Heartburn has ruined many days, caused sleepless nights, and thwarted the best-made holiday plans. No matter what you celebrate, don’t let heartburn stop you from enjoying your family traditions or spending time with friends. Our specialists at Digestive Disease Consultants of Orange County in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Tustin, and Foothill Ranch, California, can help. We offer these tips to help you manage heartburn over the holidays.
Watch what you eat and drink
We get it. No one wants to watch what they eat during the holidays, especially after the rough year we’ve had. But you can enjoy yourself while keeping heartburn at bay. Here are some ideas:
- Indulge in a special dish or holiday treat in moderation
- Eat less of your heartburn trigger foods
- Limit rich, fatty foods and desserts
- Cut down on carbonated drinks like sodas
Eat smaller meals
If you eat a big meal, you may regret it later. Try nibbling throughout the day or have more small meals. That way you can taste everything you want to without being weighed down and feeling sick. If you want to have a big holiday meal with your family, stop at one plate full instead of having seconds. You can always eat leftovers!
Eat slowly
This is a good tip for everyday eating, too. Slow down and chew your food. Linger over conversation at the table. Your body will thank you for helping it digest food better.
Drink less alcohol
It’s okay to have a holiday toast or a glass of wine with dinner. Just don’t drink too much, or you may be setting yourself up for heartburn and a nasty hangover. If you want to have more than one drink, have a glass of water in between.
Move more
We know this may be hard to do after eating a huge holiday meal, but we highly recommend it. Otherwise, all that food you just ate will be sitting in your stomach for hours and have the chance to cause acid reflux. Take a walk around the neighborhood, play some socially distanced games in the yard, or take the dog for a walk after you eat. The football games will still be on when you get back.
Don’t eat too close to bedtime
This is a no-brainer. Your body needs time to digest the food you eat, so it’s always a good idea to stop eating a few hours before you go to bed. If your heartburn flares up when you’re trying to sleep, prop up your pillows and raise your head above your stomach. This will help keep stomach acid where it needs to be so it can help break down your food.
These tips will serve you well during the holidays and long after. If heartburn still causes grief, or if you have heartburn more than two days a week, make an appointment to see one of our specialists at Digestive Disease Consultants of Orange County. Book online or call the office near you today.
