Heartburn on game day is the ultimate party foul! Game day is supposed to be about cheering on your favorite team and tailgating to start the party as early as possible — not about that all-too-familiar burn that can sneak up when you least expect it. Occasional heartburn can put a damper on your fun, but the good news is that a few simple changes can make a big difference. Think of it like coaching yourself to victory. With the right game plan, you can enjoy the foods you love while keeping discomfort on the sidelines.

Read on for 9 game day digestion tips and some smart food swaps to help you stay in the game and serve up occasional heartburn relief:

1. Keep Portions Smaller

Like the stadium, your stomach has an occupancy limit. Eating big, heavy meals increases the chance of occasional heartburn. Instead, start with smaller portions and pace yourself. You’ll still get to taste everything you love, without overloading your system.

2. Go Slow and Savor

When the snacks are lined up, it’s tempting to rush. But slowing down gives your body time to process food and get the signal when you’re full. You can always go back for seconds, but you’ll enjoy each bite more and help your game day digestion keep pace.

3. Limit Fried Foods (Air Fryer FTW)

We know fried favorites like nachos, fries and jalapeno poppers are part of the line-up. But fried foods can be heavy hitters when it comes to digestion, and they can lead to occasional heartburn for many. That doesn’t mean you have to cut them from your roster entirely. Reach for your air fryer: It’s your MVP for creating crispy, tasty bites with less oil (and less chance of discomfort).

4. Skip Fizzy Drinks and Limit Alcohol

Sparkling water, sodas and fizzy cocktails may taste refreshing, but the bubbles can create gas in your stomach and push things in the wrong direction. That extra pressure may trigger occasional heartburn. Instead, stick with still beverages (or sip ginger ale for a gentler option). And if alcohol is in play, keep it to a minimum.

5. Manage Stress on Big Game Days

Big games bring excitement, tension and sometimes a bit of stress. Believe it or not, stress can be a factor in occasional heartburn. If you’re watching an important match, balance your nerves by choosing lighter fare or eating smaller amounts. Less stress on your game day digestion means more energy to cheer.

6. Stay Upright After Eating

Lying down right after a meal makes it easier for food to move where it doesn’t belong. Whether you’re on the couch or in the stands, give your body time to digest upright before kicking back.

7. Plan Ahead and Digest Before Kickoff

Timing matters. If you know kickoff is coming, plan to finish your bigger snacks an hour or so before. That way your body has a chance to process food and you’ll feel ready to focus on the action, not the burn.

8. Move After Meals for Natural Digestion Support

A little movement can offer digestion support. After eating, walk a few laps around your hometown and the stadium, or just stretch or stand up and mingle. Light activity can keep things moving smoothly and reduce the chance of discomfort.

9. Game Day Food Swaps to Avoid Occasional Heartburn* 

No one’s saying you need to give up your favorite game-day foods. The trick is moderation. Smaller portions and smarter pairings let you enjoy the foods you love without sidelining yourself. 

Now that we’ve covered how to serve up occasional heartburn relief, read on to learn about tailgate food swaps!

Smarter Swaps for Game-Day Snacks

Want to step up your tailgating snacks without sacrificing flavor? Try these easy swaps that keep the spirit of game day alive:

• Serve up chicken breast bites or tenders instead of wings: Same flavor, lighter on the stomach. It’s all about the sauce, isn’t it?
  
  
• Add a veggie platter to the line-up of cheese and meat trays: The fresh crunch balances heavier fare.
  
  
• Swap regular chips for protein or baked veggie chips: Fun textures with a little less grease.
  
  
• Serve up ginger ale: Still festive, but gentler on digestion.
  
  
• Love dips? Try adding hummus to the table: Keep the onion and ranch, just expand the roster (and get a boost of fiber).
  
  

And one last tip: Keep Heartburn Soothe chewables within reach on game day for occasional heartburn relief.* This 3-in-1 formula puts acid in its place – and keeps it there.* Fast-acting and long-lasting, it’s scientifically formulated and includes alginate and botanicals. 

Overtime Tip: 

Game day doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing choice between enjoying your favorite foods and staying comfortable. With these simple tips and smarter swaps for natural digestion support, you can enjoy the celebration while keeping occasional heartburn from stealing the spotlight. Play it smart, keep Heartburn Soothe handy for occasional heartburn relief and cheer your team on from the stands — or the couch — without missing a beat.*