Here are Tips on Being Jolly and Heartburn Free

Acid reflux affects about 30 million Americans, say researchers, who have also explained how such a condition can be avoided during holiday season.

Experts from Houston Methodist Hospital have said that chewing fruit-flavored or cinnamon sugarless gum after a meal increases the production of saliva, which helps neutralize stomach acid, while increased swallowing can help clear acid from the esophagus.

Heartburn - Symptom Evaluation
Heartburn is a symptom that occurs due to irritation of the food pipe either due to acid reflux or direct contact with spicy and irritant foods.

The doctors have also said that one should stay away from mint flavored gums as mint is a common reflux trigger and choose sugarless gum to prevent cavities.

They have also advised people to make meals last at least 20 minutes and to pay attention to when one's stomach feels full.

Reflux triggers tend to vary individually, so it's important to identify one's personal triggers and keeping a heartburn journal and documenting details such as the type of food consumed, symptoms, and the time symptoms occur, is one of the best strategies for identifying triggers.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
This condition occurs due to the reflux of hydrochloric acid of the stomach into the oesophagus

One can avoid heartburns by not eating meals for at least two hours before going to bed and avoiding late-night snacking.

The experts have also said that staying away from acidic foods, such as spicy food, citrus fruits and tomatoes is also important, while one should drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages during dinner.

Reflux Esophagitis- Overview
Reflux esophagitis is a condition causing inflammation of the lining of the esophagus. This happens when there is a upward movement of the acid from the stomach due to weakness of the esophageal sphincter.

Source-ANI

Animation Explaining What Causes Heartburn
Animation in 3D that explains what causes 'heartburn' and its symptoms of pain behind the chest. The pain can sometimes mimic a heart attack. It shows how acid from the stomach can reflux back into the food pipe called esophagus.