5 Ways to Avoid Heartburn This Thanksgiving

Do rich meals almost always make you feel uncomfortable? Is a burning pain and a bitter taste in your mouth almost always a consequence of a hearty meal?

Heartburn isn’t just uncomfortable; it could be an indication that the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the valve that opens and closes after you eat, isn't working properly. The LES is a valve that acts like a gate between your esophagus and your stomach. When the gate doesn’t close properly, some of the acid in your stomach climbs up, causing uncomfortable symptoms.

Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to support the function of this valve and ensure your Thanksgiving is as pleasant as it should be.

To help you out, our experts at Carolina Digestive Health Associates share five ways to avoid heartburn this Thanksgiving.

1. Be mindful of trigger foods

Certain foods and drinks can either relax the muscle even further (such as chocolate, coffee, and alcohol), while others increase acid production in the stomach (including citrus fruits and tomatoes). You don’t have to avoid them altogether; instead, be mindful of the quantities and place more focus on foods that don’t impact your heartburn in any way.

2. Use gravity to your advantage

Regardless of what you’ve had on your plate, staying upright can be helpful. It’s far easier for acid to climb up the esophagus when you are lying down. Instead, opt for a short walk or simply stay upright for at least one hour after your meal.

3. Wear loose clothing

One of the reasons why heartburn is more prevalent in pregnant women and in people who carry a lot of weight around the midsection is the pressure being put on the stomach, which squeezes it. However, a similar effect can occur even with very tight clothing. One way to reduce your chance of discomfort is by wearing stretchy, loose clothing.

4. Chew slowly

Chewing slowly not only reduces the amount of food you ingest, but it also makes it easier for your stomach to digest it. This means you’ll produce less stomach acid, as your stomach won’t have to work as hard to digest your food.

5. Give over-the-counter antacids a try

Sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough to relieve discomfort. If that’s the case, over-the-counter medications can lessen symptoms by reducing the amount of acid produced by your stomach and, as a result, reduce the risk of having some of it climb up into your esophagus.

Learn more about your heartburn

When heartburn occurs occasionally, dietary adjustments and over-the-counter supplements may be sufficient to manage it. Still, when it becomes a chronic issue, it could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD isn’t life-threatening, but over time, the acid climbing up into your esophagus can cause complications, including damaged tissues, bad breath, and damaged tooth enamel.

Want to ensure you are well? Contact us to schedule an appointment at our offices in Belmont and Charlotte, North Carolina.