Avoid food and drink within three hours of going to sleep and take any medications your doctor has prescribed for acid reflux.
Raise the head of your bed by 6 inches to allow gravity to help keep the stomach's contents in the stomach. Do not use piles of pillows, because this puts your body into a bent position that can aggravate the condition by increasing pressure on the abdomen.
Eat smaller meals with moderate portions of food.
Maintain a healthy weight to eliminate abdominal pressure caused by extra pounds.
Limit consumption of fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, tea, colas, and alcohol, all of which relax the lower esophageal sphincter. Also eat tomatoes and citrus fruits or juices sparingly, since their acid content can irritate the esophagus.
Give up smoking, which relaxes the muscle between the esophagus and stomach.
Wear loose belts and clothing.
Over-the-counter antacids can often relieve GERD symptoms. However, if after two weeks these medications have not helped, contact your doctor. You may need to be prescribed medications that limit the amount of stomach acid your body produces.
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