Avoid Heartburn at the Office
Many people deal with the occasional bout of heartburn, which is a burning sensation that rises from the chest, sometimes into the throat. Heartburn occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to fully close, thus allowing the contents of the stomach to come back up into the esophagus. This acidic material is irritating to the tissue and causes the painful, burning sensation known as reflux. People who experience frequent bouts of heartburn may be diagnosed with GERD by their Dallas doctor.
GERD is a condition that can be worsened by stress, pregnancy, medications and conditions such as hiatal hernias. Most people find a way to control their symptoms, but it can be challenging when real life gets in the way. When you’re at work, dealing with a bout of heartburn can make it difficult to focus on the tasks required by your job. Read on to learn how to prevent heartburn at work.
- Avoid your known triggers. For many people, this includes fatty foods, spicy foods, tomatoes, citrus, mint and chocolate. It’s also a good idea to avoid carbonated, caffeinated beverages.
- Eat small meals. When your stomach is full, extra pressure is placed on the LES. This increases the chances that you will experience reflux. Instead of indulging in large meals, eat several smaller meals or snacks throughout the day.
- Exercise on an empty stomach. Jostling around with a full stomach can lead to reflux. To avoid the problem, enjoy a brisk walk on your lunch hour, and then have your afternoon meal.
- Wear loose clothing. Tight belts and pants can put extra pressure on the stomach, forcing food up.
- Keep a stock of antacids at your desk. You never know when you’re going to experience a bout of heartburn, so be prepared with an over the counter remedy to neutralize stomach acid.