Newswise — Heartburn does not have to be on the menu along with turkey and dressing this holiday season.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Gulchin Ergun with The Methodist Hospital in Houston says the turkey, dressing (as long as it's cooked outside the turkey), green beans, and sweet potatoes by themselves are not high in acid or fat. It's the high fat items such as gravy, butter, sour cream and a variety of cheeses that cause heartburn.
Heartburn is a burning pain behind the breastbone. A person might also experience a burning sensation in their throat. When a person eats fatty or acidic foods, two things happen to the body: One, it takes longer for the stomach to empty, and two it releases a hormone that causes the sphincter, the barrier between the stomach and esophagus, to drop. This combination increases the possibility that stomach acid and food will make its way up to the chest and cause heartburn.
Besides not eating fatty or acidic foods, you can avoid heartburn by not lying down after eating or within two to three hours of bedtime, taking an over-the-counter antacid before your meal, and avoiding alcohol, tobacco, carbonated beverages and citrus and fruit juices.
Deep vein thrombosis can block holiday fun
When traveling long distances this holiday season, take heed of the dangers of deep vein thrombosis, a condition that can result in stroke, organ damage, or even death.
DVT is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the lower legs and thighs. Sitting for long periods of time, either in an airplane or a car, can limit circulation in the legs, leading to a blood clot forming in a vein. The clot can travel unnoticed through the blood stream, and lodge in the brain, lungs, heart or other areas causing severe damage to organs, and in some cases, death.
Vascular surgeon Dr. Alan Lumsden with the Methodist DeBakey Heart Center in Houston says if you are traveling overseas or cross country this holiday season make sure you get up and walk around every two hours, and do not sleep more than four hours at a time. Drink plenty of water or juices, wear loose-fitting clothing, eat light meals, and stay away from alcohol. If you are pregnant, have a history of heart disease, cancer or blood clots, you should always consult with a physician before taking a long flight.
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