Avoiding Holiday Heartburn

It's holiday part time. But it doesn't have to mean living with heartburn. There are some simple steps that will help avoid it.

Heartburn also goes by the names acid reflux or gerd. Those that have it usually know what triggers their symptoms. And this time of year, both because we eat more food than normal and because we tend to eat things we try to stay away from most of the time, heartburn can be a real problem.

To help out, first off.. and I'm as guilty of violating this rule as anyone... don't overeat. Large amounts of food stretch the stomach and that can mean acid leaking its way up.

Also, avoid overdoing the fatty, greasy foods; they'll only make things worse.

And remember to try and stay caffeine free. While you are at it, skip the red wine. Caffeine or red wine can cause a problem with reflux.

But the best tip is to try to eat as early as possible. That gives your body time to let gravity do its thing and keep food and acid in your stomach. Going to bed soon after eating might just make things worse.

If your symptoms have already started to get bad, taking an over-the-counter reflux medication before the next day's big meal can actually go a long way to keeping it enjoyable.