Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. It is a great to be thankful for the blessings we enjoy every day of our life. Like other holidays, Thanksgiving is celebrated with family and friends around a lavish table of rich food, decadent desserts and copious amounts of gravy. Thanksgiving dinner is indeed the biggest meal of the year for most Americans. As such heartburn is on the Thanksgiving menu for at least 30% of all Houstonians.
Overeating stretches the valve located between the esophagus and stomach. This valve prevents acid reflux from the stomach into the esophagus. Consequently, for some of us, with a weak valve, overeating on Thanksgiving Day results in painful consequences. Heartburn, maldigestion, food regurgitation, and abdominal pain are some of the symptoms of a GERD attack. If you suffer from GERD, educating yourself about the disease, and making the right choices will allow you to take control of your problem and prevent painful attacks as well as disease progression. Choose baked instead of fried Turkey. Avoid spicy food items. Consume gravy, butter and alcohol in moderation. Cranberry sauce is tart and for many reflux sufferers it may ruin your meal. Finally, have some dessert like a piece of pumpkin or pecan pie but avoid the coffee. Add whipped cream or ice cream and remember to keep your meal size as small as you can.
If you suffer from GERD, Houston heartburn and Reflux Center recommends eating wisely and in moderation to get through this holiday season. Seek the help of our reflux specialists to stage your disease and get the best treatment solutions. Finally, avoid overeating while masking your symptoms with proton pump inhibitors and other antacid medications. Remember, pills do not cure your GERD problem. They simply mask your symptoms while the underlying acid reflux problem is progressing.