“The quality and quantity of the food and the way we consume it are of fundamental importance. During the holidays, we often eat more and choose heavier, fattier dishes than usual, and we tend to do so late in the evening, sometimes in combination with alcohol. This causes the stomach to become overloaded, leading to increased acid production, which in turn can cause heartburn, bloating, and reflux symptoms. The latter is further aggravated if the person also has a hiatal hernia, meaning that the muscle closing the lower part of the esophagus does not function properly, as this muscle normally prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus,” says gastroenterologist Dr. László Barkai. The assistant professor at Semmelweis University’s Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology explains that acid reflux can cause a burning sensation in the esophagus, but it can also cause more serious chest pain, sometimes similar to a heart attack. Typically, if someone experiences a sour or bitter taste in their mouth due to stomach acid rising from the esophagus, then reflux is more likely to be the cause of their chest discomfort, the specialist adds.
30-40 percent of the population experiences occasional reflux symptoms, and about one-fifth of people suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, when the symptoms become regular. These complaints are even more common in overweight people, as in their case the abdominal fat tissue exerts greater pressure on the stomach.
In today’s modern societies, reflux has become a widespread disease due to sedentary lifestyles, lack of exercise, and overeating. As a first step, the specialist recommends lifestyle changes: Pay attention to what, when, and how you eat.
To avoid unpleasant symptoms, the assistant professor recommends avoiding chocolate, onion, and tomato, as well as fatty, spicy, and deep-fried dishes in the evening. Stuffed cabbage, for example, is particularly difficult to digest, as it stays in the stomach for longer, causing it to produce more acid as a defensive reaction. Therefore, it is better to eat this dish for lunch, and even then, in smaller portions. In addition, alcoholic and sparkling beverages, including champagne, beer, and wine, as well as smoking can significantly increase reflux symptoms.
To prevent this, experts advise eating more slowly, chewing food thoroughly, swallowing calmly, and paying attention to feeling full rather than suddenly eating a lot. It is better to take smaller portions repeatedly than to consume a single large meal. It is especially common during the holiday season to eat late at night although we should not eat 2-3 hours before bedtime if we want to avoid discomfort.
Patients with reflux may find it helpful to raise their head by 30-40 degrees when sleeping, or to sleep with multiple pillows to prevent acid reflux. They should also avoid wearing tight clothing and belts when eating, as these also put pressure on the stomach, contributing to the development of symptoms.
However, if symptoms occur more than three times a week, it is advisable to consult a doctor, as other gastrointestinal disorders can also cause increased acid production, which may require medication and further examination. In more severe cases, the protective mechanism of the lower part of the esophagus can be restored surgically, preventing acid from flowing back from the stomach into the esophagus.
Orsolya Dávid
Translation: Judit Szabados-Dőtsch
Photo by Barta Bálint – Semmelweis University; cover (illustration): Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
