- Coffee, alcohol, calcium supplements, and excessive amounts of Vitamin C supplements are stimulants of gastric acid secretion. Taking these before bedtime especially can promote evening reflux. Calcium containing antacids are in this group.
- Foods high in fats and smoking reduce lower esophageal sphincter competence, so avoiding these tends to help, as well. Fat also delays emptying of the stomach.
- Having more but smaller meals also reduces the risk of GERD, as it means there is less food in the stomach at any one time.
- avoid eating for 2 hours before bedtime
- elevate the head of the bed on 6-inch blocks. (Pillows under the head and shoulders have been shown to be ineffective.)
- avoid soft drinks that contain caffeine
- avoid chocolate and peppermint
- avoid spicy foods
- avoid acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes(okay when fresh.)
- avoid cruciferous vegetables: onions, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts
- milk and milk-based products contain calcium and fat, so should be avoided before bedtime.
Apples
Have you tried apples? Some brands are better than others, but we have come across an increasing amount of people who say that they have gained some relief just by eating apples. Some have gone further and told us that eating apples has completely cured them. As this happened to you? if so we would love to hear from you. You can contact us here.
