With The 4th of July around the corner, calendars will be filling up with barbeques, picnics and trips to the beach and looking for a heartburn remedy. Unfortunately, these warm-weather activities may go hand-in-hand with heartburn. And with more than 50 million Americans suffering from frequent heartburn (symptoms occurring twice or more weekly), that adds up to a lot of post-BBQ blues.
While a little burning is expected when you fire up the grill, Dr. Michael Rahmin, a leading gastroenterologist (West Orange NJ gastroenterologist), says that if you follow some simple, at-home heartburn remedy, you may be able to avoid the burning sensation of heartburn in your chest.
Heartburn Remedy and the BBQ
The Gastro Center in NJ recommends the following heartburn remedy tips for a healthier, happier, heartburn free BBQ season:
- Don’t Overdo It. Smaller, more frequent meals help optimize the digestive process. Eating big portions can put more pressure on your stomach and lead to heartburn. As a heartburn remedy remember that the next BBQ is probably around the corner so be reasonable about portion sizes.
- Watch Out for Triggers. If you are prone to heartburn, be cautious when considering certain foods that are known to cause problems, including caffeinated drinks, alcohol, chocolate and spicy, fatty foods. Barbeque alternatives to consider include lower-fat dogs instead of traditional beef hot dogs, or make your burgers with lean ground turkey. With the right condiments it’s hard to tell the difference. This heartburn remedy is also one that like the above will keep you healthier. Since all stomachs are not created equal, also be aware of your own personal triggers and try to cut back or at least avoid them late in the evening.
- Let Gravity Help. Although that hammock may be calling your name, keep away after a big meal. To help your food digest properly, another heartburn remedy is to stay in an upright position rather than lying down after you eat. The natural force of gravity helps with the digestive process.
- Keep your Medicine Cabinet Stocked. If you are a frequent heartburn sufferer, try an over-the-counter (OTC) medication like Zegerid, an OTC proton pump inhibitor (PPI). PPIs work by deactivating acid-producing pumps in the stomach, offering 24-hour relief of frequent heartburn with one dose per day. For more information and tips to avoid heartburn, visit www.ZegeridOTC.com.
I hope that you have a great Heartburn free summer. If you have another heartburn remedy that has worked for you please let me know.
