Between the rich treats, celebratory drinks and free days to laze about, the holidays are prime time for heartburn. While some people may just suffer a few episodes of acid reflux, others have the chronic condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. As we have previously reported, the rate of chronic acid reflux is skyrocketing: the number of people who report having at least one episode of acid reflux per week rose by 50 percent between 2001 and 2011.
While the primary cause of chronic acid reflux is a faulty valve between the stomach and the esophagus, food and lifestyle choices can also contribute to both acute and chronic heartburn. So what can you do?
Avoid foods that exacerbate stomach acid production and make sure to follow these tips geared toward the particularly heartburn-hazardous holidays: