HOLIDAYS WITHOUT THE HEAVINESS: a gastro-algorithm for pharmacists

December always begins the same way: the aroma of mandarins, pre-holiday dinners, corporate parties, and family gatherings. People rush to finish the year, and at the same time, they allow themselves more than usual. More food, more desserts, more alcohol, late dinners — the holiday marathon lives by its own rules.
For the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), this is a real stress test. Even people without chronic diseases are more likely to experience motility disorders, heaviness after fatty foods, flatulence, diarrhea, and heartburn during these weeks. People rarely rush to the doctor with such complaints — they go to the nearest pharmacy, expecting the pharmacist to provide a quick, clear, and at the same time caring solution.

By understanding the mechanism of these disorders, the pharmacist can quickly choose the appropriate recommendation for each case. Next, we will look at why the main symptoms occur after the “first table” and what remedies should be included in a “holiday gastro kit” — a selection of medications that help to quickly relieve these symptoms and calmly continue celebrating with loved ones.

Overeating and gastrointestinal symptoms: why is this so common during the holidays?

Overeating — especially when it comes to large amounts of fatty, mixed, and high-calorie foods — is one of the most common triggers of acute gastrointestinal symptoms. In a study by Crowell et al., the presence of complaints after large amounts of food was assessed, and the data collected show a clear trend [2]:

These rates are significantly higher than the frequency of such symptoms in people who did not consume excessive amounts of food

LARGE AMOUNTS OF FOOD SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASE THE RISK OF HEAVINESS, NAUSEA, AND FEELINGS OF OVERFULLNESS
When a person eats significantly more than usual, the stomach literally becomes “overloaded.”
Studies confirm that large portions slow down gastric emptying and cause feelings of fullness, heaviness, and nausea [3].

STRETCHING OF THE STOMACH AFTER LARGE PORTIONS EXACERBATES HEARTBURN AND REFLUX
After overeating, the stomach stretches excessively, which often “relaxes” the lower esophageal sphincter — the very sphincter that prevents stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. Therefore, heartburn and acid reflux occur much more frequently after large holiday meals [4].

FATTY FOODS AND MIXED MEALS PROVOKE BLOATING AND GAS FORMATION
Multi-component dishes with a high content of fat and carbohydrates remain in the stomach longer. Because of this, food passes into the intestines more slowly and is more actively broken down by bacteria in the large intestine, forming gases [5]. This results in bloating, rumbling, and a feeling of fullness.

AFTER OVEREATING, THE INTESTINES WORK TOO FAST — DIARRHEA OCCURS
When a person eats too large a portion of food, the digestive system simply cannot cope with such a volume. The small intestine pushes food through faster than it can be broken down normally, so some of the fats and carbohydrates pass through almost undigested [6].
In the large intestine, this has a double effect: undigested components “pull” water onto themselves, and intestinal bacteria actively break them down, producing gas [7]. Therefore, the contents of the intestine quickly become thinner and more gassy — and loose or unstable stools appear.

THIS IS IMPORTANT!
On average, the stomach can only hold one to two cups of food. But when we overeat, we easily consume twice or even three times as much.
How can you reduce the risk of gastrointestinal disorders during the holidays and when breaking the fast?
To reduce the likelihood of unpleasant symptoms and feel better during the holidays and feasts, follow a few simple tips.

1 EAT SLOWER.
The stomach adapts better to an increase in volume, and well-chewed food is easier to digest.

2 DON’T FORGET TO MOVE.
Don’t lie down immediately after a hearty meal. Of course, you don’t need to rush to the gym right after a feast, but a light walk or outdoor activity will help food move through your digestive tract faster.

3 LIMIT CARBONATED DRINKS.
They increase the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus and cause bloating.

4 STOCK UP ON OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS TO REDUCE SYMPTOMS.
Occasional digestive disorders associated with overeating or breaking a fast are considered in international recommendations as a situation that can be corrected with symptomatic medications without additional examinations.

 

To make it easier for pharmacists to navigate and select the optimal treatment for patients, it is advisable to create a ready-made “Holiday Gastro Set” — a comprehensive solution from JSC “KYIV VITAMIN PLANT” that covers all typical complaints after a holiday meal.

 

WHAT SHOULD THE IDEAL “HOLIDAY GASTRO SET” CONTAIN?
The gastro line of JSC “KYIV VITAMIN PLANT” includes over-the-counter products with proven mechanisms of action and a good safety profile. This allows pharmacists to provide a full cycle of care to patients during the holiday season.

