Combat Cure

I overindulged and am now feeling awful…
Heartburn, acidity, digestive problems are all the common fallout of a binge week. But hey, you don’t have to live with any of them. Nutritionist Dr Shikha Sharma scours the larder for remedies for that uncomfortable feeling:

Bloatedness/gas: Boil a teaspoon of ajwain in water and drink the mixture. Alternatively, chew on hing ka churan.

Constipation: Peppermint is excellent for this condition. Mint leaves are also good to tackle bloatedness and burps.

Acidity: Just steer clear of food for six or seven hours, only sipping plain or coconut water. Half a cup of safed pethe ka pani, or similar quantity of cabbage juice will also cool down the stomach. But don’t go overboard with these two unless you want to catch a cold. A Unani formulation called Swarjiksara or Khamir is also advised for acidity.

If not the food, it’s the drinks.
Some ethnic groups are predisposed to the ill-effects of over-consumption of alcohol. Asian women fall in this category because of a genetic enzyme deficiency. They are more susceptible to hangovers, which are caused by a combination of the toxic by-products of alcohol metabolism (acetaldehyde), dehydration, and Vitamin A, B (particularly Bc) and C depletion.
Make it a habit to match every drink with a glass of water. It is essential to keep the body hydrated. And drink a lot of water before going to bed to prevent a hangover.
The next day, pop a Vitamin B Complex pill and consume of lot of coconut water and oranges. Basically, you’re looking to rid your body of all toxins.

But why do I feel so bad?
It’s because of the undigested food in the stomach. ‘‘If you eat very fast—as one tends to at a party, after a long spell without food—it encourages gas to collect in the stomach. Combining different kinds of food also hinders the digestion of individual foods. The varying Ph levels of different kinds of food eaten together also work against digestion. The result: half-digested or undigested food, leading to discomfort,’’ says Dr Sharma.

‘‘Ideally, the stomach should contain equal parts water, food and gas. When food occupies more than its designated space, the stomach finds it difficult to process the food, leading to gas. Gas is also the fallout of undigested food that sits in the stomach for too long.’’

Any foods to avoid?
Fried food is the main culprit for stomach uneasiness because oil is the food substance that takes the longest to digest. Stay away from all foods made with white flour, including deep fried snacks like samosas and kachoris. Alcohol is also a no-gooder.

Munching on non-veg food (kebabs and the like) is okay if you don’t combine it with carbs.

ODing on foods like radish, soya, cauliflower, broccoli, white peas and pulses can lead to gas formation.

If you suffer from constipation, avoid Chinese food and too much of non-veg.

Any ideas what I can eat now?
For the post-party season, Dr Sharma has these tips:
• Start each day with a breakfast high on carbs, such as a big bowl of cereals. This takes the edge off the hunger and lines the stomach.
• Eat small portions. Don’t deny yourself any kind of food, but limit portions.
• Eat slowly and chew the food properly. In this manner you will end up eating less.
• If there are still parties to attend, begin the evening with a large non-alcoholic drink. It takes care of the thirst and limits the quantity of alcohol you drink later.
• Don’t drink on an empty stomach, have some milk or carbs—or even a couple of spoons of olive oil—first. It slows down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream prior to metabolism.