Dr Reshma Rakshit says changing your meal times around could help with symptoms of common conditions that affect one in four adults in the UK – and it’s as simple as swapping two meals
A doctor has revealed that eating your main meal at lunch time instead of in the evening could relieve symptoms of this common health condition that affects one in four Brits.
Dr Reshma Rakshit, a Doctify gastroenterologist, has come up with a solution for adults struggling with symptoms from heartburn and acid reflux. Heartburn can cause a burning sensation in the chest, typically after eating. The discomfort typically starts in the lower chest and can rise upwards, sometimes reaching the throat.
The sensation is often described as a painful or burning feeling that can be mistaken for heart-related issues, though it’s related to digestion. Meanwhile, acid reflux occurs when stomach acid or food rises back up into the oesophagus.
This regurgitation can cause a sour taste in the mouth and discomfort in the chest or throat. It’s this movement of stomach contents back up into the gullet that can lead to heartburn.
Dr Rakshit explains: “In a human being, the function of the gullet is to move food down into the stomach. In the normal stomach acid is produced, and this helps to digest our food. Now, if there are certain risk factors, this food, fluid and acid can move up into the gullet, and as the gullet is not used to an acidic environment it creates symptoms such as heartburn”.
She adds that simple lifestyle changes can help alleviate some of the unpleasant symptoms. “Give your body two to three hours to digest before going to bed – consider eating your main meal of the day during daytime, rather than the evening,” Dr Rakshit says.
There are also other lifestyle changes you can make to avoid unpleasant symptoms. Losing weight for those who are overweight or obese can help with decreasing pressure on the stomach, making acid reflux less likely.
Avoiding fizzy drinks can also help with reducing bloating, which can in turn put more pressure on the stomach and increase the chance of reflux. You might also want to change your sleeping habits, with Dr Rakshit explaining that lying on your back can actually help with symptoms.
“While propping up your head with pillows often doesn’t work, raising the head of your bed or using a wedge pillow can help keep stomach acid down,” she says.
Dr Rakshit also warns: “While heartburn and acid reflux are common, there are times when it’s important to seek medical attention.
“If symptoms persist despite over-the-counter medications or lifestyle changes, or if you experience more severe issues such as unintentional weight loss, food getting stuck in your gullet, difficulty swallowing, or vomiting, it’s time to consult your doctor, as these could be signs of more serious conditions”.
She also stresses: “If you notice blood in your vomit or stools, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately”.