Almost everyone gets heartburn occasionally. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 60 million Americans experience that burning sensation in their chest about once a month — and about 15 million Americans experience heartburn, or acid reflux, daily.
Whether you have regular or occasional heartburn, you’re more likely to suffer a reflux episode during the holiday season when meals are large, plentiful, and rich.
Here, board-certified general surgeon Michael Sutker, MD, offers advice to help you control acid reflux and minimize heartburn so you can fully enjoy all the holiday season has to offer — including delicious meals, sweet treats, and festive beverages.
Instead of taking heaping portions of every dish that gets passed around the holiday table, opt for smaller spoonfuls.
When your stomach digests smaller portions of food, less acid is produced, and there’s a smaller chance that the acid will travel back up to your esophagus and trigger that heartburn sensation. Big meals produce more acid — and make acid reflux more likely.
Lying down soon after eating increases the odds that your stomach acid will travel back into your esophagus since it has gravity on its side. It’s best to wait two to three hours after eating before hitting the sack.
Not all foods are created or digested equally when it comes to managing heartburn. Certain foods make it more likely to induce a heartburn episode. Some foods and beverages that commonly cause heartburn include:
Every stomach is different, so be aware of foods and drinks that seem to trigger heartburn for you, and do your best to avoid them.
Tight clothing, belts, and pinched waistbands can push stomach acid in the wrong direction — upward. It’s better to wear clothes that allow your stomach to expand after mealtime. Given that being overweight is also a risk factor for heartburn, weight loss can also lower your risk of experiencing it.
Now you have yet one more reason to give up smoking or vaping. In addition to the fact that it can increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, and lung disease, these unhealthy habits can also cause heartburn. Kicking either of these habits for good can help reduce (or eliminate) heartburn symptoms and improve your overall health.
When you do get hit with that burning sensation, over-the-counter medications such as antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) can help reduce the amount of acid coming out of your stomach and soothe that burning feeling in your chest.
For more severe or chronic cases of acid reflux, Dr. Sutker can recommend prescription medication. If OTC and prescription medication fail to minimize heartburn symptoms, Dr. Sutker may recommend surgical treatment to provide long-term symptom relief.
Don’t let heartburn interfere with your holiday fun. If you’re concerned about chronic or severe acid reflux symptoms, we can help. Call your nearest Michael Sutker, MD, PA, office in Dallas or McKinney, Texas, today, or click online to request an appointment at your convenience.
