Easter is a time of joy and celebration, but for many people, it’s also a time of heartburn and acid reflux. With all the tempting foods and drinks, it’s easy to indulge and overeat. But don’t let heartburn ruin your holiday festivities.

Follow these ten tips for a heartburn-free Easter feast:.

Tip #1: Avoid Trigger Foods

Some foods are more likely to cause heartburn than others. Common trigger foods include chocolate, peppermint, fatty foods, spicy foods, and citrus fruits. If you know that a particular food triggers your heartburn, avoid it during your Easter feast.

Instead, choose foods that are gentle on your digestive system, such as lean proteins, vegetables, and whole-grain breads.

Tip #2: Eat Smaller Portions

Overeating is a common cause of heartburn. Digesting a large meal can put pressure on your stomach and cause acid to reflux into your esophagus. To prevent heartburn, eat smaller portions throughout the day instead of one big meal.

This will give your stomach a chance to digest your food more easily and reduce the risk of reflux.

Tip #3: Stay Upright

Lying down after a meal can increase your risk of heartburn. When you lie on your back, gravity pulls acid from your stomach into your esophagus. To prevent heartburn, stay upright for at least an hour after eating.

You can also try raising the head of your bed by a few inches to keep acid from refluxing at night.

Tip #4: Don’t Drink Too Much

Alcohol can increase the risk of heartburn by relaxing the LES (lower esophageal sphincter), the muscle that keeps acid from refluxing into your esophagus. To prevent heartburn, limit your alcohol intake and drink plenty of water instead.

Water will help dilute stomach acid and keep the digestive process running smoothly.

Tip #5: Avoid Carbonated Beverages

Carbonated beverages can increase the risk of heartburn by putting pressure on your stomach and causing acid to reflux into your esophagus. To prevent heartburn, avoid carbonated beverages during your Easter feast.

Instead, try drinking water, herbal tea, or non-carbonated fruit juice.

Tip #6: Don’t Eat Right Before Bedtime

Eating right before bedtime can increase the risk of heartburn by giving your stomach less time to digest your food. To prevent heartburn, try to finish your last meal of the day at least three hours before you go to bed.

If you need a snack before bedtime, choose a light, non-acidic snack such as plain yogurt or a small apple.

Tip #7: Choose Lean Proteins

Fatty foods can increase the risk of heartburn by slowing down the digestive process and putting pressure on your stomach. To prevent heartburn, choose lean proteins such as turkey, chicken, fish, or tofu and avoid fried or greasy foods.

Tip #8: Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating can help prevent heartburn by slowing down the digestive process and making you more aware of your body’s signals of fullness. To practice mindful eating, take small bites, chew slowly, and savor your food.

Put your fork down between bites and take time to enjoy the conversation and company of your loved ones.

Tip #9: Use Antacids Wisely

If you do experience heartburn during your Easter feast, don’t reach for the antacids right away.

While antacids can provide temporary relief of heartburn symptoms, they can also interfere with the digestive process and cause rebound acid reflux later on. Use antacids only as needed and try not to rely on them too heavily.

Tip #10: Manage Your Stress

Stress can increase the risk of heartburn by disrupting the digestive process and increasing stomach acid production. To prevent heartburn, manage your stress through techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Take time to relax and enjoy the holiday season without letting stress and anxiety take over.