Heartburn, Bloating and Gas

There are many reasons why you may have gas, cramps, bloating and heartburn. Some of these include:

• Lack of activity;
• Nervousness;
• Certain cancer treatments like radiation to the upper abdomen;
• Some tumours (e.g., cancer of the pancreas);
• Some medications;
• Certain foods.

The purpose of this brochure is to give you information on how to manage these symptoms on your own. If these symptoms are making you uncomfortable and you cannot control them, talk to a member of your healthcare team at your next visit.

Foods that help control heartburn, bloating and gas:

• Low fat yogurt, cottage cheese, sherbet;
• Broth and clear soups;
• Poached or broiled fish, lean meats, poultry (without the skin);
• Cooked vegetables & fruits (without skins or seeds);
• Bananas, applesauce, canned fruit;
• Cereals (except bran or granola types);
• Plain crackers, biscuits;
• Watered-down fruit juices.

You can also call Supportive Care at 519-685-8600 to make an appointment with a Dietitian. You do not need a referral.

Foods that you should avoid:

• Baked beans, peas, corn, cabbage, onions, garlic and other “gas forming” foods;
• High fat, greasy foods;
• Spicy foods like chili, tacos, curries, pizza;
• Salad dressings, pickles, and foods made with vinegar;
• Very sweet desserts and mints;
• Carbonated beverages like soft drinks, pop;
• Alcoholic drinks like beer, wine and liquor;
• Drinks that have caffeine like coffee, tea, colas, cocoa;
• Soups made with cream.

Helpful hints to help manage heartburn:

• Eat smaller meals and snacks more often.
• Try not to skip meals.
• Chew slowly and thoroughly, with your mouth closed, to prevent swallowing air.
• Eat soda crackers before you get out of bed and when you feel like you may be getting heartburn.
• Drink plenty of liquids between meals.
• Avoid having beverages and solid foods at the same time. Waiting 30 to 45 minutes after a meal before drinking liquids may be helpful.
• Do not use a straw when drinking.
• Eat in a place that relaxes you.
• Relax by sitting up for at least a half to one hour after a meal. Do not do any physical activity right after eating.
• If you must lie down, keep your head elevated at least 12 inches above the level of your feet.
• Some dairy products may not agree with you due to lactose (milk sugar) intolerance. If necessary, special drops or pills, which aid in digestion, can be used when having milk products (e.g., Lactaid®). Pre-treated fluid milk is also available in most supermarkets (e.g. Lacteeze® and Lactaid®). Ask the Dietitian about these products.

Medicine that can help manage heartburn:

If you have heartburn you can buy antacid medicine at your pharmacy. Antacids come as both liquids and pills. Some examples of heartburn medication include Maalox™, Rolaids™, Mylanta™ and TUMS™.

You can also buy medicine to help reduce acid production. These include:

• Ranitidine (e.g., Zantac™);
• Cimetidine (e.g., Tagamet™);
• Famotidine (e.g., Pepcid AC™).

In the most severe cases, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help you with these symptoms.