How to Prevent GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a common digestive problem that affects millions of Americans. This disease occurs when the muscle that attaches the esophagus to the stomach does not contract correctly, allowing stomach acid to rise out of the stomach into areas where it is not supposed to be.

• Do not eat acidic foods such as tomatoes if you are experiencing symptoms or GERD, or have been diagnosed with this condition. Any foods that are naturally high in acid will increase your symptoms and cause your stomach to produce excess acid to digest.


• Take caffeine out of your diet because it causes the stomach to produce extra stomach acid and can cause your GERD symptoms to flare up. Any food or drink that contains caffeine should be avoided or eliminated from your diet completely.


• Quit smoking, as nicotine is also known to cause your stomach to produce more acid than it normally would. The more acid that your stomach produces, the more your GERD symptoms will flare up.


• Do not lie flat on your back at all. Doing so allows the acids from your stomach to rise above the weakened muscle and into your chest or throat. Keeping your upper body elevated will help to keep the stomach acid where it belongs in your stomach.


• Eat bread or crackers with each meal to help naturally neutralize the stomach acids that are produced after you eat. Incorporating bread or crackers will help to keep acid production under control which can help to control GERD.