GERD: Controlling heartburn by changing your habits
Introduction
Key Points
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be painful and, if allowed to continue, can lead to complications including esophagitis. Esophagitis is irritation or inflammation of the esophagus. You can make adjustments to your lifestyle to get relief from your symptoms.
- Quitting the use of tobacco products can help relieve symptoms of GERD.
- Changing your diet can help prevent heartburn. For example, chocolate, peppermint, and alcohol can all make GERD worse by relaxing the valve between the esophagus and the stomach. In some people, spicy foods or foods that have a lot of acid (like tomatoes and oranges) can also make symptoms worse.
- If you are overweight, losing weight can help relieve GERD symptoms. Being overweight puts additional pressure on your stomach and increases the likelihood of heartburn occurring. Even losing a few pounds can help.
- Sleep problems resulting from symptoms of GERD can be reduced by not lying down within 3 hours of eating and by raising the head of your bed 6 in. (15 cm) to 8 in. (20 cm).
What is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Why is it important to include lifestyle changes in treating GERD?
How can I modify my lifestyle to relieve symptoms of GERD?
Where to go from here
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| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: March 31, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology | |
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