Gastroesophageal reflux - discharge

You can make many lifestyle changes to help treat your symptoms. Avoid foods that cause problems for you.

• Do not drink alcohol.
• Avoid drinks and foods that have caffeine, such as soda, coffee, tea, and chocolate.
• Avoid decaffeinated coffee. It also increases the level of acid in your stomach.
• Avoid high-acid fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, pineapple, tomatoes, or tomato-based dishes (such as pizza, chili, and spaghetti).
• Avoid items with spearmint or peppermint.

Other lifestyle tips that may make your symptoms better are:

• Eat smaller meals, and eat more often.
• Lose weight, if you need to.
• If you smoke or chew tobacco, try to quit. Your doctor can help.
• Exercise, but not right after eating.
• Reduce your stress and watch for stressful, tense times. Stress can bother your reflux problem.
• Bend at the knees -- not your waist -- to pick things up.
• Avoid wearing clothes that put pressure on your waist or stomach.

Avoid drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to relieve pain. Take any of your medicines with plenty of water. When your doctor gives you new medicines, remember to ask if it will make your heartburn worse.

Try these tips before going to sleep:

• Do not skip meals or eat a large meal for dinner to make up for missed meals.
• Avoid late night snacks.
• Do not lie down right after you eat. Remain upright for 2 to 3 hours before you go to bed.
• Raise your bed 4 to 6 inches at the head of your bed, using blocks. You can also use a wedge support that raises the top half of your body when you are in bed. (Extra pillows that raise only your head may not help.)