5 Tips to Prevent Heartburn and GERD This Thanksgiving
November 13, 2025
Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones, give thanks and enjoy delicious food. But for many people, the holiday feast can bring on something less festive — the burning discomfort of heartburn or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux). The good news? A few simple strategies can help you enjoy your Thanksgiving meal without the burn.
1. Keep Portions in Check
It’s tempting to go back for seconds (or thirds), but large meals can put extra pressure on your stomach and trigger reflux. Try smaller portions of your favorite foods and eat slowly. Taking your time helps your body register fullness and reduces your chances of discomfort later.
2. Be Aware of Trigger Foods
Certain Thanksgiving favorites are more likely to cause heartburn. Rich or fatty foods like gravy, creamy casseroles, and fried dishes can increase stomach acid. Other common triggers include onions, citrus, peppermint, and chocolate. You don’t have to avoid them completely — just enjoy them in moderation and balance your plate with lean proteins and vegetables.
3. Take It Easy on Alcohol and Caffeine
Wine, beer, and coffee are common holiday staples, but both alcohol and caffeine can relax the muscle that keeps stomach acid from rising. If you choose to indulge, do so in moderation and alternate with water to stay hydrated and minimize symptoms.
4. Stay Upright After Eating
A post-meal nap might sound appealing, but lying down too soon can make reflux worse. Try to stay upright for at least 2–3 hours after eating. A light walk after dinner can also help your body digest more comfortably.
5. Dress for Comfort
Tight clothing — especially around the waist — can increase abdominal pressure and trigger reflux. Choose a comfortable outfit that lets you enjoy your meal without restriction.
With these simple tips, you can focus on what really matters this Thanksgiving — enjoying good food, good company, and good health.
If you experience frequent heartburn or ongoing GERD symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. Early treatment can help prevent complications and improve your quality of life.
Learn more about how AtlantiCare can help you with your digestive health.
Recent News
What is Sciatica
If you’ve ever had sciatica, you know it can be infuriating. Regardless of the position to which you sh...
Goodbye, Germs!
Germs are all around us. Some germs that can make us sick can live on surfaces for weeks or even months. ...
Suicide Prevention
The idea of losing a loved one to suicide is terrifying, and it may seem easier to ignore a potential problem than to confront it head on. But knowing what to look for is important in helping address a situation before it becomes a tragedy. Here are some common misconceptions about suicide.
Get A Leg Up On Peripheral Arterial Disease
September is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) Awareness Month, a good time to learn more about poor circulation. Left untreated, this chronic circulatory condition can lead to a variety of leg and foot issues, including amputation. It also increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Diabetes Awareness
Nationwide more than 30 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, yet another 84 million have prediabetes – blood glucose levels that are above normal but don’t quite meet the threshold for a diabetes diagnosis. Naturally, these people are at greater risk to developing diabetes.
Coping with Seasonal Affective Disorder
The sun is sinking below the horizon earlier than ever these days, and so is your mood. ...