SPONSORED: How to avoid and manage festive heartburn
This Christmas, you may get something you didn’t wish for at all – symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux which can leave you feeling like a Grinch.
By being mindful of what you consume and making a few lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively manage symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux while still enjoying the festivities.
During a season spent with family and friends, you shouldn’t have to waste a single moment suffering. Luckily, there are a few easy ways you can hopefully avoid heartburn and acid reflux this season.
Food and drink to enjoy, limit and to avoid
Focus on foods that are gentle on your stomach and less likely to cause acid reflux. Lean proteins like turkey, chicken, and fish are excellent options, as well as non-acidic vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, and spinach. Whole grains like brown rice and oats can also help stabilise your digestion. If you want to enjoy dessert, opt for non-citrus fruits like apples and pears, or a small portion of a low-fat treat.
Limit your intake of rich, fatty, and spicy foods. Creamy sauces, fried foods, and spicy dishes can also be troublesome. When it comes to beverages, limit your intake of coffee, alcohol, and carbonated drinks, which can all aggravate heartburn symptoms.
Avoid indulging in alcoholic drinks and instead opt for mocktails.
Simple lifestyle changes to help you feel your best
There are a few easy lifestyle changes you can make to help manage the symptoms of heartburn during the holiday season. With so much to do and to prepare for, the run up to Christmas can be a stressful time and play a part in heartburn flare-ups. Try your best to plan ahead, and incorporate some mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga.
When it comes to parties or going out with family or friends, choose loose-fitting clothing, as tight clothes can put pressure on your abdomen, worsening the symptoms of heartburn. Eat early in the day, if possible, and give your body at least two to three hours to digest before lying down. After you eat, take a leisurely walk – light activity after meals can help aid digestion and may mitigate the symptoms of reflux.
By following these tips, you may be more likely to enjoy the Christmas season and say “bah humbug” to the symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux.
What is heartburn?
Heartburn can lead to feeling bloated and sick.
Heartburn is an unpleasant burning feeling in the chest which is caused by stomach acid travelling up towards the throat. This is known as acid reflux.
When you’re suffering from the symptoms of heartburn, you may experience bloating and feel sick, a cough or recurring hiccups, an unpleasant sour taste, a hoarse voice or even have bad breath. Symptoms of acid reflux can be worse after eating, lying down and when bending over.
Many of us get the occasional heartburn but if it happens regularly it’s known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease or GORD.
Read more: Manage heartburn symptoms during menopause
Pyrocalm Control can provide effective relief
If lifestyle changes and antacid remedies aren’t helping, speak to your pharmacist or GP. They can advise on treatments such as omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) which reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes.
Pyrocalm Control is the first branded 20mg omeprazole available over the counter that provides up to 24-hour confidence in heartburn control. Available in packs of 7 and 14 at high street pharmacies and major supermarkets.
For more information, visit Pyrocalm Control’s website.
Pyrocalm Control 20mg Gastro-Resistant Tablets. Now also available in Peppermint flavour. For the short-term treatment of reflux symptoms in adults. Contains 20mg Omeprazole. Always read the label.
