Can Your Stomach Actually Explode If You Eat Too Much?
Loosen your belts, because we’re asking the SCARY questions this holiday season.
And this question is as wild as that weirdo ambrosia your aunt insists on bringing to Thanksgiving dinner.
Can Your Stomach Actually Explode If You Eat Too Much?
Can you eat so much on Thanksgiving that your stomach blows out like a tire on 93 South?
First things first, our stomachs aren’t made of rubber. They have limits. And while the idea of a full-blown stomach explosion might be the stuff of cartoon nightmares, it’s not really a thing in real life.
You’re not a human Thanksgiving balloon ready to pop.
“For the vast majority gathering around the Thanksgiving table, a much more realistic concern is overeating and the uncomfortable feelings that go along with it: Abdominal discomfort, bloating, heartburn and indigestion are common symptoms,” NYU Langone gastroenterologist Dr. Balzora wrote in the Washington Post.
The New York Post wrote:
“The medical term for a person’s stomach turning into a digestive IED is called a gastrointestinal perforation. This can impact the stomach, large, or small intestine, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Likely causes include ingesting harmful substances like corrosive chemicals or sharp objects, a clogged colon, a gunshot wound or a complication during a medical procedure. Symptoms might include severe abdominal cramping and bloating.”
When you chow down on that second (or let’s be honest, third) helping of mashed potatoes, your stomach stretches to accommodate the food baby you’re cultivating. It’s like a temporary expansion project, courtesy of your digestive system.
But, and this is a big but, there’s a limit to the stretchiness.
Picture your stomach as a cozy studio apartment – it can only fit so much furniture before things get cramped. Eating beyond your stomach’s cozy capacity might make you feel like you’re auditioning for a balloon animal contest, but it won’t turn you into a human firework.
However, let’s not dismiss the post-Thanksgiving discomfort. Your stomach may rebel against the feast, staging a protest that involves loud gurgles and groans.
It’s not exploding, but it’s definitely throwing a bit of a tantrum.
Now, it’s crucial to know your own limits. If you’re feeling like you might rival the Goodyear blimp, it’s time to hit the brakes on the buffet. Nobody wants to spend the holiday clutching their belly and regretting that fifth slice of pumpkin pie.
While the idea of a stomach explosion might be amusing to think about, don’t worry:
Your body has a fail-safe – it’s called “I’m full, stop shoveling food into me.”
So, this Thanksgiving, enjoy the feast, savor the flavors, but remember, your stomach is not auditioning for a blockbuster explosion scene. So don’t push it.
What Your Favorite Thanksgiving Side Says About You
Mac & Cheese
If your favorite side dish is mac and cheese, you don’t take your time with your family for granted. You appreciate the small things in life and the memories you’ve created. Your first taste of mac and cheese was when you were a child, and you still remember how your face lit up after that first bit. You’re a nostalgic person that wants to capture every moment.
Corn
Your fondness for corn as your favorite Thanksgiving dish suggests that you have a cheerful and optimistic outlook on life. You’re down to earth, and you prefer the simplicity in life. You don’t need anything too fancy schmancy. The vibrant color of corn on your rather muted plate is how others perceive you, as the shining light in their lives.
Green Bean Casserole
You’re a warm and welcoming person. On the outside, green bean casserole sounds like an unappealing dish because its main ingredient is a veggie. Right? Wrong! You are a person who doesn’t judge a book by its cover. You find the beauty in others and are always willing to invite them in and give them a chance.
Brussel Sprouts
If your favorite side dish is Brussels Sprouts at Thanksgiving, then you plan on ruining the delicious smell of turkey with the atrocious odor of those green, slimy, tiny cabbages. I specifically hope that if you prefer to fill more than a third of your plate with the sprouts, you bring them yourself. (It’s even worse if you prefer them boiled over baked.) This Thanksgiving dinner, please try some mashed potatoes or stuffing. It will change your whole outlook on life.
Mashed Potatoes
If your favorite side dish at Thanksgiving is mashed potatoes, then you’re a person who loves comfort. You find solace in familiar things. Mashed potatoes are a classic staple on your holiday dish, this says that you are someone who values family and tradition.
Sweet Potatoes and Marshmallows
If you prefer this unique combination on your Thanksgiving dinner plate, you are a creative and imaginative person. You love to try new things, even if they’re not guaranteed to work. You are an adventurer with a sweet tooth, and it’s what your friends and family love most about you.
Cranberry Jelly Sauce
Congratulations, you are among the few who prefer this side on your Thanksgiving plate. You are independent and make your own decisions, despite what others might say. Cranberry jelly is the metaphor for “take me as I am.” You also live by the mantra, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
No Side
Jail. If you decide that all you want on your plate at Thanksgiving dinner is a slice of turkey… Ok, maybe jail is a bit much. But go sit in the corner! This meal was built on its sides, so to not include any is unacceptable. For the sake of your friends and family, please throw some corn and mashed potatoes on your plate this holiday.
Stuffing
You have a big heart! There are lots of ways to make stuffing and each way is delicious. If you like to load up on the stuffing during the holiday, not only do you have great taste, but you are also a generous and giving person. You enjoy stepping back and giving others the spotlight to feel special.
