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The holidays are a time to eat with family and enjoy celebrations, but for many, it also brings with it an unwelcome guest: heartburn.
it’s no coincidence In case of backflow According to Dr. Mark Schachner, medical director of Broward Health Coral Springs Heartburn Center in South Florida, heartburn cases spike this time of year.
“I tend to get heartburn. while on vacation “That’s because we often eat larger portions, enjoy richer foods, and indulge in more sweets and alcohol than usual,” he told FOX News Digital.
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Combine these rich holiday foods and drinks with overeating, eating late at night, and lying down immediately after eating, and you have what doctors call a “recipe for reflux.”
“Heartburn tends to be more severe during the holidays because we often eat more than usual, enjoy rich foods, and consume lots of sweets and alcohol.” (St. Petersburg)
Here, doctors share five common mistakes people make during the holidays and throughout the year that can cause heartburn.
1. Eating too much or too quickly
Schachner recommends eating Chew small portions slowly Then resist the urge to go back for a few seconds until you have time to digest.
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Staying upright for at least two to three hours after a meal helps your stomach empty more efficiently and keeps stomach acid in its proper place.
“Moderation and timing make the biggest difference,” Schachner added.
2. Eat a midnight snack
It’s tempting to eat that last cookie or pie before bed, but Schachner recommends allowing it. 2-3 hours Between the last bite and bedtime.
Going to bed soon after eating is one of the biggest causes of reflux, he said, because lying down makes it easier for stomach acid to rise.
Portion control is the key to not only maintaining a healthy weight but also preventing heartburn. (St. Petersburg)
3. Don’t move after eating
Walks and other things low effort activities According to Schachner, after a big meal can make a big difference.
“A gentle walk after meals aids digestion and reduces reflux,” he said.
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Even light exercise helps your stomach process food, relieving pressure that can cause heartburn. No matter how attractive he may seem, Mr. Schachner… nap after party.
4. I don’t know the trigger
Some foods and drinks are more likely to cause trouble. Doctors say common triggers include fatty and fried foods, tomato sauce, citrus fruits, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks.
“Everyone’s triggers are a little different, so be careful.” which food “It’s important to cause discomfort,” he added.
Staying upright for at least 2 to 3 hours after a meal helps your stomach empty more efficiently and prevents acid reflux. (St. Petersburg)
5. Ignore symptoms
Occasional heartburn attacks are usually nothing to worry about, but if you experience heartburn symptoms more than once a week, Over-the-counter medicine Please stop working, the doctor said it is important to be careful.
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“That’s when it’s time to see a doctor and get a complete exam,” he says.
Chronic reflux can signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause long-term damage if left untreated.
Frequent heartburn may indicate a more serious illness, but it is often treatable. (St. Petersburg)
Doctors also warned about becoming overly dependent on Antacid or acid reducing agent. “It is best used under the guidance of a medical professional who can identify and treat the root cause, not just the symptoms,” he advised.
Advanced relief options
For people with chronic reflux, there are now FDA-approved treatments that provide minimally invasive and lasting symptom relief. traditional surgery.
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“One example is the LINX® procedure, which uses a small ring of magnetic beads to strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter,” Schachner said.
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The other is transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF). It repairs the natural barrier between the stomach and esophagus through the mouth without making external incisions.
