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7 Smart Ways to Deal with Heartburn During the Festive Season

Do you have a sore throat? It could be an approaching cold or flu. But, if you have no other symptom of a cold and still have a sore throat accompanied with hoarseness in your voice, it could be a problem in the lower esophageal sphincter.

Before you wonder what this is, let us tell you. This is the muscle that opens and closes the food pipe between esophagus and stomach. When it fails to close properly, stomach acid, sometimes food, flows back into your esophagus.

Medically, this condition is called gastroesophageal reflux. If acid flows back, it is called acid reflux. And if it happens chronically, it is called gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD). Heartburn is a common symptom of GERD.

Family medical walk in clinic in Arlington is equipped to handle cases of heartburn, which is characterized by pain in the chest and upper abdomen. Heartburn is common during the festive season because we tend to overeat or may not have a timetable for meals. People may also eat late at night due to social gatherings.

What contributes to acid reflux?

According to an associate professor of medicine and gastroenterologist at the Harvard Medical School, the following conditions may lead to acid reflux:

  • Improper clearance of acid or food from esophagus
  • High amount of acid in the stomach
  • Delayed emptying of stomach

Doctors at Arlington family healthcare urgent care clinic can offer treatment to heartburn. You can walk in without an appointment and see a doctor immediately.

Here are a few tips to deal with heartburn.

1. Have small meals.

Do not overstuff your stomach. Stop eating when you are full. It could be embarrassing to leave food in the plate during a dinner gathering. The best way is to take only a small serving of food in the plate first. Finish this off. If you are still hungry, you can take a second helping.

2. Eat slowly.

Chew your food properly before swallowing. Avoid eating in a hurry.

3. Avoid certain foods.

Garlic, onion, tomatoes, spicy food, fatty foods, chocolate, tea, coffee, alcohol, soft drinks, and mint may trigger heartburn. Avoid these foods for a while and then see how you feel. Thereafter, introduce them gradually to your diet.

4. Avoid lying down after eating.

No naps immediately after lunch! When you sit or stand, gravity keeps stomach acid in its place naturally. Eat 2-3 hours before bedtime. Avoid midnight snacking or late night suppers.

5. Avoid bending or doing rigorous physical activity after eating.

A light stroll after a meal is okay, but do not engage in heavy exercise immediately after eating. No bending over either. Let your stomach do its work for a couple of hours; then, you can exercise.

6. Keep your head higher than your feet during sleep.

Your head should be 6-8 inches higher than your feet when you lie down. This can prevent acid reflux.

7. Check your medication.

Certain anti-inflammatory pills, anti-depressants, and others can cause heartburn. Talk to your doctor about it. Consult a doctor, if your heartburn does not go away. Visit the nearest family medical walk in clinic in Arlington.

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