Heartburn and acid reflux: Know the symptoms

‘Tis the season to be jolly, it is also the season to indulge in a lot of food in the spirit of celebrating Christmas. However, along with the indulgence into many Christmas dishes from gatherings and parties is the heartburn or acid reflux that can follow, and here is how to spot them.

Heartburn and acid reflux are common, but it can make a person uncomfortable, especially after binging on a lot of holiday food this time of year. This is when stomach acid travels up the throat, leading up to a burning pain in the chest. Express reports the signs that indicate either one of the two or even both. The symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux include bad breath, a cough or hiccups that come back, a hoarse voice, or a bloated feeling or a sick feeling, most likely a feeling of nausea. These symptoms tend to get worse after eating when lying down or bending over.

There are several factors that could either cause or worsen heartburn and acid reflux in people. Being overweight is a factor, as is eating spicy or high-fat foods, drinking coffee and or alcohol. Stress and anxiety are also known to cause or worsen symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux. Medications like ibuprofen have also been known to cause the symptoms.

Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of heartburn and acid reflux all the while improving your gut health. Weight loss is one of those ways, as being overweight can cause or worsen heartburn and acid reflux when eating. In the same vein, reducing the intake of foods high in trans fats and eating more foods rich in fiber can help keep the gut healthy while also regulating bowel movement and preventing constipation in the long run.

Because stress and anxiety are also what can cause acid reflux and heartburn, stress management is also key. Taking a few minutes at a time per day to sit, take deep breaths, and meditate can work. Exercises like yoga can also help with stress management. Staying hydrated is another way to keep the digestive system healthy.