proteins found in wheat, rye and barley. Keep a food diary or examine your diet and notice which foods cause trouble.