2025-12-10T23:01:00

(BPT) - The holiday season brings festive meals, rich desserts, late nights and plenty of celebration. It is also a time when many people notice more heartburn or discomfort after eating. While an occasional burning feeling after a heavy holiday meal is common, symptoms that keep coming back may signal something more serious: gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD.

GERD is a chronic condition in which stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Depending on the severity, GERD can lead to persistent heartburn, regurgitation, difficulty eating or drinking and discomfort that affects daily life and sleep.

Dr. Larry Clark, M.D., a practicing gastroenterologist in central Virginia, cares for many patients with GERD. He also lives with the condition himself, giving him a unique perspective on how the holidays can affect symptoms.

How holiday habits can worsen GERD symptoms

Holiday gatherings can create a perfect storm for GERD-related heartburn. Large meals can stretch the stomach and increase pressure that allows acid to move upward. Holiday favorites like high fat foods, chocolate, peppermint and tomato-based dishes may also be more triggering for certain people. Increased alcohol intake and late night eating are also common around the holidays and can trigger symptoms.

"For many people, the holiday season brings habits that can set GERD symptoms in motion," Clark says. "Late meals are one of my biggest triggers, and the holidays are full of them. I have found that even shifting dinner a little earlier or having a lighter plate at night can make a huge difference in how I feel."

Holiday heartburn or something more?

While occasional heartburn after a big meal is normal, GERD involves symptoms that return regularly or continue after the holiday season ends. Some signs that your symptoms may be related to GERD include:

  • Heartburn or a burning sensation two or more times per week
  • Regurgitation or a sour taste in the throat
  • Nighttime symptoms that disrupt sleep
  • Trouble swallowing
  • A persistent cough or throat irritation

Clark says these are the patterns he watches closely in his patients. "Reflux that shows up once in a while is not unusual," Clark says. "However, when the discomfort keeps returning or begins to affect sleep, meals or daily activities, that is often a sign that GERD may be involved."

Strategies to feel more comfortable this season

There are simple ways to help enjoy holiday traditions while keeping symptoms in check.

  • Try smaller portions. Large servings can increase stomach pressure. Eat slowly and pause before going back for more.
  • Know your triggers and plan ahead. If certain foods bother you, look for alternatives or bring a dish you know you tolerate well.
  • Leave time before lying down. Try to stay upright for two to three hours after eating.
  • Limit alcohol and carbonated drinks. These may worsen symptoms for some people.
  • Take a short walk after meals. Gentle movement may support digestion.

Clark follows these same practices to help manage his own GERD. "I love good food as much as anyone, especially around the holidays, but I know which dishes will set off my symptoms. Over the years I have learned to enjoy a few bites of my favorites without overdoing it."

Talk to your doctor about effective GERD treatments

Understanding the signs of GERD and taking steps to manage symptoms can help you better enjoy the festive season. If symptoms continue or begin to affect your sleep, your meals or your day-to-day life, it may be time to talk to a healthcare provider.

There are several medication options available, either over the counter or via prescription, including antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and potassium competitive acid blockers (PCABs). The first treatments for acid reflux became available in the 1920s, but a lot has changed since then. Different medication types may offer relief for people who haven't found success with other treatments. There is no single approach that works for everyone, so your healthcare provider can help determine what is right for you.

Anyone with difficulty swallowing, unintentional weight loss, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, or symptoms that persist despite treatment should consult a healthcare provider. ACG Clinical Guidelines call for evaluation and potential diagnostic testing when these "alarm symptoms" occur.

"GERD is very common, with an estimated 65 million Americans living with the condition, and there are many ways to manage it," Clark says. "My focus is always to help people feel more comfortable and enjoy their daily lives, especially during a season meant for celebration. I welcome updates from my patients when symptoms do not fully settle, since that gives us a chance to review their plan and explore other treatments that may be more effective."

To learn more about GERD, symptoms and available treatment options, visit GERDrelief.com.

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