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Our eating habits leading up to Christmas create a perfect storm for heartburn or acid reflux.
It’s an unwelcome guest- especially during the holidays. “It’s a burning sensation that starts in your chest and goes all the way up.” Unfortunately during the season of giving, getting heartburn is pretty common.
The sensation is caused by the stomach’s acidic contents splashing up into the esophagus. It happens when the valve that separates the two organs opens at the wrong time. Gastroenterologist, Dr. David Armstrong explains “If we have a big meal then we have a full stomach. And the stomach doesn’t like being too full. So if there’s too much gas in there, the stomach can detect that and then it will open the valve to let the air out.”
Dr. David Armstrong, says overeating is a frequent cause of heartburn, especially when the meal is full of fatty foods. Christmas favourites like peppermint, chocolate and citrus fruits are also culprits behind acid reflux. A late night meal can trigger heartburn too. It may even wake you up from a peaceful sleep. “When you lie down, your stomach and esophagus are pretty much at the same level. so all the valve has to do is open up a little bit when you’re lying down and then the liquid can go straight up into the esophagus.”
That’s why lying down is the worst thing you can do to combat heartburn. Instead, Armstrong suggests taking an antacid, drinking a small glass of warm milk or water and going for a brisk walk. Better yet, try to stop heartburn before it starts and avoid overindulging.
