heartburn
How Christmas goose and Co. pose no danger
If the Christmas dinner is too greasy, heartburn can result.
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The Christmas dinner is plastered, the heartburn is not long in coming? A doctor explains what will help.
At Christmas they feast what the fridge has to offer. Dumplings, cabbage and roasts can be nasty in the stomach and lead to heartburn. What then helps, Prof. Dr. med. Julia Seiderer-Nack. The author of "SOS Sodbrennen" is a specialist in internal medicine and nutritional medicine and explains in an interview with the news agency spot on news how acute action can be taken against the burning sensation in the esophagus.
Prof. Seiderer-Nack, what is the difference between heartburn and painful hiccups?
Prof. Julia Seiderer-Nack: Heartburn is an alarm signal from the esophagus and occurs when the sensitive mucous membrane in the esophagus is irritated by the backflow of caustic acid from the stomach. It's like dripping lemon juice on an open wound. Hiccups, on the other hand, result from a sudden, jerky contraction of our diaphragm and are usually harmless. It is often caused by overeating, very cold or hot food, or very carbonated drinks.
How can heartburn be prevented?
Prof. Seiderer-Nack: Patients with heartburn can naturally reduce and alleviate their symptoms through diet and lifestyle. This includes thorough and long chewing. You should also try to avoid foods that are too greasy and rather eat several small meals a day. Especially in the evening: less is more and ideally no more eating in the two hours before bed. It is also helpful to raise the headboard of the bed and sleep with the upper body slightly elevated.
What acutely helps with heartburn?
Prof. Seiderer-Nack: Antacids and acid blockers are available over-the-counter in the pharmacy for acute complaints and can provide first aid in tablet form. Alternatively: try a flaxseed infusion or potato juice. Both can soothe the mucous membranes and neutralize excess acid. In addition, alginates can also form a helpful protective layer over the acidic gastric juice.
Is schnapps as a digestive aid just a myth or does it really help?
Prof. Seiderer-Nack: Schnapps can help with fat digestion and thus make some people feel bloated. In the case of heartburn, however, it can be counterproductive because as a high-proof alcoholic drink it relaxes the esophageal obstruction and thus increases the acid reflux into the esophagus.
Can heartburn become dangerous after a certain point in time?
Prof. Seiderer-Nack: Absolutely. Chronic reflux can cause lining damage, inflammation, and scarring of the esophagus. Particularly feared are cell changes that result from permanent acid irritation and can also increase the risk of esophageal cancer in some patients. A medical examination by means of a mirror image of the esophagus and stomach is therefore important if the symptoms persist.
What is your tip for enjoying the greasy Christmas dinner without the risk of heartburn?
Prof. Seiderer-Nack: Cut down on the fatty foods – a roast beef or a nice fish can be a festive alternative to goose and duck. If you want a greasy Christmas dinner: better at lunchtime than in the evening, rather with less alcohol or carbonated drinks and ideally followed by a long walk after dinner. In addition, bitter substances, for example in the form of drops, can naturally accelerate gastric emptying and digestion – and thus literally take pressure off the esophagus.