Summer Digestive Issues

Most of us look forward to the summer months. Not least for excuses to fire up the barbeque, or to cool down with summer ice creams. However some of the foods we eat in this season may not always be the most suitable if you suffer the stomach acid related conditions- heartburn or indigestion.

Let's take a look at some favourite foods associated with summer that are known to be potential triggers of heartburn and indigestion and consider some tasty alternatives.

Barbeque food

The choice is huge, of course. If you suffer from heartburn or indigestion, favourites such as burgers and sausages tend to be quite fatty foods, so sufferers beware! Charred peppers and onions are popular too, but again they're associated with heartburn. Also, if you know that you are at risk of these conditions, then think twice about spicy foods and covering everything in hot sauce!

What you can do to minimise your risk is to choose tasty food with less trigger potential. For example, you could opt for fish and seafood, such as barbequed sea bass, mackerel, sardines or scallops. Barbequed vegetables, including sweetcorn and mushrooms, also have little potential to cause heartburn and indigestion sufferers a problem.

Picnics

Watch out for those popular picnic picks that are pastry based, such as meat and vegetable pasties or sausage rolls. These can be bulky foods for your stomach to cope with, as pastry is high in fat and that’s before you get to the fillings! Again you could be challenging your stomach. Instead consider lighter foods, like salads, rice salads, couscous and pasta or summer treats like crab sandwiches.

Cream teas and ice cream

Summer wouldn't be summer without cream teas and ice cream delights. Dairy products like cream and milk, in whatever form, are well known triggers for heartburn and indigestion.  If they're a trigger for you, maybe consider very small portions - and try to spread that lovely summer cream very thinly on your scones. Perhaps think twice about the size of your ice creams too - without a milk chocolate flake? And strawberries, without the cream, is surely not all bad!

Summer beers and sparkling wine

Many breweries make tempting, special summer ales, and cider is thirst quenching for many, especially on a nice hot day. Remember, alcohol in any type of drink can be a trigger for heartburn and indigestion. Alcohol can help to relax the sphincter at the base of your oesophagus and allow acid to reflux more easily, which can result in heartburn.[1]

Champagne and other sparkling, carbonated drinks are known triggers too. If you think you may suffer, consider still soft drinks or alcohol-free beers instead. They'll help to quench your thirst with less trigger potential than their alcoholic, fizzy counterparts.

What to do if Heartburn or Indigestion strikes

If you do find yourself suffering from heartburn or indigestion this summer, don’t let it spoil your day. Gaviscon Extra works for both conditions, to relieve the symptoms when you need it, because:

• It gets to work instantly to create a physical protective barrier on top of your stomach contents. This helps to stop acid refluxing into your food pipe
• It neutralises acid to help reduce its potential unwanted effects
• It offers long lasting relief when you need it - lasting up to two times longer than antacids.

If you suffer from heartburn or indigestion, you can make your lifestyle easier this summer by watching out for the potential triggers in the lovely summer food on offer and looking for some tasty alternatives, and the knowledge that Gaviscon has you covered, should you need it.

All information presented is not meant to diagnose or prescribe.  Gaviscon Oral Suspension, Gaviscon Liquid Peppermint Flavour Oral Suspension, Gaviscon Liquid Aniseed Flavour Oral Suspension, Gaviscon Peppermint Chewable Tablets, Gaviscon Extra Oral Suspension, and Gaviscon Extra Chewable Tablets contain Sodium alginate, Sodium hydrogen carbonate, Calcium carbonate for Heartburn & Indigestion. Always read the label. If symptoms are severe or prolonged you should consult a doctor or pharmacist.