How To Deal With Acid Reflex During A Holiday Buffet
The downside of pigging out during those delicious holiday dinners is that all that food can exacerbate stomach acid production and cause potential heartburn. And if you're really unlucky, you probably suffer from what is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). To avoid this from dampening your holiday spirits, here's a list to keep in mind before you start filling up your plate:
Don't lie down after eating: Lying down after filling your stomach only encourages acid to creep back up the esophagus.
Avoid mint: This holiday food may be traditional, but it's best to steer clear as it is a common trigger for those with GERD.
Avoid chocolate, citrus: Chocolate and citrus are also on the list of foods to avoid. Although citrus flavoring isn't enough to aggravate acid reflux, the ones mixed with chocolate will still be problematic.
Try not to overeat: A large meal can lead to a distended stomach, which in turn encourages the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid through.
Avoid ending your meal with an espresso: Some people like to indulge in a delicious espresso after a large meal, but it's best to skip the caffeine since it can aggravate GERD symptoms.
Fill up on appetizers: Appetizers are more likely to have GERD-friendly ingredients like veggies, fish and whole grain bread. And since you're filling up on appetizers, you'll be less likely to overeat during the main course.
Avoid rich, fatty dishes: High fat foods like foie gras, fatty duck, rib roasts, cheese plates, etc. aren't efficiently digested by the stomach, and can cause a back up that makes its way back through the esophagus.
Minimize your drinking: Try not to drink more than a glass or two to prevent irritating the lining of your stomach and cause an episode of heart burn.
Get moving: Getting up and moving after a meal is a surefire way to help jumpstart your digestive system.
Come prepared: The last thing you want to spend your holiday doing is driving around an unfamiliar town in search of medicine. So be sure you know what treatment works for you and have it with you while you go visiting.
Image via sourceAvoid mint: This holiday food may be traditional, but it's best to steer clear as it is a common trigger for those with GERD.
Avoid chocolate, citrus: Chocolate and citrus are also on the list of foods to avoid. Although citrus flavoring isn't enough to aggravate acid reflux, the ones mixed with chocolate will still be problematic.
Try not to overeat: A large meal can lead to a distended stomach, which in turn encourages the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing stomach acid through.
Avoid ending your meal with an espresso: Some people like to indulge in a delicious espresso after a large meal, but it's best to skip the caffeine since it can aggravate GERD symptoms.
Fill up on appetizers: Appetizers are more likely to have GERD-friendly ingredients like veggies, fish and whole grain bread. And since you're filling up on appetizers, you'll be less likely to overeat during the main course.
Avoid rich, fatty dishes: High fat foods like foie gras, fatty duck, rib roasts, cheese plates, etc. aren't efficiently digested by the stomach, and can cause a back up that makes its way back through the esophagus.
Minimize your drinking: Try not to drink more than a glass or two to prevent irritating the lining of your stomach and cause an episode of heart burn.
Get moving: Getting up and moving after a meal is a surefire way to help jumpstart your digestive system.
Come prepared: The last thing you want to spend your holiday doing is driving around an unfamiliar town in search of medicine. So be sure you know what treatment works for you and have it with you while you go visiting.
