Like Mr. Grinch, heartburn can crush your holiday. In fact, 35 percent of Black Americans have acid reflux. What you may not realize is that burning in your chest after eating may be a sign that you have GERD. Fortunately, there are easy ways to prevent it.
RELATED: The Best & Absolute Worst Foods To Eat With Acid Reflux
“Heartburn is caused by acidic stomach content moving into the esophagus, or gullet, which is much less resistant to acid,” Dr. James East, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London says. “This results in irritation and damage to the lining of the esophagus, literally a burn, that causes pain.”
Some holiday favorites can be culprits. Eating large, fatty, greasy or spicy meals can trigger heartburn, as can onions, citrus fruits, tomato-based foods, and even chocolate and peppermint. Alcohol, fizzy beverages and caffeine can bring on heartburn, too.
Chronic heartburn is known as GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
RELATED: Relief from the Digestive Blues
Taking antacids or even acid-suppressing drugs before eating can reduce heartburn symptoms, East shares. But, he warns, don’t use them to overindulge.
While these medications lower acid, they don’t stop the regurgitation that can accompany reflux, so overeating can still lead to uncomfortable symptoms, East notes.
“Moderation in both food and alcohol, and enjoying the range of dishes available from your host is a better strategy than additional medication,” he said in a Mayo Clinic news release.
Reducing anxiety and stress might also help.
“Being stressed or anxious can lead to gut nerves being oversensitive where they fire off pain signals, such as cramping or bloating, at much lower levels of stimulation than would normally be required,” East adds.
Techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy or hypnotherapy can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Physical positioning also plays a role in heartburn.
“Classical triggers for reflux include a large fatty meal late in the day, with alcohol, and then lying down flat,” East says.
RELATED: Avoid Heartburn and Acid Reflux With These 7 Delicious Recipes
To avoid heartburn, do the opposite, he suggests.
Have your main meal in the middle of the day, don’t eat within three hours of bedtime, avoid fatty foods, moderate your alcohol intake and consider raising the head of your bed.
Other lifestyle changes that can help ease heartburn:
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
