Homeopathy for Digestion & Overindulgent of Winter Foods

With the Holidays upon us, we all know that we may overindulge at some point, whether it is food, stimulus or over-extension of ourselves. Sometimes we find ourselves feeling like we have overdone it.

Nux Vomica is the first remedy that comes to mind when we think of homeopathy and overindulgence. Nux Vomica (also known as Colubrina) is indicated when we have indulged in too many rich or fatty foods. It is also the remedy to think of the morning after a night of too many alcoholic drinks, the classic “hangover remedy.” The symptoms can be stomach pains which feel sharp and cramping, nausea and vomiting, constipation, and an angry or irritable disposition. The pains are worse with any tight clothing, and better with warm drinks or warm applications such as hot packs. This remedy is best for this situation in a 30C potency. I like to dose as needed, only redosing as the symptoms re-appear. Sometimes 1 dose is all that is needed!

Carbo Vegetabilis is the remedy to think when there is tremendous bloating and indigestion from over-eating rich or fatty foods. The person will have lots of belching, which makes them feel better, they may even drink carbonated beverages to make themselves burp to get relief. People needing Carbo-Veg can be so uncomfortable with the bloating and indigestion that the person can feel tightening of the chest with difficulty breathing. I like to start with a 30C potency and go up from there.

Arsencium Album 200C is the remedy indicated in any type of food poisoning. Often there will be vomiting and diarrhea simultaneously. The main sensation in this remedy picture is burning. This can present as burning in the esophagus or stomach, these pains are often relieved by drinking milk, or having small sips of water.

Along with homeopathy, I find supplements highly beneficial in helping with digestive upset. I am often asked what is the difference between digestive enzymes and digestive bitters. Our body naturally produces and excretes digestive enzymes through our digestive tract. Supplemental digestive enzymes optimize the breakdown of fats, carbohydrates, and protein and help us break down our food down into smaller particles and allow us to absorb the nutrients into our bloodstream from our diets. Different digestive enzymes break down different types of foods. Amylase breaks down carbs and starches, protease breaks down proteins, and lipase breaks down fats. If you feel this type of supplement would benefit you, I generally recommend adding a wide spectrum digestive enzyme taken when the stomach is empty at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal.

Digestive bitters are infusions of botanical extracts from any combination of herbs, roots, bark, fruit, seeds, or flowers. They stimulate enzyme release the moment they are taken, beginning in the mouth with saliva and continuing throughout the entire digestive tract, as well as stimulating many other digestive secretions such as stomach acid and bile. Bitters can offer relief from indigestion, heartburn, nausea, cramping, bloating, and gas. They stimulate your body to excrete its own digestive juices and enzymes, as opposed to supplemental enzymes which take over the job.