Living with GERD / heartburn
Many people manage the discomfort of heartburn with simple lifestyle modifications and over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Nevertheless, a 2006 review suggested that evidence for most dietary interventions is only subjective; however, weight loss and elevating the head of the bed were supported by evidence.1
A subsequent randomized crossover study showed the benefit of avoiding eating two hours before bedtime.2
Lifestyle Modifications
The occurrence of heartburn can be prevented through the following steps:
- Avoid foods and drinks such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, garlic, spicy and oily foods, alcohol, tea and coffee that trigger the problem (a study by Stanford University researchers disputes the effect of coffee, acidic and spicy foods in causing heartburn).1
- Eat frequent small meals instead of three large meals.
- Avoid eating just before exercise.
- Avoid analgesics such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.
- Avoid lying down for 2–3 hours after eating.
Positional Therapy
Sleeping on one’s left-side has been shown to significantly reduce episodes of night-time reflux in GERD patients.3 Other positional therapy includes elevation of the head of the bed.The height of the elevation must be at least 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in order to be minimally effective to prevent the backflow of gastric fluids. As some innerspring mattresses tend to cause back pain when inclined, foam-based mattresses are preferred.
Another effective approach is to apply all the conservative measures for maximum response.
Next page: Treatment of GERD / Heartburn
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: April 04, 2012