As the jingle bells start ringing and Christmas decorations begin to twinkle, it's vital to be mindful of a discomforting condition that can be sparked by overindulging in festive feasts.

The NHS has dished out advice highlighting six tell-tale signs of heartburn and acid reflux, which could be triggered by going overboard on pigs in blankets or having an extra slice of Christmas pudding. There are several strategies to keep these symptoms at bay, which could lead to nausea, a raspy voice, and occasionally, a nasty taste in the mouth.

Those keen to dodge the holiday food falloutcan heed a few suggested remedies to prevent the condition from escalating into a more severe diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.

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Acid reflux primarily manifests two main symptoms, which may be accompanied by four additional, temporary health issues. Heartburn and an unpleasant sour taste in your mouth are the primary symptoms; the former triggers a burning sensation, while the latter results from increased stomach acid levels.

Additional symptoms can encompass a cough or hiccups, a hoarse voice, bad breath, and bloating. The bloating can induce feelings of nausea, and symptoms can intensify after eating, bending over, or lying down.

To combat those post-Christmas dinner flare-ups and ward off acid reflux, experts are urging people to ease off certain treats. That means temporarily saying ta-ra to coffee, booze, chocolate, tomatoes, alongside those tempting fatty and spicy foods - all to give your system a fighting chance to bounce back.

Additional triggers that could be causing havoc include lighting up cigarettes, being overweight, feeling stressed or expecting a baby, plus popping anti-inflammatory painkillers like ibuprofen. Chuck a hiatus hernia into the mix, and it's evident that showing some restraint over the festive period could work wonders.

For quick respite from the clutches of gastroesophageal grief - better known as heartburn - medical professionals recommend having smaller portions spread across the day, shedding any surplus pounds and trying out stress-busting methods. When turning in for the night, a straightforward tweak such as propping up the head of your bed by 10 to 20cm could be a game-changer, preventing that troublesome stomach acid from creeping upwards where it shouldn't.

Getting better also means dodging certain grub and habits - especially whatever triggers your symptoms. That involves resisting the temptation of cigarettes and keeping your alcohol consumption in check; the NHS reckons "too much" is where things go pear-shaped.

Fashion lovers, take heed: clingy clothing is a no-go. The same applies to midnight munchies, with health guidance recommending a three to four-hour gap before hitting the sack as sensible protocol.