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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Susanna Minegishi
Karen Gavender
Say Goodbye to Holiday Heartburn
Arizona Gastroenterology helps you enjoy the holidays…pain free
Tucson, AZ (11/14/08) – As the holiday season approaches, thoughts of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, Christmas cookies and pies may be dancing in your head. But sometimes, the most delicious holiday foods can rid you of your holiday spirit. The physicians of Arizona Gastroenterology note there are about 17.5 million adults who suffer daily from chronic heartburn, the most common symptom of GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease). For these people, feasting and treats can make the holidays an especially painful time.
“The holiday season is one of the worst times of the year for patients with chronic heartburn,” says Bryan Contreras, M.D., a gastroenterologist at Tucson’s Arizona Gastroenterology. “The large amounts of food we eat during the holidays, and the types of food served during the holidays – especially fatty and caffeinated foods – can be a recipe for disaster.”
Despite its name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart. It's a digestive problem that occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the lining of the esophagus, causing irritation. Most people suffer from heartburn occasionally, usually after a meal.
Contreras and the other six physicians that comprise Arizona Gastroenterology know avoiding holiday food temptations is not always easy. The Arizona Gastroenterology team dishes up their Top 5 Holiday Eating Tips to keep your stomach and esophagus acid-free this holiday season.
Dr. Contreras’ Top 5 Holiday Eating Tips:
2. Stay caffeine-free: Caffeinated beverages and foods like soda, ice cream and chocolate will work to aggravate symptoms of chronic heartburn.
3. Avoid fatty, greasy foods: Foods that are full of fat may make take the magic out of the holidays. “Excessive fat in foods works to slow the process of food leaving the stomach. If food isn’t emptied from the stomach, it can back up into the esophagus,” says Dr. Contreras. In addition, fatty and greasy foods promote relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to rise into the esophagus.
4. Keep the wine in the bottle: Research has consistently shown that red wine can cause heartburn.
5. When you eat is as important as what you eat: The time of day you eat can have an impact on acid reflux disease. For people who tend to have nighttime acid reflux symptoms, it is recommended they avoid eating or drinking three to four hours before bedtime
Arizona Gastroenterology has three locations in Arizona:
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