THURSDAY, Nov. 23, 2006 (HealthDay News) -- The holiday season can be hard to stomach for the estimated 15 million Americans with chronic heartburn, otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
"The holiday season is clearly one of the worst times of the year for patients with GERD," gastroenterologist Dr. William Chey, of the University of Michigan Health System, said in a prepared statement.
"The large amounts of food we eat during the holidays, and the types of food served during the holidays -- especially fatty and caffeinated foods -- can be a recipe for disaster for chronic heartburn sufferers," Chey said.
People with GERD have a relaxed or weakened lower esophageal sphincter -- the muscular valve between the stomach and the esophagus. This type of weakened valve doesn't properly block stomach acid from flowing back up into the esophagus.
After they eat, people with GERD often experience a burning feeling in their chest and a sour taste in their mouth. Some GERD symptoms can be relieved by making lifestyle changes, such as not eating certain kinds of foods and avoiding large meals.
Chey offered the following holiday tips for people with GERD:
More information
The American College of Gastroenterology has more about GERD.