No holiday celebration would be complete without delicious food. Turkey and mashed potatoes smothered with gravy, sweet potatoes casserole and pumpkin pies with whipped cream are all staples of the holiday season. But, if you are one of the 15 million Americans who suffer from chronic heartburn Acid Reflux, some of these tasty treats may leave you reaching for antacids this holiday season.
Gastroenterologist agree that the holiday season is one of the worst times of the year for patients with Acid Reflux. In fact, a large amount of the food eaten during the holidays, and the types of food served during the holidays, including fatty and caffeinated foods, can be a recipe for significant pain for chronic heartburn sufferers.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common digestive condition that is usually caused by a weakened or relaxed lower esophageal sphincter. This is the muscular valve that is between the esophagus and the stomach . When relaxed, it is unable to prevent the stomach acid from flowing up out of the stomach and into the esophagus. After eating, people who have GERD will often experience a painful burning feeling in their chest, and a sour taste in their mouth from of the stomach acid in the esophagus.
Lifestyle changes are often prescribed to minimize heartburn. These changes include not eating certain foods and avoiding large meals. This can sometimes help relieve the symptoms of GERD. But avoiding holiday food temptations is often not easy.
To help avoid heartburn during the holidays, we have put together the following advice to help keep your stomach and esophagus acid-free.
Five tips for surviving the holidays with Acid Reflux
1. Don’t Overeat
Large amounts of food stretch the stomach, which can cause the lower esophageal sphincter to release acid back up into the esophagus.
2. Stay Caffeine-Free
Caffeinated beverages and foods including soda pop, certain flavors of ice cream and chocolate will work often aggravate symptoms of Acid Relfux.
3. Avoid Fatty Greasy Foods
Foods that are fatty will cause trouble for people with GERD. Excessive fats in foods slow the process of food leaving the stomach. If food isn’t emptied from the stomach, it will sometimes backup into the esophagus. In addition, fatty and greasy foods promote relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, which can allowing acid rise into the esophagus.
4. Keep The Wine in the Bottle
Research has consistently shown that red wine will often cause heartburn. White wine may also cause acid reflux symptoms.
5. Don’t Eat Before Bed
The time that you eat is as important as what you eat. Normally, gravity serves as an important barrier for acid reflux during the day. However, when you lie down at night after eating a meal, you no longer have the gravity to prevent acid reflux. People who tend to have nighttime acid reflux symptoms should avoid eating or drinking three to four hours before bedtime.