(ARA) – Nearly 19 million Americans are affected by acid reflux disease (ARD), also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is characterized by heartburn occurring two or more days a week despite treatment and diet changes. Spike Mendelsohn – a well-known celebrity chef and owner of several restaurants in the Washington, DC area – is one of the millions affected by ARD, and he has to manage the uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms of heartburn related to acid reflux disease.

“Just like you, I face stressful situations every day – in the kitchen, at work, and at home,” notes Chef Spike, who grew up working in the restaurant business alongside his family. “As someone who has acid reflux disease, I work hard to make sure my heartburn doesn’t heat up. I’m passionate about everything related to food – learning new cuisines from my travels, getting creative with my own recipes, and sharing what I’ve learned with others. I’ve tried to instill that same thinking to my health – being proactive helps me manage my acid reflux disease.”

Chef Spike has partnered with Takeda Pharmaceuticals U.S.A, Inc., the makers of DEXILANT (dexlansoprazole), on the “Don’t Let it Burn” campaign, to help educate millions of Americans about acid reflux disease and the importance of talking to a doctor for information about managing symptoms, including diet and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle tips, music, heartburn-friendly recipes and more can all be found on DontLetitBurn.com.

“To help manage my acid reflux disease, I worked with my doctor to come up with a treatment plan that, for me, includes taking DEXILANT,” explains Chef Spike. “Together with adjustments to what I eat and my lifestyle, it’s helped turn down the heat on the heartburn I experience because of my ARD. Everyone is different, so it’s important for people to work with their doctor to come up with a management approach that works for them.”

“It is very important for patients to be proactive and understand that they can work with their doctor to find an appropriate plan for treating their acid reflux disease,” says David A. Peura, M.D., Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine. “One treatment option I prescribe for my appropriate ARD patients is DEXILANT. DEXILANT can provide up to 24 hours of heartburn relief.”

With personal tips and recipes from Mendelsohn, www.DontLetitBurn.com contains helpful information and facts about acid reflux disease, including: