Feeling The Burn: Self-Care for Heartburn

After a year like no other, we are beginning to see glimpses of a return to our pre-pandemic lives. Public health guidance and scientific advances mean we are trickling back into our favorite restaurants, joining together to share meals, and toasting to a year of missing family and friends.But these celebrations come with their fair share of greasy foods and bubbly beverages. And unfortunately, our favorite indulgences often bring an all-too-familiar side effect: heartburn.Also known as acid reflux, heartburn can be a miserable experience: the burning sensation in your chest or throat may start after finishing a meal and last for hours afterwards. Other symptoms can include a hot, sour, or acidic fluid feeling in the back of your throat, as well as a lingering cough, sore throat, or hoarse voice. May is Digestive Disease Awareness Month so it’s a great time to learn about self-care for heartburn.If you experience heartburn, you’re not alone: more than one in four adults have occasional heartburn with symptoms occurring at least once a week. And for some people, frequent heartburn is a struggle, with symptoms re-occurring even more often.”Stress and unhealthy eating are two major causes of digestive symptoms including heartburn, and right now, my patients are experiencing both” says Dr. Michael Kreines of the Ohio Gastroenterology & Liver Institute. “With so many treatment options available for different types of heartburn, it can be tricky to know which option is best for you.”The first step to managing your heartburn is to take a look at your lifestyle choices.