As Britons prepare to indulge in festive favourites from turkey to chocolate and sparkling wine, a painful seasonal guest often threatens to spoil the celebrations: heartburn. General Practitioner Dr Hilary Jones has issued a stark warning, revealing that the NHS website receives a search for heartburn advice every 13 seconds on Christmas Day.
What Exactly Is Festive Heartburn?
Heartburn, medically known as acid reflux, is that familiar burning sensation felt in the chest. It occurs when stomach acid travels back up towards the throat. The discomfort often intensifies after eating, when lying down, or during the evening, and can leave an unpleasant acidic taste in the mouth.
While typically not serious, it causes significant discomfort. The NHS notes that persistent acid reflux may be diagnosed as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Accompanying symptoms can include a recurring cough, hiccups, a hoarse voice, bad breath, and feelings of bloating or nausea.
Triggers: From Bubbly to Bedtime
There is often no single cause for heartburn, but certain festive staples are notorious for making it worse. Common culprits include coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty or spicy foods—many of which feature heavily on Christmas menus.
Other contributing factors are being overweight, smoking, pregnancy, and periods of stress or anxiety. Some medications, like anti-inflammatories including ibuprofen, can also exacerbate symptoms. Underlying medical conditions such as a hiatus hernia or a stomach ulcer may be involved too.
Practical Tips to Enjoy the Festive Season Comfortably
Speaking on ITV's Lorraine, Dr Hilary Jones offered several practical strategies to help manage and prevent heartburn over Christmas.
Firstly, he advised reconsidering the traditional 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-based breakfast as a gentler alternative.
His second tip focused on festive drinks. Swapping highly acidic beverages like Champagne for more stomach-friendly options such as red wine or gin could make a noticeable difference.
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 stated, recommending eating earlier in the evening.
Finally, he highlighted a simple sleep-position change. "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 advised.
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. By making a few mindful choices, it's possible to keep the festive cheer—and heartburn—firmly under control.
