Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

NUTRITION

• Avoid eating late at night if nocturnal GERD symptoms (1)

• Specific food elimination if positive benefits: Chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, acidic foods, spices (1)

• Chewing gum may increase saliva production thus improve neutralization of refluxed acid (2)

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• Belly/abdominal breathing can strengthen the diaphragm and reduce esophageal disease and reflux (2)

SLEEP

• Head of bed elevation, 6-8 inches (1)

• Do not use additional pillows as this may cause pressure on the stomach and worsen reflux (2)

SMOKING

• Smoking cessation if smoking (1)

• Mechanisms of action: Smoking reduces saliva, which help to neutralize refluxed acid. Smoking lowers the pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter and provokes coughing which increases reflux. 

• Quitting smoking may eliminate or reduce mild GERD symptoms (2)

STRESS

• Relaxation strategies to disrupt the overstimulated gut-brain connection (2)

WEIGHT

• Weight loss if overweight / obese (1)

OTHER

• Avoid tight fitting clothes that may increase pressure on the abdomen and force content into the esophageous (2)