Recommended Diet and Lifestyle Changes for GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease)
- Stop smoking
- Increase exercise. Consider talking to your doctor about weight loss
- Wear loose clothing. Avoid clothes/belts that fit tightly and cause pressure on stomach
- Eat smaller/ more frequent meals and avoid laying down at least an hour after eating
- Do not eat a few hours prior to bedtime
- Sleep with your head elevated at night. Use pillows or a wedge to prop your head 6 inches. Or place 6” blocks or bed risers under the two bedposts at the head of your bed.
- Implement a GERD diet, which avoids foods and beverages that trigger reflux/heartburn
FOODS to AVOID
Fatty foods
- Fried Chicken
- Fried Fish
- Fried Poultry
- Onion Rings
- French Fries
- Fried Vegetables
- Potato Chips
Spicy Foods
- Chili
- Tacos
- Buffalo Wings
- Hot Sauce
Vegetables
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
Acidic Foods
- Pizza sauce
- Spaghetti sauce
- Ketchup
- Buffalo sauce
- BBQ sauce
Citrus Fruits
- Oranges
- Pineapples
- Lemons
- Grapefruit
Other
- Peppermint
- Garlic
- Vinegar
DRINKS to AVOID/LIMIT
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Carbonated water
- Citrus Beverages
- Orange juice
- Pineapple juice
- Apple cider
- Lemonade
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Wine
- Liquor