Health Tip: If You've Got GERD

Suggestions to help manage symptoms

Related Encyclopedia • Abdominoplasty • Acidophilus • Adhesions • Amebiasis More... Related Healthscout Videos Burning Away Barrett's Esophagus The Safety Gap: Food Fight Recipe for a Healthy Holiday 7 Diet Roadblocks More... Related Animations • GERD • PPI Therapy More... Related Drug Information • Aciphex • Nexium • Prevacid • Prilosec More... Related News Articles • Alzheimer's Drug Might Help Prevent Esophageal Cancer • Health Tip: Track What You Eat • Green Tea May Lower Lung Cancer Risk • Why You Eat for the Joy of It More...

(HealthDay News) -- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus, often causing a feeling of heartburn.

Text Continues Below

---

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons offers these suggestions to help tame GERD symptoms:

• Lose weight. Most people are helped "substantially" when they lose significant weight, the society says.
• Wear loose clothing.
• Eat meals at least several hours before bed time, giving the stomach some time to empty.
• Keep the head of the bed about 6 inches to 8 inches higher than the foot of the bed.
• Steer clear of smoking, high-fat foods, spicy foods, caffeine, chocolate and peppermint.
• Talk to your doctor about medications to help control GERD. And while on the subject of medications, ask your doctor if anything you're taking could actually be making your symptoms worse.

-- Diana Kohnle