GERD

Managing

The key approaches to managing GERD involve the same lifestyle modifications that are usually recommended by physicians at the time of diagnosis:

• Eat three hours or more before bedtime.
• Elevate the head of the bed 5 to 8 inches above the foot, perhaps using bricks or concrete blocks.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Avoid certain foods, including both regular and decaf coffee, carbonated drinks, chocolate, mints, high-fat and fried foods, tomato sauces.
• Avoid large meals; eat small amounts more frequently.
• Stop smoking.
• Limit alcohol intake.

Lifestyle changes plus appropriate medical treatment should make it possible for most people to keep their symptoms in check.