'Tis the season for heartburn-free holidays
By (ARA)
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(ARA) - 'Tis the season for that that burning, uncomfortable feeling in the chest that often follows a big meal, which can result from indulging in food and drink. And no time can be more frustrating than the holidays for those who suffer with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), or acid reflux disease. The large amounts of food we eat during the holidays, and the types of food served can be a recipe for disaster for the 50 million Americans who experience frequent heartburn.
For many people, heartburn symptoms of GERD is more than just a pain at a party - it can disturb their days and nights.
The good thing is that GERD can be a manageable condition. By adopting the following diet and lifestyle changes, GERD patients can keep day and nighttime symptoms in check and spread holiday cheer:
* Avoiding holiday food temptations isn't easy, but steering clear of trigger foods that are acidic, caffeinated, fatty or fried can help. Instead, opt for healthier choices or eat smaller portions of your favorite meals.
* Toast to the New Year with drinks that are free of alcohol and caffeine since these types of beverages may trigger heartburn symptoms.
* Remember to do some exercise each day or plan a fun, physical activity with the family, as excess pounds put pressure on your abdomen and cause clothes to fit tighter-both factors that can bring on the burn.
* Consider holiday tasks - such as wrapping gifts, baking or writing holiday cards - as quiet time for managing stress, which may reduce GERD symptoms.
* Although it's tempting to head to bed after a rich meal or late holiday party, celebrate a little earlier or wait at least three hours before lying down to avoid painful nighttime GERD symptoms caused by food backing into your esophagus.
* Another good way to prevent acid from rising into your esophagus is elevating the head of your bed 6 to 9 inches.
If diet and lifestyle changes don't work, there are medications available called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), which stop the production of acid at its source. One such PPI, called NEXIUM (esomeprazole magnesium), is prescribed to treat the symptoms of acid reflux disease, which typically include persistent heartburn on two or more days per week, despite treatment and change of diet.
Be sure to visit PurplePill.com and become a fan of NEXIUM on Facebook. On these sites you can learn more about helping take heartburn out of your holidays, access a personal sleep tracker and tips on managing nighttime heartburn to help keep you rested during the busy holiday season.
Important Safety Information:
Side effects with NEXIUM include headache, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Symptom relief does not rule out the presence of other serious stomach conditions. Patients should read the Important Safety Information for NEXIUM, which can be obtained at www.PurplePill.com or by calling (800) 236-9933 and discuss it with their healthcare professional.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
