If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from acid-related gastrointestinal discomfort, there are things you can do to improve your health and enhance the quality of your life.
- Avoid spicy, acidic, and tomato-based foods like fruit juices and Mexican and Italian foods, (eg, pizza.)
- Avoid fast-food hamburgers and other fatty foods. Chocolate in any form should be avoided by people with gastric reflux.
- Limit your intake of coffee, tea, alcohol, and cola.
- Watch your weight. (Being overweight increases pressure in the abdominal area, which can aggravate reflux.)
- Don’t gorge yourself at mealtime. Eat moderate amounts of food.
- Don’t exercise too soon after eating.
- Avoid bedtime snacks and eat meals at least 3 to 4 hours before lying down.
- Stop (or at least cut down on) smoking.
- Elevate the head of your bed with wooden blocks. (Don’t elevate your head by using extra pillows; this can increase abdominal pressure.)
- See your physician if you are taking antacids three or more times a week.