The festive season is a wonderful time of year to enjoy with family and friends. All this celebrating and feasting can mean we overload our digestive systems with too many rich, fatty, acidic foods and alcohol. This can cause unpleasant side effects such as acid reflux which most people will have experienced from time to time. Acid reflux occurs when acid from the stomach flows back up into the esophagus and throat. Alcohol, in particular, creates a more acidic environment, causing esophageal muscles to relax, making the chance of acid reflux occurring more likely. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a more severe form of chronic acid reflux that may require medical diagnosis and treatment.
Common symptoms of acid reflux include:
- Heartburn: A burning pain or discomfort that may move from the stomach to the chest or even up into the throat.
- Regurgitation: A sour or bitter-tasting acid backing up into the throat or mouth.
- Other symptoms: a sensation of food being stuck in the throat or coughing, gagging or choking during meals. Bloating, burping, hiccups, nausea.
Overeating, rushing meals, and lying down soon after eating can also make these symptoms worse. Over the counter medications usually help if symptoms are severe, but these may have side effects of their own if used excessively. The right food and lifestyle choices are by far the best long-term solution for acid reflux.
Some easy natural preventative tips which may help you manage acid reflux over the festive season include:
- Portion Control:Smaller portions are easier for your stomach to handle, reducing the likelihood of reflux.
- Choose Reflux-Friendly Options:Opt for lean proteins and low-fat dishes whenever possible.
- Reduce Alcohol Consumption:Drink in moderation and avoid mixing alcohol with trigger foods.
- Don’t eat too close to bedtime:Have your Christmas dinner for lunch. Avoid eating within two to three hours of bedtime to give your body time to digest.
- Walk off your meal:A short walk after meals can enhance digestion and prevent digestive upset.
- Incorporate fermented foods and liquids into your feast: Fermented foods and liquids help promote a healthier gut which aids digestive function helping to break down foods more easily. Add a side of sauerkraut, kimchi or cultured veggies to your meal. Drinking the Grainfields liquids with meals helps balance stomach acid levels. This is a simple and natural way to help manage and potentially prevent acid reflux symptoms.
Why not make Grainfields part of your festive fare by adding the fermented liquids to festive fruit punch and salad dressings. The Grainfields Bars make a great alternative sweet treat when chopped into smaller squares and added to platters. Add the Grainfields powders to your favourite non bake Christmas recipes. Check the recipe section on our website for more ideas!
Why not give your friends and family some Grainfields as a gift? Grainfields fermented superfood products are great additions for Christmas hampers.
If you are in doubt about your health, it’s always best to consult with a professional for personalised advice on what is right for you.
Source: Functional Food in Relation to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) By Yedi Herdiana Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang 45363, Indonesia
