- Many Thanksgiving foods and beverages can interact with and affect various common medications, including blood thinners, antibiotics, and antidepressants.
- There is also a higher occurrence of foodborne illness during this period, typically due to improper storage, handling, and cooking of raw turkey.
- It can be easy to overindulge during this period, which can result in weight gain, digestive issues, and accidents. However, thoughtful planning can help ensure a healthier Thanksgiving.
Many people view Thanksgiving as a time to relax, connect with loved ones, and enjoy favorite seasonal dishes.
However, the holiday period also presents certain health and safety risks, ranging from foodborne illness to medication interactions and weight gain.
In this article, we look at some important health consideration to keep in mind while navigating Thanksgiving celebrations.
Additionally, Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN, a preventive cardiology dietitian and founder of EntirelyNourished, offered Medical News Today some expert tips on how best to enjoy ourselves while looking after our health this holiday season.
A traditional Thanksgiving feast may include a variety of foods that could interact with common prescription medications, potentially resulting in adverse effects.
For this reason, people taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, may wish to be mindful of their vitamin K intake and ensure it is consistent on a daily basis.
A sudden change in the amount of vitamin K
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium, which is essential for bone health. However, calcium can bind to certain antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, which may reduce their effectiveness and prolong the time it takes to clear infections.
Generally, people do not need to avoid dairy, but it is advisable to take the dose of antibiotics a couple of hours before or after consuming dairy.
Certain beverages may also interact with certain medications. For example, grapefruit juice contains natural chemicals that
Finally, alcohol can also
It may also put extra strain on the liver or interfere with medications for diabetes, making it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels.
Routhenstein strongly advised discussing potential drug interactions with a healthcare professional before the holidays:
“Before the holiday, check in with your healthcare team, including your registered dietitian, to create a clear plan for how to personally navigate the holidays. This includes checking in with your pharmacist and doctor on any potential food and medication interactions you should be aware of. Bring a complete list of all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements to your appointment so your doctor or pharmacist has the full picture.”
The Thanksgiving meal is often the largest that many cooks prepare each year. With so many components, it is not uncommon for food poisoning cases to rise around this period, usually due to improper handling of raw poultry, undercooked stuffing, or leaving foods at room temperature for too long.
According to the
People can then use either a refrigerator, cold water, or microwave to safely thaw the turkey, and should never leave it to thaw by leaving it out on the counter.
It is then essential to handle the raw turkey correctly, which will involve washing hands thoroughly and sanitizing any surface that comes into contact with the turkey, or its juices, to prevent any contamination.
Cooking times will vary depending on the weight of the turkey and whether it includes stuffing. It is advisable to use a food thermometer to ensure the turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (approximately 74°C).
Although people can stuff their turkey, the CDC advise this is not recommended for food safety reasons. Instead, cooking the stuffing in a casserole dish makes it easier to know when it is thoroughly cooked.
It is also advisable to store any leftovers properly and be mindful not to leave food out for too long. Store leftovers in shallow containers and refrigerate them at 40°F (approximately 4°C) or colder within 2 hours of cooking to prevent food poisoning.
Thanksgiving leftovers are typically safe to eat for up to 4 days with proper storage in a refrigerator. You can safely freeze leftovers indefinitely but the food will usually keep its best quality for 2 to 6 months.
Thanksgiving meals are often large and rich, which can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as indigestion, heartburn, and bloating. There may also be a risk of choking hazards from eating too quickly or not eating mindfully.
Finally, there can be a temptation to overindulge in alcohol over the Thanksgiving period, which sees an increase in crashes and fatalities due to driving under the influence.
However, thoughtful planning can help ensure the festive season remains both healthful and enjoyable.
Some people may think skipping breakfast may allow them more room for the big meal, but this is not a suitable approach.
Instead, she advised: “Eat consistent meals before the celebration, aiming for a hunger level around a ‘four’ on a ‘one to 10’ scale, so you arrive slightly hungry but not starving. Try to stay under a ‘six’ to help your body metabolize the meal more efficiently.”
Additionally, eating slowly and mindfully can not only help to savor the food, but may also help with feeling satiated. It may also be advisable to resist the temptation to go back for second helpings and instead enjoy leftovers the next day.
Thanksgiving is not just about the delicious bounty of food but a time to celebrate relationships through socializing and spending quality time together.
Combining this with some more physical activities where possible can help burn off any unwanted calories. Some options might be taking a walk with family, playing with the kids in the backyard, or sharing a dance with a loved one.
“Thanksgiving happens every year, and it is meant to be a holiday to enjoy. One meal does not need to set the tone for the weeks that follow. Thinking of your eating as part of a lifestyle plan, rather than a temporary diet, helps you recognize that you can enjoy the holiday and then return to your usual habits.”
— Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN
Speaking of building and sustaining healthier eating habits, Routhenstein commented that “sustainable, healthy eating is about consistency over time, not perfection at any single meal, so you can celebrate without guilt and continue supporting your long-term heart and overall health.”