Hearty meals replete with large servings and desserts can fill the holiday season, and that presents problems for people who suffer from acid reflux or those who are making efforts to control their weight.
Fatty, spicy or acidic foods might trigger acid reflux, heartburn or regurgitation in people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD, while foods high in carbohydrates or fat can cause issues for people who are trying to lose weight.
Overeating can cause serious problems for both, ranging from discomfort or disrupted sleep to the need for medical attention.
Limiting food choices and serving sizes can help preserve the joy of cooking and eating with family and friends.
Here are some tips from Dr. Paul Frassinelli of AnMed Piedmont Surgical - Anderson that can make holiday meals more pleasant:
What to eat if you have acid reflux or GERD
- Skip cranberry sauce, tomato-based foods, onions, garlic, and any other foods that are acidic or known to cause problems.
- Avoid foods cooked in grease.
- Choose dressings and desserts that are low-fat, non-dairy and chocolate-free.
- Stick to safe foods that have not caused symptoms in the past.
- Drink only water, decaffeinated tea or coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages.
What to eat at holiday meals without gaining a lot of weight
- Choose high-protein foods, and eat them first.
- Skip high-carb and fried foods.
- Select low-carb vegetables and casseroles.
- Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol.
- Include activity before and after the meal for exercise.
How to eat holiday meals while controlling GERD or limiting weight gain
- Use small plates.
- Practice portion control and moderation.
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly.
- Stick to one helping.
How to address the source if you have chronic heartburn or acid reflux
AnMed offers dietary counseling and management for referred bariatric patients. The program can help clients make healthy food choices for life, including the holidays. Assistance includes identifying behavioral patterns, meal planning, nutritional education and sustainable dietary changes.
Our experienced team of physicians and surgeons is honored to be recognized as leaders in weight-loss services in the area. We have a dedicated weight-loss center conveniently located in Anderson, and we are proud to serve residents across Upstate South Carolina and northeast Georgia. For more information, visit go.anmed.org/weightloss.
If chronic heartburn or acid reflux are causing you to miss out on the enjoyment of holiday meals or favorite foods, AnMed Piedmont Surgical can help. Dr. Frassinelli performs transoral incisionless fundoplication, also known as the TIF procedure—an outpatient procedure that treats heartburn, GERD, and acid reflux at its source. This procedure has a quick recovery time and no scarring.
And Dr. Frassinelli has performed the TIF procedure more than any doctor in the Upstate.
Get back to living without pills or heartburn. To determine if you are a candidate, please visit go.anmed.org/tif or call 864.512.7222.
