10 Ways to Prevent GERD Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch GERD 10 Ways to Prevent GERD The good news: GERD is mostly preventable, if you make a few healthy lifestyle changes. By Dennis Thompson JrMedically Reviewed by Cynthia Haines, MD Reviewed: January 5, 2016 Medically Reviewed Thinkstock Unlike many conditions, "You could drink a cup of coffee, and you could be fine. Someone else could [do the same] and be symptomatic." Top 10 Ways to Prevent GERD Here are 10 tips you can try to prevent GERD.1. Lose weight. Obesity is the leading cause of GERD, Dr. Vaezi says. Extra stomach fat places pressure on your abdomen, pushing gastric juices up into your esophagus. " 2. Avoid foods known to cause reflux. If you're at risk for GERD, avoid:Fatty foodsSpicy foodsAcidic foods, like tomatoes and citrusMintChocolateOnionsCoffee or any caffeinated beverageCarbonated beverages 3. Eat smaller meals. Large meals fill the stomach and put pressure on the LES, making reflux and GERD more likely. 4. Don't lie down after eating. Wait at least three hours before you lie down after a meal. Gravity normally helps keep acid reflux from developing. When you eat a meal and then stretch out for a nap, you're taking gravity out of the equation. As a result, acid more easily presses against the LES and flows into the esophagus. 5. Elevate your bed. Raising the head of your bed six to eight inches can help gravity keep gastric acid down in your stomach. You could also use a wedge-shaped support. Don't use extra pillows, as they only raise your head and will not help with GERD. You need your entire upper body elevated to get relief.6. Review your medications. There are a number of NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The Latest in GERD Treatment Options for GERD Although most cases of GERD can be effectively managed with lifestyle modifications and medications, sometimes surgery may be necessary.By Mark HenricksDecember 3, 2021 What’s the Difference Between Acid Reflux and GERD? A burning pain in your chest generally signals heartburn, right? But if you are thinking that heartburn, also known as acid reflux, is the same as gastroesophag...By Denise SchipaniDecember 1, 2021 What Is GERD? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and PreventionBy Ashley WelchAugust 27, 2021 Managing GERD in an Era of UncertaintyBy Everyday Health Guest ContributorNovember 22, 2019 Still Searching for Relief From GERDBy Sean Delshad, MD, MBAMay 24, 2019 Heartburn Causes, Symptoms, and DiagnosisBy Diana RodriguezSeptember 17, 2018 How Changes in Body Weight Affect GERD A growing body of research shows that your weight can have a significant impact on acid reflux and related symptoms.By Allison RyanJune 22, 2018 GERD Symptoms and DiagnosisBy Mark HenricksJune 19, 2018 How to Choose the Right GERD Diet Consuming smaller meals, eating slowly, and avoiding certain foods may help relieve symptoms of GERD.By Mark HenricksJune 14, 2018 New Diet to Cut Acid RefluxBy November 16, 2017 MORE IN 10 Common Mistakes That Can Make Ulcerative Colitis Worse What Is GERD? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention 4 Natural Remedies for Reflux Due to Eosinophilic Esophagitis Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges