As Britons prepare to tuck into festive feasts of turkey, chocolate, and sparkling wine this Christmas, many will face an unwelcome guest: painful heartburn and indigestion. 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 is a burning sensation, typically felt in the chest, caused by stomach acid travelling back up towards the throat—a process known as acid reflux. According to the NHS, it often occurs after eating or at night and can leave an unpleasant sour or bitter taste in the mouth.
If acid reflux happens frequently, it may be diagnosed as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Other symptoms can include a persistent cough, hiccups, a hoarse voice, bad breath, and feelings of bloating or nausea. Symptoms are often aggravated after meals, when lying down, or when bending over.
Common Causes of Festive Heartburn
While there is often no single obvious cause, the NHS states that certain foods and drinks are common triggers. These include coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty or spicy foods—many of which are Christmas staples.
Lifestyle factors such as being overweight, smoking, and periods of stress or anxiety can also worsen symptoms. Pregnancy, certain hormones like progesterone, and medicines including ibuprofen are other known contributors. In some cases, underlying conditions like a hiatus hernia, a stomach ulcer, or a bacterial infection may be responsible.
Expert Tips to Prevent Christmas Heartburn
Speaking to Lorraine Kelly, Dr Hilary Jones offered several practical strategies to help manage and avoid heartburn during the festivities.
His first tip was to reconsider the classic fry-up. "All that grease, all that fat, means that your stomach stays fuller for longer with lots of acid in it," he explained, suggesting a yoghurt bowl as a gentler alternative.
For festive toasts, he advised swapping acidic bubbles like Champagne for more stomach-friendly options such as red wine or gin.
Timing is also crucial. "Your stomach takes two to three hours to empty, so best to go to sleep on an empty stomach rather than a full one," Dr Jones said, recommending eating earlier in the evening.
When you do head to bed, he highlighted the importance of sleep 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."
For immediate relief, the NHS recommends medicines such as antacids or alginates, which should be taken with food or soon after eating when symptoms are most likely to strike. By following this expert advice, you can focus on the Christmas cheer, not the burn.
