- Certain foods cause or worsen acid reflux by affecting the sphincter muscle's performance or irritating the esophagus. Avoid eating the following common culprits: vinegars, tomato sauces, fats, chocolate and coffee.
- Some over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs may cause acid reflux. (Acetaminophen is not included.) To help GERD symptoms, do not take these medications .
- Changing certain behaviors can help GERD. Quitting smoking, losing weight and sleeping with the head higher than the feet can bring relief.
- Eating less at meals can bring relief from GERD. Additionally, GERD sufferers should avoid eating in the two to three hours before bed.
- Clothing that constricts the abdomen can increase heartburn symptoms, so those suffering from GERD shouldn't wear overly tight items, such as control-top hose.
- For some people with GERD, surgery might be an option. The procedure used is called fundoplication and is meant to stop acid from moving back up into the esophagus.
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