As Britons prepare to indulge in festive feasts of turkey, chocolate, and sparkling wine, many face the unwelcome prospect of painful heartburn disrupting their Christmas cheer. GP Dr Hilary Jones has revealed that the NHS website receives a hit every 13 seconds on 25 December from people seeking advice for this burning condition.
What Exactly Is Heartburn?
Heartburn, clinically known as acid reflux, is a burning sensation caused by stomach acid travelling back up towards the throat. It is most commonly felt in the chest but can rise higher, leaving an unpleasant acidic or bitter taste in the mouth.
The discomfort typically worsens after eating, when lying down, or during the evening. While often not serious, it can cause significant discomfort. The NHS states that if it occurs frequently, it may be diagnosed as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
Other symptoms can include a recurring cough or hiccups, a hoarse voice, bad breath, and feelings of bloating or sickness.
Common Causes of Festive Flare-Ups
Although there is no single cause, certain festive staples are known to aggravate the condition. Key triggers include coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty or spicy foods—many of which feature heavily on Christmas menus.
Lifestyle factors such as being overweight, smoking, and high stress levels can also contribute, alongside physiological changes like pregnancy or increased hormones. Some medications, including anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, may worsen symptoms.
Underlying medical issues, such as a hiatus hernia, stomach ulcer, or bacterial infection, can also be responsible for persistent heartburn.
Practical Tips to Prevent the Pain
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Dr Hilary Jones offered several practical strategies to help people avoid heartburn over the holidays.
Firstly, he advised swapping a traditional greasy fry-up for a lighter alternative like a yoghurt bowl. "All that grease, all that fat, means that your stomach stays fuller for longer with lots of acid in it," he explained.
His second tip focused on festive drinks, suggesting a switch from acidic bubbles like Champagne to more stomach-friendly options such as red wine or gin.
Timing is also crucial. Dr Jones recommended eating earlier in the evening: "Your stomach takes two to three hours to empty, so best to go to sleep on an empty stomach rather than a full one."
When you do go to bed, he emphasised the importance of sleeping position. "Using gravity and anatomy, you’re less likely to get heartburn on your left side because your stomach is more on your left side," he stated.
For those already experiencing symptoms, the NHS recommends over-the-counter medicines like antacids or alginates, which are most effective when taken with or soon after food.
