Turkey with all the trimmings, roast potatoes, Christmas pudding, brandy butter, a glass or two of Chardonnay…yum! This festive period is much awaited! However, do you know it can have a negative effect too?
Eating and drinking everything in an uncontrollable amount can leave us reaching for the antacid faster than you can realise! Then, it’ll be too late to regret. But, one shouldn’t be rude-olf 🦌 to the Christmas food! right?
Don’t worry, there are some things you can do to prevent yourself from experiencing that tell-tale burning sensation that lets you know you’ve overdone it.
What is Heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning feeling in the chest due to stomach acid travelling up towards the throat. It is also called acid reflux or GORD (gastro-oesophageal reflux disease)
What is the main cause of Heartburn?
According to the NHS, lots of people get heartburn and there is no obvious reason why. The following are the most common causes of heartburn:
- Being overweight has been observed to cause heartburn.
- Eating fatty food (high in fats and oils) or overeating slows down the digestion process.
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Stress/anxiety
- A hiatus hernia – when part of your stomach moves up into your chest
- Certain anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen
Sometimes food like coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and liquor can increase your heartburn.
What is the symptoms of heartburn?
Heartburn symptoms can start up because of a problem with a muscular valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It’s located below the rib cage slightly to the left.
The main symptoms include:
- burning sensation in the chest
- an unpleasant sour taste in the mouth
You may also experience bad breath, bloating and feeling sick and, hiccups that keep comig back.
Christmas top tips for heartburn relief
You can try the following methods to relax the heartburn yourself:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid food and drinks that trigger heartburn
- Avoid drinking and smoking
- Don’t go to bed directly after your dinner
- Eat smaller yet more frequent meals
-
raise 1 end of your bed 10 to 20cm by putting something under your bed or mattress – your chest and head should be above the level of your waist, so stomach acid does not travel up towards your throat
- Do not wear too tight clothing
- Stock up on the over-the-counter medicines( you know, just in case you get carried away with the Christmas yummies).
So, be merry, have a merry Christmas, just keep a tab on the food you are eating and you’ll be just fine! ‘Tis the season to enjoy food and lovely people around you!
Merry Christmas!🎄
