Do you often feel a burning sensation in your chest after eating? Or a sour taste in your mouth when you lie down? If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with GERD – Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from this chronic digestive disorder, where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus.
The good news is that GERD is manageable. With the right combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and, when necessary, surgical treatments, you can get your symptoms under control and improve your quality of life.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through effective GERD treatments, simple lifestyle changes, commonly used medications, and when surgery may be necessary to get your symptoms under control and improve your quality of life.
If you’re looking for professional help, GI Partners of Illinois is here to support your digestive health journey.
What Is GERD?
GERD occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus due to a weak or malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This causes burning discomfort, commonly known as heartburn or acid reflux.
Common Symptoms of GERD
- Frequent heartburn or acid reflux
- Regurgitation of food or sour liquid coming into the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing/Dysphagia
- Chronic cough or sore throat
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
- Chest pain (especially after eating or at night)
Lifestyle Changes
Before reaching for medications, simple adjustments in your daily habits can make a big difference. Here are some GERD-friendly lifestyle changes that can reduce reflux:
✅ Eat smaller meals
Large meals put pressure on your stomach, increasing the chance of reflux.
✅ Avoid trigger foods
Common triggers include spicy foods, fatty meals, chocolate, caffeine, citrus, and carbonated drinks.
✅ Don’t lie down right after eating
Wait at least 2-3 hours before lying down or going to bed.
✅ Elevate the head of your bed
Raising your bed by 6-8 inches can help prevent nighttime reflux.
✅ Maintain a healthy weight
Extra pounds can increase abdominal pressure and worsen GERD symptoms.
✅ Quit smoking
Smoking weakens the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) and increases acid production.
Foods to Avoid
- Spicy foods, such as hot sauces, jalapeños, and spicy curries, can irritate the esophagus and increase reflux.
- Citrus fruits and juices, such as oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits, can create high acidity that can worsen heartburn symptoms.
- Tomato-based foods, such as pasta sauces, ketchup, pizza sauce, and salsa, are naturally acidic.
- Fried and fatty foods, such as French fries, fried chicken, and full-fat dairy, can slow digestion and put pressure on the stomach.
- Caffeine products, such as coffee, black tea, and energy drinks, can stimulate acid production and relax the LES.
- Carbonated drinks and alcohol, such as soda, sparkling water, and beer, can increase bloating and pressure in the stomach.
- Onions and garlic, especially when eaten raw, can trigger reflux in some people.
- Peppermint relaxes the LES, making it easier for acid to flow back up into the mouth.
Tips
- Everyone’s triggers can be different—consider keeping a food diary to track what causes your symptoms.
- Choose low-acid, high-fiber foods like oatmeal, bananas, green vegetables, and lean proteins to support digestive health.
Medications
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, over-the-counter or prescription medications can help reduce acid and heal the esophagus.
Antacids: Quick relief (Tums, Rolaids)
H2 Blockers: Reduce acid production (Pepcid, Zantac)
PPIs: Heal esophageal lining (Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix)
Prokinetics: Improve stomach emptying (less commonly used)
IMPORTANT: Long-term use of PPIs should be discussed with your doctor due to potential side effects.
When Is Surgery Needed for GERD?
In some cases, lifestyle changes and medications may not be enough, especially if you have severe GERD or complications like Barrett’s esophagus. That’s when surgical options come into play.
Fundoplication: The most common GERD surgery. It strengthens the LES by wrapping the top of the stomach around it.
LINX device: A small ring of magnetic beads is placed around the LES to prevent reflux while still allowing food to pass.
Surgery is usually considered when:
- Symptoms are severe or persistent
- There’s a risk of esophageal damage or cancer
- You want to avoid lifelong medication use
GI Partners of Illinois: Your Partner in Digestive Health Care
At GI Partners of Illinois, we understand how disruptive GERD can be to your daily life. Our team of board-certified gastroenterologists provides personalized care for every stage of GERD—from diagnosis to treatment and long-term management.
✅ We offer in-depth diagnostic testing, including endoscopy and pH monitoring
✅ We help you create an effective GERD treatment plan with lifestyle coaching and medication
✅ Our GI specialists use advanced procedures when needed
✅ Friendly and compassionate care throughout your digestive health journey
Don’t let acid reflux take over your life.
If you’re struggling with GERD symptoms, it’s time to take action.
Call GI Partners of Illinois today at (872) 328-4880 or request an appointment online to get expert digestive care that’s compassionate, thorough, and effective.
