By

Ryan Jaslow /

CBS News/ December 20, 2012, 12:47 PM

Holiday heartburn: Foods to avoid

Peppermint

Christmas candy and candy canes stand on display for sale at the Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt square on the market's opening day Nov. 21, 2011, in Berlin. Getty Images

Even candy canes can cause heartburn, says Gress. Similar to chocolate and fatty foods, mint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter too much, causing acids to rise.

"This effect can be triggered by other minty products," he adds.

Gress recommends people who have heartburn or GERD should avoid mints this holiday season.