Living

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Melanie Munk, Features Editor munk@heraldnet.com   Published: Tuesday, November 20, 2007 You can keep heartburn from spoiling holidays By Dr. Elizabeth Smoots Herald Columnist Each year we celebrate the holiday season from Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve. It's a time of feasting, frequent parties and toasts. But along with the merriment almost two-thirds of adults suffer from heartburn during the holiday, according to a survey conducted by the National Heartburn Alliance. "Many people don't know that the foods and drinks they enjoy around the holidays may contribute to heartburn symptoms," said Jan Engle, a doctor of pharmacy at the University of Chicago at Illinois and vice chair of heartburn alliance. In recognition of the problem, the group has decided to launch the first ever Heartburn Awareness Month this year. "Heartburn Awareness Month in November will raise awareness about these triggers," Engle said, "so that sufferers can find the appropriate treatment options and enjoy their holidays." Why does heartburn worsen during the holidays? The main factors that contribute to holiday heartburn are overeating, eating at abnormal hours and stress. The heartburn alliance conducted a survey of 1,000 adults aged 18 to 65 to find out how many people are bothered by each of the three areas. The survey revealed that 49 percent of respondents believe overeating is the main cause of holiday heartburn; 18 percent blame eating at abnormal hours; and 16 percent think stress is the primary culprit behind their heartburn. Results represented a balanced sampling of people in the United States. What is the underlying cause of heartburn? Heartburn is usually caused by relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle band lying between the esophagus and the stomach. When the sphincter lets down its guard, strong stomach acid refluxes -- or flows backward -- into the esophagus, where it can irritate the sensitive lining of the esophagus. The esophagus may let you know what's up with heartburn symptoms. A burning sensation midchest typically occurs, or sometimes a bitter taste in the back of the throat. Heartburn symptoms can come from anything that relaxes the sphincter. Common culprits include lack of exercise, too much stress or consuming certain holiday treats. Based on the survey results, 55 percent of respondents said that they believe eating acidic foods such as citrus or tomatoes is the reason they suffer from holiday heartburn. Other common heartburn triggers include eating fatty meats (20 percent of respondents) or drinking alcohol (11 percent of respondents). What steps can alleviate heartburn symptoms? The heartburn alliance encourages all heartburn sufferers to visit a doctor during the month of November before they trigger an episode. The goal is to receive information about preventing and treating heartburn before temptations arise from holiday meals. "Learning about simple lifestyle changes people can make to alleviate symptoms may allow sufferers to continue eating the foods they love during the holiday season," said Pat Baird, registered dietitian and a board member of the group. Sensible tips from the NHBA include: Don't stuff yourself: Overeating is a common holiday pitfall, but a full stomach puts added pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and increases the chance of reflux. Instead of piling food on your plate, be selective; eat smaller portions of your favorite holiday foods and desserts. Avoid your triggers: When eating at holiday buffets, watch out for foods that are likely to aggravate your heartburn symptoms. Some common culprits include high-fat foods, chocolate, peppermint, citrus fruits, tomato products, garlic, raw onions, black pepper, vinegar and spicy foods. Alcohol or drinks that are caffeinated or carbonated may also contribute to reflux. Take control of stress: Plan to do less during the holidays. Try stress-relieving activities such as breathing or relaxation exercises, meditation or fitting in a daily walk. For more information: National Heartburn Alliance, www.heartburnalliance.org. Contact Dr. Elizabeth Smoots, a board-certified family physician and fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians, at doctor@practicalprevention.com. Her columns are not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Before adhering to any recommendations in this column consult your health care provider. © 2007 Elizabeth S. Smoots

1. Man blackmailed ex-girlfriend with nude pictures, police say 2. Snohomish motorcyclist dies in collision with pickup 3. Police looking for man who held up Everett pharmacy 4. Friends plan auction, hope to save woman's home 5. Sheriff warns of Camano Island burglar 6. Arlington private school principal charged with child rape 7. 400 open houses across the county this weekend 8. Man guilty for posing as trooper 9. Cama Beach cabins a quiet, cozy delight 10. LITTLE LEAGUE: Mill Creek reaches state semifinals 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Fewer sports fields could go into Hamlin Park • Taxpayers to Stevens' rescue? • Terrace hires new police chief • Torched!: Three fires blamed on weed torches • A SuperSonics' original: LFP's Henry Akin • Juveniles arrested in burglary spree • Fire levy put to a vote • Late rally, trick play gets Vikings victory • Senior housing on way to Lynnwood • Arlington Fly-In marks 40th anniversary this year • Melody Biringer a wide-ranging entrepreneur • County home market offers low rates, lower prices, wide variety of prope ... • Good investments may be boring but profitable • Fryelands industrial park growing in Monroe • Out of the Blue Aviation expands flight training • Paul Allen’s rare Flying Heritage Collection becomes latest aviation att ... • Warbird's history keeper