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Acid reflux diet: Christmas dinner items that can increase your risk of heartburn

What are the symptoms of heartburn?

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Heartburn is a feeling in the chest which is caused by acid reflux. This occurs when stomach acid travels upwards into the throat.

According to Guts Charity, acid reflux or heartburn is extremely common, impacting around one in four UK adults.

Though the condition can occur for a number of reasons, diet is one factor that can contribute in a major way.

Christmas Day, in particular, sees a number of foodie culprits being served which could result in painful acid reflux later in the day.

Which Christmas Day food items could cause heartburn?

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Fizzy drinks
  • Chocolate
  • Cheese
  • Peppermint sweets such as candy canes
  • Goose fat
  • Cranberry sauce

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Spicy or acidic foods are some of the main culprits behind acid reflux.

Some rather rich food items, including desserts, can also cause stomach acid to rise up into the gullet.

And it isn’t just the food you are ingesting which could cause discomfort, but also what you choose to wash your dinner down with.

Both fizzy drinks and alcoholic beverages are well-known for their contribution to acid reflux.

What you choose to cook your dinner in could also contribute to volatile stomach acid.

Vegetables, such as roast potatoes, which are laden in goose fat and cranberry sauce are likely to do no favours for those prone to acid reflux.

How can you reduce the risk of acid reflux and heartburn this Christmas Day?

Ruling out the items that you know cause heartburn is one way to be certain you won’t experience symptoms on the big day.

However, for many people, the Christmas Dinner is something they look forward to.

The good news is, there are some additional ways you can alleviate symptoms.

If you are desperate to enjoy your full dinner, consider reducing the amount of alcohol you consume on Christmas Day.

Eating at a slower pace can also do wonders to ease your stomach.

According to a study, 10 healthy people were asked to eat a 690-calorie meal in either five or 30 minutes found that those who ate faster had 12.5 episodes of reflux compared with 8.5 in those who ate at a slower pace.

The NHS also advises eating smaller portions, more frequently.

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