Nikki Sommer, a nurse with Key West Surgical Group, joined Good Morning Keys on KeysTalk 96.9/102.5 FM for Medical Matters this morning.
Thanksgiving is upon us and despite the yummy food, it’s important not to overindulge.
Sommer said, “I think you get excited. There’s so many different dishes that you probably don’t have throughout the year, that you get excited for because somebody in the family is making your favorite dish that you wait all year long to have and you want it all.”
What medical issues could arise from overindulging?
Sommer said, “Your gallbladder aids in the digestion, so you really should, if you have gallbladder disease, and I know we talked about this, how people tend to put off, they’ll have gallbladder attacks, they call them, and they put off surgery and unfortunately, when you have a bad gallbladder, it doesn’t heal itself, so it needs to come out. But people will put it off and then during holiday season, or like times of travel and vacation, they can have a flare, because you forget to have a gallbladder problem and you over indulge. Full fat dairy products, which Thanksgiving is a lot of creamy, saucy meals. You need to be careful not overdo it, because you’re going to put your gallbladder in overdrive. Charcuterie boards, everybody loves them. You have the fatty meats, like salami or prosciutto and then all the different types of cheeses. It looks pretty and it’s so tempting. But if you have, like I said, gallbladder disease or even acid reflux, those are the things that can trigger you to feel uncomfortable.”
While turkey is actually lower in fat, it’s the side dishes that will get you.
Sommer said, “Chicken, fish and turkey, they’re the leaner meats. So that is one plus for Thanksgiving. If you’re having turkey, that is has a lower level of fat. The fatty meats are beef, pork, lamb, and that’s I think, for Christmas. But some people do cook with the turkey, they’ll have like, a prime rib. So those are things you’ve just got to be wary of if you have gall bladder disease and acid reflux.”
Sweets can be bad, too.
Sommer said, “Sweets are cookies, pies and cakes, and pies are very big at Thanksgiving, and they can tend to be full of sugar, high in fat, and then they can wreak havoc on your digestive system. I mean, stick with foods low in fat, kind of like fruit or sorbet. I know that is a buzz kill, but again, if you want to try moderation, like a tablespoon full, sure, go for it. But I know it sounds like a downer. I’m just trying to tell you what you do to keep you out of the ER.”
Acid reflux can also cause problems this time of the year.
Sommer said, “Avoid the high fatty meats. They kick up that acid, dark meat and fried meat also are a trigger for increase in acid. So the white meat of the turkey is the better. If you’re eating the turkey, even though it’s lean, have the white meat and avoid the dark. I know when you cut a turkey, you can tell the difference in the texture. The white meat is drier compared to the dark meat. It has like a little oil to it.”
What about potatoes?
Sommer said, “It depends how they’re made. So a lot of times when you mash the potatoes to get that creamy texture, you add heavy cream and you add a lot of butter, so that could trigger your gallbladder or make your acid reflux flux worse. However, baked potatoes are good because you’re baking the potato, and then as long as you don’t load it with like sour cream and lots of butter, you should be good.”
What about veggie casseroles?
Sommer said, “A lot of times, casseroles, again, they’re made with cream, butter, cheese. They’re baked casserole dishes. So if it’s steamed vegetables, they’re good, because you usually put, like, maybe a little pat of butter, a little bit of salt, and it’s not going to kick up indigestion.”
Moderation really is the key.
Sommer said, “Nibble. Small portions are recommended. Have a little bit, wait 20 minutes, go back, try and curb as much as you put on your plate. Our eyes are always bigger than our stomach”
Alcohol is another one that can cause trouble.
Sommer said, “Everybody has wine or a cocktail with dinner, so that also on top of the food, all together can cause problems.”
Believe it or not, your clothing can help.
Sommer said, “Wear looser fitting clothes. Snug clothes may, if you have heartburn, I know sometimes people want to get dressed up and wear that outfit, but I know, personally, I do wear loose fitting clothes.”
One way to look good for the holidays, is the PicoSure laser at Key West Surgical Group.
Sommer said, “If you want to get that holiday glow, if you have a party coming up, you can do a quick skin revitalization with us or if you’re looking for an idea for a present and somebody has been looking, wanting to do something to help boost their skin, reverse their sun damage, make their skin a little more taut, we have gift certificates, and we are running that 40% off special, your first treatment. So there’s lots of, lots of good things to come this holiday season.”
For more information, click here: https://www.keywestsurgicalgroup.com/