Are festive treats associated with indigestion?
A short, but sweet, article to get you thinking about whether some festive treats could be a cause of your indigestion. Cinnamon smells and flavours are closely associated with the Christmas season, so we’re going to investigate whether some of our most loved treats cause indigestion.
What are cinnamon treats?
Foods containing cinnamon are generally regarded as being very tasty. They are particularly common in festive season offerings, such as mince pies, Christmas cake, Christmas pudding, cinnamon toast, cookies and buns. Plus, it can be found in drinks, such as mulled wine and the gingerbread syrup we enjoy in our lattes, mochas and hot chocolate.
Does cinnamon cause Indigestion?
Many different ingredients can trigger indigestion. Cinnamon isn't one of the usual culprits though. Despite having a very distinct flavour and aroma that can be quite potent, it is not a known indigestion trigger by itself. Cinnamon treats usually come in the form of rolls, pastries, cakes and breads that are high in sugar and fat. If you suffer indigestion after eating a cinnamon treat, it's likely to be because the treat includes other ingredients that are associated with it.
Fatty foods are a common cause of indigestion. You may also be eating these delicious treats with one or two popular accompaniments like cream, ice cream, custard or icing sugar. These introduce yet more fat and sugar into your meal, and people may often mistake cinnamon as the culprit of indigestion, when really it is the other ingredients.
Other foods that are common indigestion triggers
Although the indigestion triggers discussed above can be easy to spot, there may be some triggers that are not so well known. These include:
- Chocolate, onions and tomato-based foods
- Alcoholic drinks, including mulled wine and caffeinated drinks
- Other spices - especially chillies
If you know what causes your indigestion, don't be afraid to ask if it's included in the food you're about to eat. If you have a shop-bought treat, check the ingredients on the packaging first. Ingredient lists are quite comprehensive these days and you should be able to identify indigestion triggers if they’re in there.
How saving your treats can help
You may find that saving your treat until a while after your meal is a good idea. That's because it will help to stop your stomach being quite so full so quickly, and giving it time to digest some of your earlier courses first. Also, it gives you something to look forward to later!
How to treat indigestion caused by treats
Indigestion symptoms include a pain in the lower chest, upper abdomen, or top of your stomach and / or a feeling of being very full (bloating). You may also suffer from wind or belching.
Gaviscon Extra contains sodium alginate. It quickly gets to work to form a raft or protective barrier on top of your stomach contents, to help keep acid in place. Gaviscon Extra also contains calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, which work to quickly neutralise stomach acid. What's more, Gaviscon Extra offers a long-lasting effect.
The smell and taste of cinnamon often conjures up the thought of Christmas. It's one of many things that we associate strongly with this special time of year. Try not to let indigestion be one of your Christmas memories too.
Wishing you a very happy - and indigestion-free - Christmas!
All information presented is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. Gaviscon Extra oral Suspension and Gaviscon Extra chewable tablets for Heartburn & Indigestion contain sodium alginate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, calcium carbonate. Always read the label. If symptoms are severe or last more than 7 days, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
