Researchers have revealed that acid reflux affects about 30 million Americans and have 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.
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.
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.
