Summer brings longer days, warm weather, and plenty of opportunities to indulge in delicious drinks and meals. From braais to beachside picnics, seasonal feasts are a highlight of the warmer months. However, the downside of these indulgences often comes in the form of heartburn from overeating. That burning sensation in the chest, often creeping up towards the throat, can put a damper on summer enjoyment.
Heartburn is the feeling of burning pain in the middle of your chest; acid reflux is when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.91 The good news? Being aware of foods that cause heartburn, making a few smart dietary choices, and using the right heartburn medicine, such as Adco-Mayogel®,2 can help prevent and relieve discomfort so you can fully enjoy summer feasting.
COMMON CAUSES OF HEARTBURN
- Eating Too Much in One Sitting
Large meals mean more food to digest, which causes your stomach to produce more acid.167 Overeating is common, especially during delicious festive meals.
- Certain Foods
High-fat foods slow down digestion and relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, the muscle responsible for keeping stomach acid where it belongs. Fried foods, highfat foods like pizza, bacon, and sausage, and spicy foods trigger reflux. Acidic foods like tomatoes, oranges and lemons should also be avoided.91,167
- Citrus and Fizzy Drinks
The bubbles in carbonated drinks can cause you to burp more, bringing up more acid into your esophagus. Fizzy cool drinks and sparkling waters can make heartburn worse. Citrus juice, like orange and grapefruit, are common heartburn triggers.91
- Alcohol and Caffeinated Drinks
Alcohol and Caffeinated Drinks As well as increasing stomach acid, alcoholic beverages relaxes the esophogus, allowing acid to escape. Excessive coffee consumption has a similar effect.91
- Eating Too Late
Going to bed with undigested food can worsen your symptoms at night, so it’s better to have a bigger lunch and smaller dinner.91
HOW TO ENJOY SUMMER FEASTING WITHOUT HEARTBURN
While it’s difficult to completely avoid foods that cause heartburn, there are ways to reduce discomfort while still enjoying seasonal indulgences.
- Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Instead of one large meal, try eating smaller portions throughout the day. This reduces pressure on the stomach and helps prevent acid reflux.91
- Identify and Avoid Trigger Foods
If you know that spicy foods or fizzy drinks trigger your heartburn, try swapping them for gentler alternatives. Choose herbal teas over coffee and stick to a balanced diet including lean protein, whole grains, and healthy fats.91
- Stay Upright After Eating
Give your body time to digest by remaining upright for at least two hours after meals.91
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is important for healthy digestion, moving food through the digestive tract. However, avoid drinking large amounts during meals, as this can increase stomach pressure.91
- Sleep Right
If you experience acid reflux at night, elevating the head of your bed can improve heartburn symptoms, allowing for a better sleep. Which side of your body you sleep on also makes a difference – lying on your left side decreased acidity in the esophagus by up to 71 %.91
HOW ADCO-MAYOGEL® WORKS
Adco-Mayogel® is a heartburn medicine formulated to bring relief from acid indigestion, gastritis, and acid reflux. It works by neutralising excess stomach acid, reducing the burning sensation and discomfort associated with heartburn.2
Active Ingredients in Adco-Mayogel®
- Aluminium Hydroxide:
A well-known antacid that helps neutralise stomach acid and relieve indigestion.186
- Magnesium Trisilicate:
Provides additional acid-neutralising properties and helps coat the stomach lining to prevent irritation.191
This combination makes Adco-Mayogel® an effective solution for managing heartburn, especially after indulging in large meals or trigger foods.
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HOW TO USE ADCO-MAYOGEL® FOR EFFECTIVE RELIEF2
- Dosage:
Take two to three 5 ml doses one to three hours after meals or at bedtime.
- Do Not Exceed:
Avoid exceeding the maximum dosage for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor.
- Precautions:
If you have kidney disease or are pregnant, seek medical advice before using this product.
OTHER REMEDIES FOR HEARTBURN RELIEF
In addition to taking heartburn medicine, the following natural remedies may provide extra relief:
- Chewing Sugar-Free Gum
Gum stimulates saliva production, which helps wash away acid from the esophagus.91 Check with your doctor to see whether this method is worth trying.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda neutralises stomach acid which helps with heartburn. Slowly drink 1 teaspoon dissolved in a glass water, but it’s best to only use this remedy once in a while.91 Check with your doctor to see whether this method is worth trying.
- Wearing Loose-Fitting Clothing
Tight clothing, especially around the abdomen, increases stomach pressure, making heartburn more likely.167
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Occasional heartburn is common, but persistent or severe symptoms may require medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience167:
- Frequent heartburn (experienced weekly).
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Heartburn that does not respond to over-the-counter treatments.
- Tightening or squeezing chest pain.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Summer is meant to be enjoyed, and heartburn shouldn’t get in the way. By understanding foods that cause heartburn, practicing mindful eating habits, and having a reliable heartburn medicine like Adco-Mayogel® on hand, you can indulge in your favourite seasonal treats without discomfort.