Thanksgiving Tips for Those with Acid Reflux Disease

For those who suffer from acid reflux disease, there is no more disparaging time than Thanksgiving. When everyone is gorging themselves with foods of all sorts, candies, pies, alcoholic beverages, and everything else, you are stuck either refusing to join in the festivities or going along and suffering the consequences later. Fortunately, there are some ways to be able to enjoy the holiday and keep your discomfort to a minimum.

Acid reflux disease, or more properly, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD for short. It is not by chance that the week of Thanksgiving is also officially the week for National GERD awareness. Acid reflux disease is a condition characterized by the acids of the stomach rising into the esophagus where there is no protective lining to shield the tissues. The common symptoms are heart burn, difficulty swallowing, sharp chest pain, cough, earache, and nausea.

The first thing to recognize is that on Thanksgiving and other holidays, you will want to eat. It is possible to eat and enjoy the holiday without overeating, or eating all at once. This is the main problem with Thanksgiving for those with GERD. Eating super-large portions of several types of food all at one sitting is sure fire way to spark an acid reflux response. To enjoy the food, eat small portions of your favorites 3-5 foods and then stop. Do not wait until you feel full. Eat slowly, enjoy, and stop. Wait for about an hour, see how you feel and then try a few more items.

Drinking is also a major problem at Thanksgiving. If you plan on eating, avoid all alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages as well. These will only serve to set yourself up for a bad night.

Avoid fatty foods and other foods known to cause GERD reactions. The foods to avoid are: chocolate, coffee, peppermint, acidic fruits such as citrus, onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, brussels sprouts, and dairy products.

Don't forget your medicine. If you are taking an oral medication, take it one hour before you plan on eating. If you are taking antacids, take your regular dose one hour after eating. Wait to see if acid reflux symptoms begin to occur before eating any more.

Chewing gum has also been known to prevent symptoms of acid reflux. Chewing gum causes the mouth to generate saliva which is then swallowed. The swalling of this saliva triggers receptors in the body to lessen acid in the stomach and keep the entryway from the esophagus to the stomach closed. After eating and taking your antacids, enjoy a light and sugar-free gum.

Do not lie down after eating. Keep upright. This will allow gravity to keep all your stomach acids in their place while allowing your food through your digestive system. If you feel tired after eating your roasted turkey (you should not be eating fried turkey at all), then don't lie down, but make an effort to remain sitting upright. Sitting in an easy chair may help you from lying down.

Following these simple tips will help you enjoy Thanksgiving during the meal and afterward. There is no reason that those who are suffering from acid reflux disease cannot partake in the festivities. For more information and for GERD-friendly Thanksgiving recipes, visit http://acid-reflux-help.blogspot.com.