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During the holidays, indigestion and heartburn are one of the main health problems and are caused by excessive consumption of food, sweet-carbonated beverages, alcohol and stress. Indigestion can occur when the person is nervous, stressed or not chewing food thoroughly. Heartburn is associated with the increase or decrease secretion of gastric acid and other enzymes very important in having a good digestion. Symptoms of heartburn usually include: a burning sensation in the chest just behind the breastbone or in the epigastrium that occurs after eating and can last a few minutes or even several hours; difficulty swallowing; hot, sour, acidic or salty-tasting fluid at the back of the throat; coughing and sour throat.
To avoid heartburn start your meal with appetizers and opt for shrimp, salmon and other foods rich in protein and low in fat. Vegetable salads are also a good choice, but attention to the amount of dressing or mayonnaise sauce. Eat small portions of each dish and serve with moderate bites and no rush. It does not matter just how you eat, but what you eat. Try to avoid high-fat foods: for example: if you must choose between mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, choose mashed potatoes as it can also help to calm the heartburn. Chocolate cakes, cake with more cream, pies, candy are usually responsible for major heartburn. Nobody expects to skip dessert at Christmas dinner, but go for the best dessert: instead of chocolate or cakes, choose a fruit salad and you will not only prevent heartburn but also excess calories. A glass or two of wine or champagne will not damage the stomach, but more will make a difference. As alcohol consumption increases, it relaxes the esophageal sphincter causing reflux.After the meal, no matter how tired you are or tempted to lie down in front of the TV, remember that proper digestion requires movement. You should take a short walk outdoors or do some simple relaxation exercises. If you feel very tired and you want to rest in bed, lie on your left, as several studies have found that sleeping on the right side can aggravate heartburn.
To alleviate the symptoms of heartburn you can:

Drink a glass of vegetable juice

Carrot, cucumber, radishes and beetroot are recommended for heartburn. The alkaline nature of these juices helps alleviate acid. If you find it difficult to prepare the juice or simply you don't enjoy vegetable juices, you can eat them in their natural state.

Drink a cup of tea

Add one teaspoon of fresh ginger root in a cup of hot water, wait 10 minutes then drink the contents. Usually used to relieve nausea caused by motion sickness, ginger also helps relax the muscles that support the wall of the esophagus, so stomach acid is pushed by the esophagus. Peppermint tea has an antispasmodic effect on the digestive system and is also recommended. You can also drink an infusion of anise and caraway or rye.

Take a teaspoon of vinegar

Although vinegar is very acidic, excess acid does not always cause heartburn. The shock produced by the acid in vinegar may help close the sphincter and prevent acid reflux. The acid in the vinegar will cause a burning sensation only when you drink it, but after it will relieve heartburn.

Drink a glass of water

Drink a large glass of water as soon as you feel your stomach does not react well to the foods served; acid can direct water back into the esophagus, where it reaches the stomach.

Bicarbonate and lemon juice

In half cup of water, add half a teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice. Always add lemon juice and do not opt only for baking soda dissolved in water! Lemon disperses the gases that bicarbonate produces in the stomach when it comes in contact with the acid.