9 ways to reduce symptoms of reflux disease

Written in association with: Dr Aathavan Loganayagam
Published: | Updated: 04/05/2023
Edited by: Laura Burgess

If you suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) you may live with painful symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux, feelings of nausea and bad breath. Fortunately, these symptoms can be reduced by making some lifestyle changes.

Person holding mug of coffee and a cigarette


Here, consultant gastroenterologist Dr Aathavan Loganayagam shares his tips on how to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of a GORD flare-up:
 

  1. Lose weight - Studies have shown that people experience greater relief from the symptoms with the more weight that they lose. Discuss an eating plan with your doctor.
     
  2. Quit smoking – A study of people taking regular medicine for acid reflux found that stopping smoking almost halved the severity of their reflux symptoms. The improvements were mostly among people of normal weight.
     
  3. Cut back on alcohol – Alcohol may trigger acid reflux symptoms in some people.
     
  4. Avoid trigger foods and drinks – Examples of triggers include fatty and spicy foods, chocolate and coffee. Different people have different acid reflux triggers. It is only necessary to avoid the ones that affect you so that you do not end up restricting your diet. Possible trigger foods can be eliminated for two weeks and then reintroduced one at a time to determine your tolerance.
     
  5. Raise the head of your bed – Some symptoms of reflux felt at night may disrupt your sleep. Try sleeping on a wedge pillow or wedging up your mattress by 20cm.
     
  6. Avoid lying down after eating – This includes going to bed.
     
  7. Eat smaller meals – Eating large meals increases stomach pressure.
     
  8. Don’t eat three hours before bedtime – The stomach may take up to five hours to fully empty a meal so it is recommended to stop eating at least three hours before going to bed.
     
  9. Avoid eating before exercise – Avoid the foods that trigger acid reflux for up to three hours before working out.

 

 

What happens if symptoms of GORD are more frequent?

In cases where GORD symptoms appear more frequently, a drug called proton pump inhibitor (PPI) can be taken for 4 to 8 weeks to reduce the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Taken once a day, an hour before a meal, the tablet is effective at treating GORD reflux.
 

 

How can I stop or reduce GORD treatment?

After completing an initial course of PPIs, you may reduce the amount of medication you are taking and still maintain control of GORD symptoms. Up to 6 out of 10 people can also stop taking PPIs without symptoms returning (under the supervision of your doctor). When your doctor is reviewing your initial course of treatment, they may suggest you try to reduce your PPI medicine by:

  • Lowering your PPI dose
  • Taking PPI on alternate days
  • Take PPI only when symptoms appear worse
  • Stopping your PPI
     

What happens if I suddenly stop taking PPI?

If PPI is stopped suddenly, reflux symptoms may return for around four to five days because of what is known as rebound acid hyper-section. This occurs when the stomach has become used to a PPI and starts producing more acid. Some over-the-counter medicines can help to relieve symptoms as the stomach readjusts to no longer needing a PPI.



To reduce the risk of rebound acid hyper-section, your doctor may gradually lower your PPI dose before stopping. Your reflux symptoms may change over time, so the dose of PPI you need may also change. You doctor can help you to manage this.
 

 

How important are lifestyle changes for reflux?

Lifestyle changes also remain important in managing GORD. After stopping PPI, they become even more important in controlling your reflux symptoms.

 

 

Do not hesitate to book an appointment with Dr Loganayagam if you're experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of GORD

By Dr Aathavan Loganayagam
Gastroenterology

Dr Aathavan Loganayagam trained in medicine at Guy’s, King's and St. Thomas’ medical schools. He then underwent rigorous structured specialty training in gastroenterology and general internal medicine in the well respected South London training programme.

He then spent two years during postgraduate training as a research and endoscopy fellow at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals, London. His research was in the fields of pharmacogenetics, inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal malignancy. He has received awards and grants for outstanding research work, including the prestigious NHS Innovation London Award.

Dr Loganayagam has numerous publications in peer reviewed journals on all aspects of gastroenterology. He is actively involved in clinical research. He has particular local expertise in the practice of personalised medicine and the utilisation of novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of complex inflammatory bowel disease. He is currently the lead clinician for endoscopy at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woolwich.

Diagnostic and advanced therapeutic endoscopy remains a major part of his clinical expertise, including assessment and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, strictures, polyps and cancers.

Dr Loganayagam is an approachable doctor who takes pride in his communication skills with patients. He is keen to ensure that patients are fully informed and involved in all aspects of their care.

View Profile

Overall assessment of their patients


  • Related procedures
  • Nutrition
    Food intolerance test
    Eating disorders
    Depression
    Balloon enteroscopy
    pH monitoring
    Stomach reduction
    Gastric balloon
    Colon cleanse
    Gastroscopy
    This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.