Making lifestyle changes can reduce your GER and GERD symptoms. You should:
- lose weight, if needed wear loose-fitting clothing around your abdomen (tight clothing can squeeze your stomach area and push acid up into your esophagus)
- stay upright for 3 hours after meals;avoid reclining and slouching when sitting
- sleep on a slight angle. Raise the head of your bed 6 to 8 inches by safely putting blocks under the bedposts; just using extra pillows will not help
- quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
- try over-the-counter and prescription medicines