‘Tis the season for company parties and get-togethers with family and friends, but for some GERD sufferers, just the sight of the holiday spread gets the esophagus burning like chestnuts roasting on an open fire. If you’re one of the 60 million Americans diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease, don’t let the holidays become a New Year’s resolution of losing weight. A little restraint at the dinner table can save your waistline as well as your esophagus.The holidays are typically a big time for over-eating, but all the fatty greasy food can slow indigestion and cause acid to build up in the stomach. Experts say even those who don’t experience frequent heartburn can have an episode during the holidays.
Dr. Charlene Prather, Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine at Saint Louis University School of Medicine said preventing acid reflux is all about portion, fat, and alcohol control.
"Some people also have trouble with chocolate, tomato products, and onions and garlic," said Dr. Prather, "Try to eat small amounts. If reflux is a big problem (more than an occasional nuisance), avoid the richest foods or just have a bite or two."
A typical recipe for reflux might be a high-calorie or high-fat dinner, washed down with some red wine, and followed by a chocolate desert and coffee. Anticipating a party with mistletoe? You're likely to grab a candy cane or a mint on your way out the door.
"Although you are unlikely to do yourself any real damage, you may be in for a very uncomfortable night," said Dr. Prather.
Alcohol, coffee, some fruit juices, peppermint, and spearmint are all foods that GERD sufferers should avoid. But if you know that the temptation will be too much to resist, Dr. Prather said you should probably take an antacid ahead of time.
"For the occasional heartburn sufferer it is fine to take an over the counter Pepcid or Zantac," said Dr. Prather, "these will kick in within an hour and last several hours."
Although the packages recommend against taking a double dose, Dr. Prather said it’s OK to take an extra dose of these acid blockers once you get home.
And if heartburn has already kicked in, she said the combo product Pepcid Complete is great because the antacid will provide immediate relief. It’s also safe to take an antacid with one of the non-combo acid blocker drugs.
One piece of warning on the prescription proton pump inhibitors, such as Nexium, or over the counter (OTC) Prilosec — they take about 3 to 5 days to kick in. But Dr. Prather said Prilosec is the strongest OTC acid suppressing medication available.
If you require any of these medications for 14 days or more, experts say you should check with your physician to see if you have more serious reflux disease or if something else is causing the gastroesophageal distress.
Some other tips for relieving heartburn is to cut yourself off early. Stop eating about 4 hours before bedtime for a better chance at an uninterrupted night’s sleep. And sitting up or elevating the head of the bed 4 to 6 inches will allow gravity to keep the stomach contents in place through the night.
Something you may want to try before your head hits the pillow is smacking on a piece of gum — particularly the brand Eclipse, which contains an antacid. Dr. Prather says this would be another option to try for immediate heartburn relief.
And while no one means to be a Scrooge this holiday, experts advise letting the ghosts of heartburn past be your guide at the buffet line.
"Enjoy the holidays and special foods of the season in moderation," said Dr. Prather. "Remember, the first two or three bites are typically the most memorable."
