Published: 16th December, 2018 in: Health Advice
It is easy to confuse heartburn and indigestion as not only do they cause discomfort in similar areas, but they can also overlap with one another. Heartburn is a stand alone condition in many circumstances, however it can also be a symptom of indigestion. Where heartburn is related to stomach acid moving up through the are linking your stomach to your oesophagus, indigestion is caused by stomach acid coming into contact with the lining of your digestive system.
Heartburn is a hot or burning feeling which occurs in your chest and throat, it can often cause you to feel sick, or feel pressure in this area. The symptoms of indigestion (not including heartburn itself) include nausea, bloating, and belching.With so much overlap in these symptoms its is often recommended that you take medication designed to tackle and ease the issues that both conditions bring.
At Christmas time heartburn and indigestion have many potential triggers, even the mere stress of the day can bring on these pains. When it comes to Christmas dinner eating too much, eating too fast, or consuming foods which are overly fatty or spicy can be a cause of these conditions. Be careful with drinks too as drinking a lot of caffeine or alcohol can set off these symptoms too.
To treat the discomfort that you get with heartburn and indigestion you should start by watching what you are eating and drinking. If you begin to suffer do not aggravate the situation by consuming more food (especially those which are highly spicy or fatty) or alcohol. You should also refrain from laying down after you eat. It may be tempting to crash after your Christmas dinner, however it is important to let gravity do its work and move the food (and acid) through your digestive system.
You could also try using medical relief such as Gaviscon Double Action which acts fast to relieve the pain and discomfort of heartburn and acid indigestion. This will neutralise excess stomach acid to relieve pain while also forming a protective barrier over the stomach contents to soothe the burning pain in your chest. Why not try the Gaviscon Double Action Liquid Sachets? Perfect for on-the-go and handy at Christmas time, wherever you may be.