GERD Treatment

• One of the first steps recommended in curing GERD problem is to avoid foods and beverages that can weaken the LES. Food items like chocolates, peppermint, fatty foods, coffee and alcoholic beverages should strictly be avoided in order to reduce the risk of GERD. Citrus fruits and juices, tomato products and pepper consumption should also be curbed because of their ability to irritate the esophageal lining especially if it is already under a GERD attack.
• Reduction in the portion of meals that you consume will also help in controlling the symptoms leading to GERD. Overeating will put pressure on the abdomen which will increase acid reflux action. Having meals 2 to 3 hrs before going to bed is also said to help curb symptoms causing GERD. A time gap between the meal and bedtime will lead to proper digestion and reduction in the reflux acid produced by the stomach.
• Smoking and alcoholic beverages are major contributors to the condition of GERD. Smoking and alcohol weaken the LES, forcing it to relax and not perform its function of guarding reflux properly. Therefore, in order to reduce GERD symptoms, one needs to give up on smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Another way to treat symptoms of GERD is to sleep with your head on an elevated surface. You can either elevate the head of the bed using blocks or get a specially designed raised cot. Sleeping by putting your head at a height will reduce symptoms by allowing gravity to minimize the reflux of acids into the esophagus.
• Consumption of antacids can also help neutralize acid reflux into the esophagus and its formation in the stomach. Consumption of antacids provides partial or temporary relief from the symptoms of GERD. You can also combine antacids with a foaming agent such as alginic acid to experience a better result. These compounds are believed to form a foam barrier on top of the stomach that prevents acid reflux from happening. 

Medications