Tackling Heartburn on Game Day

Updated: February 10, 2022

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(StatePoint)

The Big Game represents one of the largest eating days in the United States, with gatherings serving up everything from spicy buffalo wings and pizza to sliders and nachos. Between all these go-to treats and the stress brought on by watching the game, many fans experience heartburn.
Though common, heartburn can be very uncomfortable, with many feeling a painful “burning” sensation in the chest. Some may also experience pressure or pain just behind the breastbone that can last minutes or continue for a few hours. Other symptoms include the feeling that food is “sticking” in the chest or throat, a sour or acid taste in the back of the throat, and discomfort that gets worse after eating, burping and bloating.

But heartburn doesn’t need to sideline you on game day.

Tackle Heartburn Symptoms
To avoid heartburn, take a look at your game day spread. Incorporate foods that are low in fat and high in protein or that have a high water content. Healthy choices include hummus, crudité, grilled chicken skewers and non-alcoholic beverages. No matter what you’re snacking on though, be sure to stop eating before you’re full.

It’s also smart to cheer from a sitting or standing position. When you lie flat, your esophagus and stomach are on an even plane. This makes it easy for stomach acids to flow into your esophagus, which can cause heartburn.

Dodge wardrobe malfunctions by wearing clothing with a little give. Tight clothing or belts can put constant pressure on your stomach, giving acid nowhere to go but up and out. An easy fix? Wear your favorite jersey and don’t be afraid to loosen your belt a notch or two.
If you do need fast heartburn relief, you can also turn to TUMS, which takes seconds to start neutralizing gastric acid in the esophagus, where the pain of heartburn generally starts. It keeps working as it dissolves, going to work fast to relieve the pain of heartburn. To learn more, and for more heartburn relief tips, visit tums.com.

Stress Less, Have Fun
Stress is increasingly being recognized as a contributing factor to heartburn, so make the Big Game less nerve-wracking and more fun with some friendly heated competition. America’s number one heartburn medicine, TUMS, is hosting the first-ever TUMSworthy Big Game Trivia — putting fans’ knowledge to the test for an opportunity to win a piece of $88,000 in prizes.

Shortly before and during the Big Game, TUMS will live tweet links from @TUMSOfficial leading to brief videos hosted by comedian and television personality Scott Rogowsky, where participants can answer multiple-choice questions related to football and food. Each correct answer represents one entry into the sweepstakes, and one grand prize winner will be drawn randomly to receive a $56,000 cash prize.

Participants will also have an opportunity to win a piece of an additional $32,000 in prizes throughout the game. Satisfy your appetite for competition by sharing your standing on the live leaderboard via Twitter using #TUMSworthyTrivia. To enter for a chance to win, visit @TUMSOfficial.

“To avoid stress-induced heartburn, take a cue from my playbook and try to have some extra fun during the Big Game,” says Hall of Fame running back, and two-time Big Game champion, Terrell Davis, who will be competing against Pittsburgh legendary wide receiver and two-time Big Game champion, Hines Ward, in a special head-to-head trivia challenge on February 10, livestreamed via @TUMSOfficial.
Ward agrees: “Heartburn is painful. Flex your trivia skills to help you relax and enjoy this year’s Big Game.”

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