Celebrating the holiday season amid a pandemic won’t be easy this year. No doubt many of us are concocting new and tasty foods to help ease the toned down celebratory mood that has swept across the nation and abroad. For some of us, the epicurean delights are a great way to focus on the positive.
For the 50 million Americans who suffer from heartburn on a regular basis and especially during the holidays, this year will be no different. Knowledge is power and knowing the foods that may trigger the burning of heartburn may help them navigate a holiday smorgasbord. Many of the foods and beverages served at social events and holiday get-togethers may cause heartburn. Those “trigger” foods include: marbled meats, rich sauces, creamy cheeses ,citrus products (tomatoes, lemons, oranges and/or grapefruit), caffeine, and alcohol.
These foods tend to relax the sphincter between the esophagus and the stomach. The sphincter is a band of muscle that contracts and relaxes to allow food into the stomach. When it contracts, it prevents digestive enzymes and stomach acid from re-entering the esophagus and causing irritation. Heartburn is caused when stomach acid flows backward or up into the esophagus. Diet and medication can inadvertently contribute to heartburn by relaxing the sphincter, increasing the amount of acid produced in the stomach and making the esophagus more sensitive to stomach acid. Foods that tend to be high in fat slow the process of digestion, which means that acid and food remain in the stomach cavity longer. The acid then has a greater chance of moving back into the esophagus. Alcoholic beverages, soda and citrus juices raise the level of acidity in the stomach, causing the esophagus to become even more irritated. Episodes of heartburn may also be caused by the positioning of the body and certain
movements such as lying down, bending over or strenuous activities.
Luckily, one handy defense mechanism against heartburn is gravity. When standing in the upright position, gravity tends to prevent acid from moving upward back into the esophagus, reducing the chance of heartburn. Lying
down or bending alters the state of gravity and increases abdominal pressure, increasing the chances for heartburn.
When preparing to host a family gathering or attend social festivities, keep the following tips in mind: Prepare dishes with less fat. Eat smaller portions. Do not eat late at night or before going to bed. Exercise daily. Dilute alcohol with water or club soda. Heartburn does not have to ruin the holiday season if you are mindful of the foods and drinks you consume.
If you continue to get heartburn despite making dietary changes, you may need to be prescribed a medicine to help you feel better. The key is always to avoid getting heartburn rather than treating it. Make a telehealth appointment with your physician and talk to him/her about the treatment right for you. Visit MyCottageClinics.com for details on telehealth appointments.
***Report Courtesy of Cottage Hospital***
