The Holiday Season Brings Heartburn
The holiday season is upon us and with it comes food, beverages, and more food. Social events, neighborhood parties and work gatherings all usually occur around a table full of different kinds of foods and delicious cocktails. But if you are part of the 20 percent of the population who suffers from heartburn, this holiday season could be accompanied by some anxiety.
Heartburn is a common and uncomfortable symptom experienced by approximately one-third of all adults. Heartburn is caused by the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus. Acid reflux may lead to various other symptoms including abdominal and chest pain usually after eating, cough, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. The esophagus serves as a conduit from the mouth to the stomach. The food we eat is propelled into the stomach by virtue of contraction of involuntary muscles located in the esophageal wall. The lower esophageal sphincter, also known as LES is located at the junction between the esophagus and the stomach and prevents stomach contents from refluxing into the esophagus. When the LES is weak or incompetent, acidic stomach contents flow freely back up into the esophagus and may cause pain and other symptoms.
While occasional heartburn is normal and rarely a cause for concern, frequent, persistent acid reflux episodes that occur more than twice a week may lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Heartburn is one of the many possible manifestations of GERD. GERD may also cause ulceration, scarring, and narrowing of the esophagus. GERD may affect people of all ages, and lifestyle factors such as obesity, smoking, and lack of exercise are major contributors. Pregnant women are often more susceptible to reflux due to hormonal changes and increasing abdominal pressure from the growing baby.
Certain foods and drinks that may worsen acid reflux and heartburn include:
- Carbonated beverages
- Caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Spicy foods
- Fried or high-fat foods
- Milk
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes and tomato juice
- Onions
The effects of these foods and drinks vary from person to person. Triggers for acid reflux symptoms are usually individual. If you are experiencing heartburn and acid reflux, keeping a food diary could help determine which foods may be affecting you specifically. Once those foods have been identified, eliminating them from your diet may help avoid or decrease the frequency of future episodes.
While some foods may worsen heartburn, others may lessen or alleviate symptoms. These include:
- Ginger
- Bananas and melons
- Green veggies
- Grains and potatoes
Medications, both prescription and over the counter are frequently used to control symptoms of acid reflux. Frequent, severe or long-term symptoms if untreated, could lead to more serious complications. Our experienced, board-certified physicians at Greater Boston GI are available to carefully evaluate your symptoms, determine the cause and recommend the treatment method best suited to your situation. Medical therapy such as medications and lifestyle changes may be suggested. If symptoms persist, surgical treatment for GERD or the TIF® procedure may be an option. If you have been suffering heartburn and acid reflux, make sure to come see one of our providers so that you can enjoy this holiday season without concerns from bothersome symptoms. It is time to take control of your health and we are here to help.