Turkey, chocolate and sparkling wine are festive staples for many Britons, but they can also trigger painful heartburn. GP Dr Hilary Jones notes that the NHS website receives a query about heartburn every 13 seconds on Christmas Day, highlighting how common the issue is during the holidays.
Heartburn, also known as acid reflux, occurs when stomach acid travels up towards the throat, causing a burning sensation in the chest and sometimes an acidic taste in the mouth. Symptoms often worsen after eating, when lying down, or in the evening. While usually not serious, it can be very uncomfortable.
Dr Jones advises avoiding greasy fry-ups and opting for a yoghurt bowl instead. He recommends swapping acidic sparkling wine for red wine or gin, and eating earlier to allow the stomach to empty before sleeping. Sleeping on the left side can also help reduce reflux due to the stomach's position.
The NHS suggests that certain foods and drinks — including coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate, and fatty or spicy meals — can exacerbate symptoms. Being overweight, smoking, stress, and some medications like ibuprofen may also contribute. For relief, antacids or alginates can be taken with or soon after meals.
