(Washington, D.C., Wednesday, November 17, 2021) – The holidays are right around the corner, kicking off with Thanksgiving next week. It’s no surprise that Thanksgiving is the most food-centric day in the United States, with turkey and plenty of stuffing, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, and of course, alcohol. But did you know that overindulging in your seasonal comfort foods can be a recipe for heartburn?

More than one in four adults experience heartburn at least once a week, also known as acid reflux. If you suffer from heartburn symptoms two or more days a week, you are one of millions of Americans struggling with “frequent heartburn.”

Dr. Michael Kreines, a gastroenterologist with Gastro Health, has tips for those searching for ways to manage their symptoms.

SOUNDBITE #1:

MANY OF US ARE GUILTY FOR OVERINDULGING DURING THE HOLIDAYS, BUT EATING OR DRINKING TOO MUCH THIS THANKSGIVING CAN LEAVE YOU WITH THE PAINFUL, BURNING SENSATION IN YOUR CHEST OR THROAT THAT WE CALL HEARTBURN. DON’T LET IT RUIN YOUR HOLIDAY. BEING MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU EAT AND WHAT YOU DRINK CAN HELP YOU AVOID HEARTBURN SYMPTOMS. THERE ARE ALSO SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OVER-THE-COUNTER AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS TO HELP TREAT HEARTBURN SYMPTOMS.

SOUNDBITE #2:

IF YOU SUFFER FROM FREQUENT HEARTBURN SYMPTOMS, THANKSGIVING DINNER CAN FEEL LIKE A MINEFIELD. OVER-THE-COUNTER PROTON PUMP INHIBITORS, OR O-T-C P-P-I-S, PROVIDE A SAFE AND EFFECTIVE OPTION WHEN TAKEN ACCORDING TO THE LABEL—AND THEY ARE THE ONLY NONPRESCRIPTION MEDICINES THAT ARE SPECIFICALLY RECOMMENDED TO HELP TREAT FREQUENT HEARTBURN SYMPTOMS. IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, MAKE SURE TO ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OR PHARMACIST.

For more information, visit KnowYourOTCs.org.