Who doesn’t love a delicious meal and good company? The holidays bring the ones we love together to share family recipes (and maybe embarrassing stories, too). But the fun can be halted with the discomfort of acid reflux and makes you feel like the stuffed turkey you had for dinner. Save these tips to avoid/reduce reflux with your holiday meal.
- Be cognizant of trigger foods. Think of foods that are spicy, high in dairy, high fat or seasoned with garlic. Alcohol especially red wine can cause acid reflux as well as caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits and fruit juices.
- If possible, eat earlier in the day. If you are prone to reflux at night, avoid eating one to two hours before bed.
- Eat slowly. Slowing down how fast you eat can reduce the amount of gas that can build up while enjoying everything in moderation.
- Use over-the-counter medicine. Be sure to grab some Pepcid® while out buying ingredients for dinner. This will work within 30-45 minutes versus PPIs (proton pump inhibitors) such as Nexium®, Prilosec, Dexilant and Prevacid that need to be taken daily to work best.
- Drink lots of water. Don’t miss out on your favorite holiday drink but be sure to keep a glass of water next to your drink of choice.
- Wear loose or non-restricting clothing. That special outfit you have picked out for the dinner table? Make sure it leaves room for the food you’ll consume. Wearing restricting clothing, such as pants that are too tight, can cause stomach acid to travel up the esophagus and cause acid reflux. The goal is to be cute but comfortable.
Are you suffering from acid reflux? UofL Health – Reflux, Swallowing & Hernia Center is ready to help. Call 502-588-4571 to make an appointment today.
