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Tips to prevent digestive health pitfalls this holiday season

The sharply plummeting temperatures and pending time change this weekend have awakened a cruel reminder: summer's gone, and cold weather health habits may soon take over.

Comfort food beckons, we become less physically active and fruits and vegetables will become scarcer at the store, prompting us to make less healthy choices.

With the impending holidays, activities like traveling, hosting guests, and drinking alcohol at parties can all wreak havoc on the digestive tract. Poor diet, inadequate fluid intake and inactivity can all potentially lead to digestive issues including constipation.

Because this is an issue that affects over 65 million Americans,renowned gastroenterologist Dr. Cynthia Yoshida, has tips to navigate the tricky changes in health habits in winter.

1. Try simple changes first. A good first step is making changes that can slip easily into even the most hectic schedule without affecting your overall enjoyment of the season. For instance, drink water in between sips of an alcoholic beverage to help prevent dehydration. Or, since exercise may also help promote regularity, work in a brisk walk around the block with a favorite relative to maximize family time and keep your digestive system healthy.

2. Check your medicine cabinet. If the holiday foods have prompted you to use antacids that contain aluminum and calcium, or to take calcium and iron supplements, you could be vulnerable to constipation as a side effect. Also, prescription medications including blood pressure drugs, narcotics, and anti-depressants may produce constipation as a side effect. Pay attention to what you're taking if you find yourself experiencing irregularity, and if you're on any prescription medications, be sure to speak with your doctor about potential side effects.

3. Look to an over-the-counter choice. Sometimes, even with lifestyle tweaks and medication adjustments, occasional constipation still occurs. In these situations, Dr. Yoshida recommends MiraLAX, which does not cause harsh side effects such as bloating, cramps, or sudden urgency.