Tips to prevent heartburn

Feb 3 2010

With the Big Game approaching, many football fans across the country are preparing for viewing parties, and the non-stop eating that comes with them. But favorite football foods like pizza, wings and nachos can trigger heartburn, which can end the evening long before the last touchdown.

Even those who take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), sometimes also called acid reducers, a class of drugs that treat frequent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can experience what is known as "breakthrough heartburn." "Dr. Gourmet," Timothy S. Harlan, M.D., a board-certified Internist and gourmet chef, shares his secrets for putting a healthy twist on the typical big game fare and for keeping heartburn at bay.

"More than 60 million American adults suffer from heartburn and acid reflux, which can interfere with enjoying the foods they love," says Dr. Harlan. "What's worse, most patients who take a PPI to treat frequent heartburn still experience symptoms, and many are confused over how to treat it."

According to a recent survey commissioned by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, more than one in four (27%) adults who suffer from heartburn has taken a PPI to treat their heartburn. Among them, 81% report experiencing breakthrough heartburn.  While 86% of PPI patients who report experiencing breakthrough heartburn are taking steps to treat it, they are trying many options, including: taking an over-the-counter antacid such as TUMS (45%); avoiding certain foods (35%); eating smaller meals (17%); and even taking an extra dose of their PPI (7%).  For consumers using acid reducers, including PPIs and H2s, TUMS® is a safe and effective means of relieving breakthrough heartburn.

"The good news for PPI patients is that there are easy things they can do to relieve heartburn and still indulge in tailgating or snacking in front of the TV during the year's biggest game," says Dr. Harlan.

Dr. Harlan offers the following tips for avoiding heartburn during the big game:

• Limit heartburn causing foods. Acidic, fried and fatty foods that are among the most popular items served at football parties can trigger heartburn. Alcoholic, caffeinated and carbonated beverages can also cause indigestion.
• Substitute favorite foods with healthier versions. Instead of Buffalo wings, try ginger chicken satay with peanut sauce, which has 50% less calories and four times less fat. For other party favorites like artichoke and spinach dip, substitute ingredients like mayonnaise with reduced fat cream cheese and low fat mozzarella.  
• Slow down. Eating too fast can also trigger heartburn, so take your time and pace yourself.
• Don't overdo it. Just because it's the biggest game of the year does not give you license to overindulge. Savor a few bites of your favorite game time snacks instead of downing the whole buffet.
• Be prepared. Have TUMS on hand in case heartburn strikes. As the number one antacid America relies on, TUMS is the first line of defense against heartburn, providing fast relief with the added benefit of calcium. Nothing is faster for heartburn relief.