“What are the lifestyle modifications and dietary changes that can help manage GERD symptoms and reduce acid reflux?”
I have GERD. What are the lifestyle modifications and dietary changes that can help manage GERD symptoms and reduce acid reflux?
4 Answers
FamilyMedicineGastroenterologist
Lose weight, avoid heavy meals, do not eat late at night just before going to sleep. Avoid chocolate, caffeine, peppermint.
See here: https://gastro.org/clinical-guidance/management-of-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd/
See here: https://gastro.org/clinical-guidance/management-of-gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd/
Avoid caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, NSAIDs (motrin, advil)
Avoid triggers such as coffee, alcohol, smoking, spicy or greasy food, chocolate or sweets. Second-eat smaller meals... and eat mindfully, slowly, and chew thoroughly to let you yourself more easily sense when you are full. Managing weight and constipation are also important to avoid reflux.
Lifestyle changes include dietary, physical, and psychological changes. The most challenging, I believe, is the psychology of health. Dietary: a balanced Mediterranean diet with emphasis on prebiotic vegetables, plant protein, and portion control of animal protein. Adequate hydration. Daily exercise. Daily stretching 15-20 minutes. Psychology: changing habits, sticking to the new routine.
