Whether you’re indulging in a Christmas ham or eating some chocolate that you found in your stocking, there’s no denying that the holiday season can be a little harder than normal on your digestive system. This is especially true if you suffer from acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Managing your acid reflux can be hard no matter what time of the year it is, but it can be especially challenging over the holidays. With that in mind, we wanted to take a minute to share some tips for managing and preventing acid reflux during the holiday season.
Managing Acid Reflux Over The Holidays
Managing acid reflux during the holidays is similar to how you would manage it at any point of the year, but there are more potential pitfalls you need to be aware of and plan for. With that in mind, here’s how to keep your acid reflux in check this Christmas.
- Slow Down When You Eat – You may be excited for a holiday feast, but you need to pace yourself and slow down when you eat. Make a modest plate and take your time when you eat. This will help you realize that you’re full and avoid overeating, and it can prevent you from swallowing air that can contribute to gas, bloating and acid reflux.
- Chew, Chew, Chew – Along with slowing down, make sure that you really chew your food up. Larger pieces of food are harder to digest, and when stomach acid is churning away trying to break down food, it can make its way back up into your esophageal canal.
- Limit Sweets And Fats – High fat foods and sugary sweets can be a little harder for your stomach to digest, and that can put you at a higher risk for acid flux. Limit your sweets and fat intake, and mix in plenty of high fiber options like vegetables and nuts.
- Stay Active – After a meal, you can help prevent acid reflux by remaining upright and letting gravity work for you. If you lounge on the couch or lay down in bed shortly after a meal, it’s easier for stomach acid to get back into your esophagus. Stay upright or go for a walk after a meal to help keep symptoms at bay.
- Avoid Or Limit Caffeine – With more social gatherings or late nights wrapping presents, it’s easier to reach for a coffee or a holiday drink when you’re craving one. Be mindful of your caffeine and alcohol intake, because they can trigger an acid reflux attack. Limit your intake and drink plenty of water throughout the day and with meals.
- Talk To A Specialist – Finally, if the holidays are simply triggering more acid reflux attacks or you’re not able to enjoy the holidays as you’d like because of your GERD, reach out to a specialist like Dr. Bhatti. He can help pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort and set you up with manageable solutions to get it under control. Oftentimes a solution is simpler than you might imagine if you just connect with a gastrointestinal specialist.
For more information, or for help with your gastrointestinal needs this holiday season, reach out to Dr. Bhatti and the team at Bhatti GI Consultants today.
