With the festive season in full swing, people tend to overindulge in food and drinks, leading to unpleasant symptoms like heartburn.

Heartburn is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it can be triggered by a variety of factors such as eating spicy or fatty foods, smoking, stress, and more.

If you are one of the many individuals who suffer from heartburn, don’t let it ruin your festive celebrations. Here are some of the best ways to beat heartburn at festive gatherings:.

1. Eat Smaller Meals

Large meals can increase the pressure on your stomach and cause acid reflux, leading to heartburn. To prevent this, eat smaller meals or snacks throughout the day rather than three large meals.

This will help keep your digestive system working smoothly and reduce the chances of heartburn.

2. Avoid Trigger Foods and Drinks

Some foods and drinks can trigger heartburn in certain people. This includes spicy foods, fatty foods, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.

If you are prone to heartburn, avoid these trigger foods and drinks or consume them in moderation.

3. Stay Upright After Eating

Lying down or reclining too soon after eating can cause stomach acid to flow back into your esophagus, causing heartburn. Instead, stay upright for at least two hours after eating to allow your food to digest properly.

This will help reduce the risk of heartburn.

4. Chew Gum

Chewing gum can help reduce the symptoms of heartburn by increasing saliva production. Saliva is a natural acid buffer, and the increased production of saliva can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce heartburn.

Just make sure to choose sugar-free gum to avoid exacerbating any other digestive issues.

5. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing

Tight-fitting clothing can put pressure on your stomach, causing acid reflux and heartburn. To prevent this, wear loose-fitting clothing to holiday gatherings. Loose-fitting clothes will also help you feel more comfortable after eating.

6. Take Medication

If you suffer from frequent heartburn, you may want to consider taking medication. Over-the-counter antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and H2 blockers can help reduce the symptoms of heartburn.

Consult with your doctor before taking any medications, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.

7. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water can help neutralize stomach acid and reduce the risk of heartburn. Make sure you drink water throughout the day, especially during meals, to keep your digestive system working properly.

8. Manage Stress

Stress can increase the risk of heartburn by increasing stomach acid production. To manage stress during the festive season, try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or tai chi.

These activities can help reduce stress levels and prevent heartburn.

9. Eat Earlier in the Day

Eating late at night can increase the risk of heartburn because it gives your stomach less time to digest food before you sleep. Try to eat your last meal or snack at least three hours before bedtime to reduce the risk of heartburn.

10. Elevate the Head of Your Bed

If you experience nighttime heartburn, elevate the head of your bed by 6 to 8 inches. This can help prevent stomach acid from flowing into your esophagus while you sleep. You can use a wedge pillow or add risers under the bed’s legs to raise it.

By following these tips, you can beat heartburn at festive gatherings and enjoy the festivities without discomfort.

Remember to eat smaller meals, avoid trigger foods and drinks, stay upright after eating, chew gum, wear loose-fitting clothing, take medication as needed, drink plenty of water, manage stress, eat earlier in the day, and elevate the head of your bed. Happy holidays!.