Don't suffer in silence with your chocolate-induced heartburn this Easter!

by FSP Health team, 26 March 2013

We're just a few days away from the Easter weekend. If you're on a strict diet, you're probably dreading the onslaught of chocolate and marshmallow treats - and you should. Forget the rich, fatty foods; research now shows that chocolate is actually a top cause of heartburn. Here's how you can treat it…

Reduce your chocolate intake to avoid heartburn this Easter, says Bizcommunity.

But that’s easiest said than done, especially if there are children around.

Before you know it you’ve popped another chocolate egg in your mouth, and in minutes you’re clutching your chest in discomfort.

Even worse, heartburn's just been linked to the recent rise in cancer of the gullet or oesophageal cancer, says FSP Health.

So you need to prevent heartburn at all costs!

Why does chocolate cause heartburn?

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which slackens the function of the lower oesophageal sphincter, resulting in food and strong stomach acids squirting back up to cause that horrible burning sensation, explains Bizcommunity.

But what if you just can’t resist the chocolate eggs?

Your best bet is white chocolate, as it has the lowest levels of theobromine.

Another way to prevent heartburn is by eating your last meal at least two to three hours before lying down, as this will give food time to digest and empty from your stomach, and acid levels a chance to decrease before you lay down, says WebMD.

Something to be mindful of at Easter is that eating smaller portion sizes helps prevent heartburn.

So make sure you don’t overeat and you’ll go a long way to preventing heartburn.

Rather decrease the size of portions at meal times or try eating up to five smaller meals a day than three large ones. It also helps to put your fork down between bites.

And if your heartburn is worse when lying down?

WebMD says to raise the head of your bed so that your head and chest are higher than your feet.

But this is a sure sign that you’ve overdone it, so make sure you’re not eating the wrong type of foods and triggering your heartburn.

Tags: heartburn, preventing heartburn, chocolate, easter

Vote article

Rating:

Note: 5 of 1 vote

Editor's Picks
Latest News
Most Read

FEATURED

Health Solutions

Resources

Contact Privacy Policy FAQ Our Products Disclaimer About us Useful links Whitelist Your Health Bytes Our Shop Who We Are

Disclaimer:
Fleet Street Publications. The information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this publication. We do research all our recommendations and articles thoroughly, but we disclaim all liability for any inaccuracies or omissions found in this publication. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by means of electronic or mechanical, including recording , photocopying, or via a computerised or electric storage or retrieval system without permission granted in writing from the publishers.