(BPT) - Eating delicious food with great company is one of the best parts of attending your favorite fall festivities, whether you're at a backyard cookout, planning back-to-school dinners, tailgating or hosting a football watch party. However, certain popular foods like spicy wings, pizza and fried favorites are often accompanied by an uninvited guest - heartburn.
If you know certain foods trigger heartburn but still eat them anyway, you're not alone, as many Americans are willing to make that tradeoff. According to a new PEPCID® brand survey, almost half of respondents knowingly eat or drink things they expect will cause heartburn. While avoiding these foods could help reduce the likelihood of acid reflux and discomfort after eating, 80% of respondents believe certain foods are "worth the risk."*
The good news is that you do not have to pass on eating delicious dishes this fall. That is why having a heartburn game plan, including these five simple strategies, can help you manage symptoms and feel more prepared to enjoy the food you love at gatherings.
1. Elevate your upper body or stand up
When you lie down, increased pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle that keeps the bottom of the esophagus closed, can worsen heartburn symptoms. Stand up after eating or elevate your upper body and head with a pillow to keep the stomach acid from flowing up into your esophagus.
2. Loosen tight clothing
Clothing that fits tightly around the waist can put pressure on your stomach, pushing its contents backward into the esophagus and causing discomfort. If you feel heartburn coming on, try loosening your belt or, when possible, opting for looser-fitting clothing to give your midsection more room to relax.
3. Chew gum to help reduce acid
Believe it or not, gum can help take the edge off a heartburn-triggering meal. Chewing gum boosts saliva production and makes you swallow more often, which can help clear acid from the mouth and esophagus. The best part? You'll get the added benefit of fresh breath.
4. Get moving
Did you know that regular exercise can help manage heartburn? Low-intensity aerobic exercises (walking, cycling and yoga) may offer protective benefits against acid reflux. These activities can also support a healthy weight, which is an important part of managing heartburn and acid reflux. However, you should try to avoid eating right after. The next time you eat a meal, invite a friend or family member to take a leisurely stroll around the block.
5. Have an acid reducer on hand
Many people who occasionally experience heartburn take a "wait and see" approach to potential heartburn, even though they know that there are over-the-counter (OTC) acid reducers that can help relieve their symptoms. In fact, according to the survey, 67% said they have experienced heartburn symptoms but chose not to take medication because they expected symptoms would go away on their own. Even among those who experience severe symptoms, 77% reported doing the same.*
Don't let heartburn interrupt the moment. If you know certain foods can trigger occasional heartburn, consider picking up an OTC acid reducer like PEPCID® so you can enjoy a Saturday barbecue. By reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, PEPCID® relieves heartburn and controls acid for up to 12 hours.** It works fast and lasts all day***, so you can enjoy a meal without worrying about discomfort.
Enjoy the season with a heartburn game plan
You don't have to give up your favorite foods to avoid heartburn. Using these simple tips, you can feel more prepared to enjoy the season's biggest food moments with the people you love. Before your next backyard cookout, tailgate or fall gathering, visit Pepcid.com to learn more about occasional heartburn, compare product options and find where to buy relief near you.
Use products only as directed.
*PEPCID® commissioned an online survey with KRC Research of 3,000 U.S. adults aged 18 or over in Spring 2026, reflective of U.S. census demographics.
**Acid control does not imply symptom relief.
***Starts to work in 15-30 minutes. Lasts all day based on 8-hour symptom relief studies during the day.
