Acid reflux can turn a great meal with loved ones into a nightmare. The burning sensation can suck the joy from the meal and take you away from those memorable summer nights.
There are only a few short months to enjoy seasonal cookouts, and you want to make the most of them.
Heartburn can be treated naturally; it just takes a little work. But for the most part, it’s pretty easy. Here are some ways you can avoid heartburn and make the most of summer meals with family and friends.
Eat less: One of the easiest and most controllable ways to control heartburn is to slow down. A major cause of heartburn is that people eat too much, too fast. By slowing down, enjoying your food, and allowing the body to adequately respond and adapt to food intake, you can reduce the risk of heartburn.
Chew gum: Chewing gum can be a quick and effective way of relieving a bout of acid reflux. Research indicates that gum can reduce acid in the esophagus, especially when it contains bicarbonate.
Avoid certain foods: Fatty and greasy foods can contribute to acid reflux, as can spice. If you’re at a cookout or eating greasy food, be sure to pick at it sparingly. You'd be better off filling your plate with more vegetables and leaner cuts of meat.
Consider your bedtime: There is conflicting evidence on whether or not this works, but eating too close to bedtime may stimulate acid reflux. It could be the position of the body that brings it on. If you experience heartburn when you’re in bed, try to avoid eating within three hours of bedtime.
Don’t move too fast: Eating a meal right before playing with the grandkids isn’t a good idea. Give yourself about 30 to 45 minutes after a meal before moving too quickly to help avoid acid reflux.
Ease up on the alcohol: Another culprit for acid reflux is drinking alcohol excessively. Try to cut back and only drink in moderation.
Don’t let acid reflux hold you back from enjoying all the great times this summer. Be smart, keep things under control, and have fun.
Devon Andre holds a bachelor’s of forensic science from the University of Windsor in Canada and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. This article was first published on Bel Marra Health.
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