Search
Close this search box.

Holiday Heartburn or Something More?

Holiday Heartburn or Something More?

IFFGD offers 5 tips for GERD Awareness Week to help keep symptoms under control

 

For Immediate Release

Media Contact Form

IFFGD

414-964-1799

 

MILWAUKEE, WI (November 12, 2017) — The holiday meal has been consumed, the plates cleared away, and then you feel it — that all-too-familiar burning sensation of heartburn. While just about everyone experiences episodes of heartburn or “indigestion” from time to time, heartburn that ocurs more than once a week, becomes more severe, or occurs at night and wakes you from sleep may indicate something more. An underlying condition such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) could be the cause.

GERD is a long-term condition that occurs when stomach contents repeatedly flow backward (or reflux) into the esophagus (food tube). Over time this can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing uncomfortable symptoms. While most people with GERD have mild symptoms, left untreated, repeated reflux and irritation of the tissue of the esophagus can lead to complications such as tissue damage or difficulty swallowing.

“It is important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis when you have signs and symptoms of GERD,” said Ceciel T. Rooker, Executive Director of the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD). “Your healthcare provider can then work with you to develop a treatment plan to help best manage your symptoms.”

To help you avoid heartburn from making an unwanted appearance this holiday season, IFFGD offers the following five tips:

  1. Schedule an earlier meal. Digestion increases the amount of gastric acid naturally present in the stomach. And, a reclined position can allow stomach contents to reflux up the esophagus more easily. Occurring together, these are a recipe for reflux. While timing can vary from person to person, it is best not to eat within three or four hours of bedtime.
  2. Steer clear of known “problem foods.” Coming up with a list of foods to avoid involves experimenting to discover your triggers, as problem foods may differ from person to person. However, many people find that fats, onions and garlic, tomatoes and tomato products, chocolate, peppermint, and caffeine-containing foods and beverages to be particularly troublesome.
  3. Use smaller plates. Eating large meals can trigger symptoms, so try smaller meals spread throughout the day.
  4. Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Both alcohol and tobacco are known irritants and can trigger reflux symptoms. Cut back on consumption or avoid completely to reduce reflux.
  5. Keep good posture during and after the meal. Sitting up while eating and avoiding lying flat for a minimum of two hours after a meal may help prevent symptoms. Additionally, standing up and walking around after eating a meal helps encourage gastric juices to flow in the right direction.

“Persistent or repeated heartburn can signal that it’s time to talk to your doctor,” said Rooker. “GERD is more than simple heartburn. If you suspect that you may have GERD, schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional.”

GERD Awareness Week is November 19 — 25, 2017 and takes place each year during the week of Thanksgiving. Learn more about GERD on IFFGD’s dedicated website: www.aboutGERD.org.

About IFFGD

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is a nonprofit education and research organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by a functional gastrointestinal or motility disorder. Founded in 1991, IFFGD helps improve care by enhancing awareness, improving education, and supporting and encouraging research into treatments and cures for chronic digestive conditions. Learn more at www.iffgd.org

 

Share this page
Topics of this article
Was this article helpful?

IFFGD is a nonprofit education and research organization. Our mission is to inform, assist, and support people affected by gastrointestinal disorders.

Our original content is authored specifically for IFFGD readers, in response to your questions and concerns.

If you found this article helpful, please consider supporting IFFGD with a small tax-deductible donation.

Related Information
Personal Stories
Skip to content