Heartburn/GERD Health Center

If you have symptoms of mild gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), there are things you can do at home to feel better.

Here are some lifestyle changes to try:

• Change your eating habits.
  • It’s best to eat several small meals instead of 2 or 3 large meals.
  • After you eat, wait 2 to 3 hours before you lie down. Late-night snacks aren't a good idea.
  • Chocolate, mint, and alcohol can make GERD worse. They relax the valve between the esophagus and the stomach.
  • Spicy foods, foods that have a lot of acid (like tomatoes and oranges), and coffee can make GERD symptoms worse in some people. If your symptoms are worse after you eat a certain food, you may want to stop eating that food to see if your symptoms get better.
• Don't smoke or chew tobacco.
• If you have GERD symptoms at night, raise the head of your bed 6 in. (15 cm) to 8 in. (20 cm) by putting the frame on blocks or placing a foam wedge under the head of your mattress. (Adding extra pillows doesn't work.)
• Avoid or reduce pressure on your stomach. Don't wear tight clothing around your middle.
• Lose weight if you need to. Losing just 5 to 10 pounds can help.

For more information, see:

GERD: Controlling Heartburn by Changing Your Habits.

Along with lifestyle changes, you may need nonprescription medicines to control occasional heartburn. For more information, see Medications.