Don't give heartburn a chance
Lavish meals, excess weight, as well as age and physical predispositions can cause reflux. But instead of accepting the pain and burning sensation in the chest – and the health risks – as strokes of fate, you can adjust your lifestyle.
When acidic stomach contents make their way back up the oesophagus, you may experience heartburn, also referred to as «reflux», which is an unpleasant, acid taste in the throat, or even a burning or stabbing pain behind the breastbone. The cause can be of an anatomical nature or due to a weak sphincter muscle between the stomach and oesophagus that no longer closes properly.
Occasional mild heartburn is usually harmless. However, we recommend that you see a doctor if reflux occurs several times a week, or even at night, and causes pain in the upper abdomen, vomiting, or problems with swallowing. The increased acidity can inflame or constrict the oesophagus, and in extreme cases too much acid can even cause cancer in the long term.
Some people are very susceptible to acid reflux. Heavy meals, especially late at night, as well as alcohol, nicotine, overweight and stress can favour these symptoms. Reflux is therefore often called a manager's disease. However, there is no need to accept it as an unavoidable side effect of working life, and you can eliminate or reduce the risk factors at an early stage.
When acidic stomach contents make their way back up the oesophagus, you may experience heartburn, also referred to as «reflux», which is an unpleasant, acid taste in the throat, or even a burning or stabbing pain behind the breastbone. The cause can be of an anatomical nature or due to a weak sphincter muscle between the stomach and oesophagus that no longer closes properly.
Occasional mild heartburn is usually harmless. However, we recommend that you see a doctor if reflux occurs several times a week, or even at night, and causes pain in the upper abdomen, vomiting, or problems with swallowing. The increased acidity can inflame or constrict the oesophagus, and in extreme cases too much acid can even cause cancer in the long term.
Some people are very susceptible to acid reflux. Heavy meals, especially late at night, as well as alcohol, nicotine, overweight and stress can favour these symptoms. Reflux is therefore often called a manager's disease. However, there is no need to accept it as an unavoidable side effect of working life, and you can eliminate or reduce the risk factors at an early stage.
The anti-reflux lifestyle
When you arrive at the office in the morning, open all of the windows and let the fresh morning air into the room. After airing the room, the temperature will stay comfortable for a while. When it starts to get warmer, lower the shutters and close the windows to block out the heat.
Air conditioners and fans are a godsend against the heat. However, make sure that they are not set too strong or too cool. Otherwise people could catch a cold if they are sitting in a draught. When outside temperatures are particularly high, the room temperature should be no more than 6 °C lower.
Don't wear constricting or tight-fitting clothes for the office. Wear loose clothing instead. It might be possible to adjust the dress code at work for the hottest weeks of the year. If ties and long sleeves or trousers can be done away with, the body will build up less heat.
Drink at least two litres of still or low-carbonated mineral water, unsweetened teas or diluted fruit juices every day. Drink regularly and opt for room-temperature drinks rather than drinks from the fridge, or leave cold water from the water dispenser on the desk for a while. If ice-cold liquid enters the stomach, the blood vessels constrict and the body heats up from the inside.
When it’s hot, avoid fatty or spicy foods that put unnecessary strain on the circulation. Eat cold, light food with as much water and minerals as possible, such as fruit, salads and vegetables. Several smaller portions spread throughout the working day are easier to digest than one big meal at lunchtime.
If possible, start work earlier in the morning and take advantage of flexitime to escape from the hot office earlier in the afternoon than usual. It’s better to stay in the shade during your coffee or lunch break rather than sunbathing.
