GERD Treatment: Lifestyle InterventionsGERD treatment occurs in a stepwise manner first from lifestyle interventions to medical therapies to surgical interventions when necessary. (For medical therapies and surgical interventions see GERD Medical Treatments.)
Lifestyle Interventions
Lifestyle interventions for the prevention of GERD generally include eliminating factors that are known to contribute to GERD symptoms. These factors may include the following:
- Certain foods (i.e. coffee, alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods)
- Medications (i.e. beta-blockers, anticholinergics, nitrates, calcium channel blockers)
- Hormones
- Smoking
Additionally, the following recommendations may also reduce or eliminate GERD symptoms:
- Avoid large meals
- Waiting at least 3 hours after eating to lie down
- Elevating the head of the bed 8 inches
Obesity is also a major contributing factor to GERD! Weight loss, through improved diet and increased exercise, can lead to partial or complete resolution of GERD precluding the need for additional therapies. Please see our sections on Nutritionand Exercise sections for more information.