Things to do to help your GERD

Gerd, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, occurs when stomach acid flow back into your esophagus.  This acid irritates the lining of your throat and causes acid reflux and heartburn.  There are over the counter ways to help, and sometimes surgery is required, but there are other things you can do to help as well.

Watch what you eat -- I recommend starting a food journal so that you know specifically what is triggering your symptoms.  Some foods that can trigger GERD are fatty or fried foods, coffee, tea, alcohol, spicy foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes and tomato sauce, onion, garlic, carbonated beverages like soda, chocolate and mint.    Foods that help prevent GERD are leafy greens, which we all should eat more of anyways, melon, banana oatmeal, fennel, parsley, yogurt with prebiotics, peanut butter, foods with fiber and brown rice.

Focus on low fat and lean protein sources such as chicken, turkey and fish.  Try to eat lots of fresh veggies, fruits and whole grains.  It can also help if you eat 5-6 small meals throughout the day and stop eating before you get too full.  A lot of the time if you over eat, this can trigger GERD, no matter what you have eaten.  Stop eating 2-3 hours before bedtime.

If you are a smoker, this can increase your change of developing GERD, and it's bad for you anyways, so probably good to nip this one in the bud.

Cut down on coffee and caffeinated beverages and drink more water.  This helps to rinse out the acid in your throat, as well as to neutralize it.

There is also a positive correlation between weight/belly fat and GERD.  If you start cleaning up your diet and lose some weight, this can help with your symptoms.

Of course, you should see your doctor anyways to be safe, but these are some tips to help you out!