Can certain holiday foods or customs provoke heartburn and acid reflux?
If you eat a lot at a single meal, you are increasing your risk for acid reflux. Reflux occurs when stomach contents – especially acid – back up into the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle between the esophagus and stomach that is supposed to stay closed after food passes into the stomach. Also, certain foods can cause the LES to relax, permitting reflux. These include fatty foods, sweets, caffeine, alcohol and peppermint – in other words, a lot of holiday foods. Cigarette smoking affects the LES, and laying down with a full stomach can cause reflux. So, if you have a cocktail before dinner, eat a huge meal with wine, finish with dessert and a mint or a smoke, then lie down for a nap, you’re going to be in trouble. Q: What is the difference between heartburn, acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease? A: Heartburn is the painful symptom we feel with reflux, while acid reflux is what physiologically happens. Everyone has a certain amount of acid ref
If you eat a lot at a single meal, you are increasing your risk for acid reflux. Reflux occurs when stomach contents – especially acid – back up into the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), the muscle between the esophagus and stomach that is supposed to stay closed after food passes into the stomach. Also, certain foods can cause the LES to relax, permitting reflux. These include fatty foods, sweets, caffeine, alcohol and peppermint – in other words, a lot of holiday foods. Cigarette smoking affects the LES, and laying down with a full stomach can cause reflux. So, if you have a cocktail before dinner, eat a huge meal with wine, finish with dessert and a mint or a smoke, then lie down for a nap, you’re going to be in trouble. Q: What is the difference between heartburn, acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease? A: Heartburn is the painful symptom we feel with reflux, while acid reflux is what physiologically happens. Everyone has a certain amount of acid ref