ARTICHOL

Effective for heaviness in the right side and nausea caused by excessively fatty foods and alcohol.
Artichoke extract, which is the active ingredient in ARTICHOL, contains cynarin and chlorogenic acids, which stimulate natural digestive processes. It is a standardized French substance of high quality, which is well tolerated and has no interactions with alcohol described in clinical studies, so it can be used after festive meals.
It:

• enhances bile secretion, increasing the volume and speed of bile flow, which reduces stagnation and facilitates the digestion of fats [8];
• reduces the symptoms of functional dyspepsia, including heaviness after eating, nausea, and a feeling of fullness [9];
• has a mild antispasmodic effect on the bile ducts, which promotes better bile flow and reduces discomfort [10].

Optimal dosage:

• Children aged 6–12 years — 200 mg 3 times a day;
• Adults and children aged 12 years and older — 200–400 mg 3 times a day.
• Take before meals.

MOTORIX

Effective for feelings of “stomach upset,” heaviness in the upper abdomen, and nausea after overeating.
The active ingredient in MOTORIX, domperidone, restores the stomach’s natural function and speeds up the passage of food.
It:

• improves stomach contractions and helps move food through the intestines faster [11];
• reduces nausea and feelings of fullness [12];
• reduces discomfort after large meals [12].

Optimal dosage:

• Adults and children over 12 years of age — 1 tablet (10 mg) 3 times a day before meals, either as a single dose or as a course of treatment.

AFLETIN

Effective for bloating, gas formation, and a feeling of “fullness” after mixed or fatty meals.
The active ingredient in AFLETIN — simethicone — acts locally in the intestine and is not absorbed, quickly relieving the symptoms of flatulence.
It:

• reduces the surface tension of gas bubbles and promotes their coalescence, allowing gases to be easily eliminated naturally [13];
• reduces bloating, rumbling, and abdominal discomfort;
• does not interact with other drugs due to its complete lack of absorption.

Optimal dosage:

• Adults and children over 12 years old — one 125 mg capsule 3 times a day.

BIONORM

Effective for diarrhea, unstable stools, and a feeling of “imbalance” after overeating or combining fatty foods with alcohol.
BIONORM is a complex of sorbent, prebiotic, and fiber that provides a double action: sorption and restoration of microflora.
It:

• binds toxins, excess fluid, and fermentation products, promoting normal stool formation [14];
• has a prebiotic effect, supporting the growth of beneficial bacteria [15];
• reduces bloating, discomfort, and symptoms of intoxication.

Optimal dosage:

• Adults and children over 12 years old take 2–3 tablets 3 times a day;
• children aged 6–12 years old take 1–2 tablets 3 times a day;
• Children aged 3–6 years old should take 1 tablet 3 times a day.

A single dose should be taken 1–1.5 hours before or after a meal.

REMAX

Effective for heartburn, acid reflux, and discomfort after large meals or alcohol consumption.
The active formula of REMMAX quickly neutralizes excess acidity in the stomach.
It:

• reduces acidity in the first minutes after ingestion (Scarpignato C et al. BMC Gastroenterol. 2012;12:88. PMID: 22853894);
• reduces heartburn, stomach pain, and acid reflux;
• creates a protective layer on the mucous membrane and reduces irritation of the esophagus.

Optimal dosage:

• Adults and children over 15 years of age should chew or suck 1–2 tablets until completely dissolved 30–40 minutes after eating.

 

PHARMACEUTICAL ALGORITHM FOR EPISODIC DIGESTIVE DISORDERS
Heaviness in the right side, nausea after fatty foods or alcohol → ARTICHOL
“Stomach upset,” feeling of fullness after overeating → MOTORIX
Bloating, gas, distension → AFLETIN
Unstable stool, diarrhea → BIONORM
Heartburn, sour belching → REMMACKS

 

HOLIDAYS ARE A TIME WHEN PATIENTS EXPECT SPECIAL CARE. AND IT IS THE PHARMACIST WHO CAN PROVIDE IT WITH THEIR FIRST WORDS AND THE RIGHT MEDICATION. IF THE COMPLAINT IS CLEAR, THE SOLUTION BECOMES OBVIOUS. ALLOW YOURSELF TO RECOMMEND WITH CONFIDENCE!