GERD Treatment and Home Remedies

GERD Treatment and Home Remedies

Antacids: These drugs can help neutralize acid in the esophagus and stomach and stop heartburn. An antacid combined with a foaming agent helps some people. Researchers think these compounds form a foam barrier on top of the stomach that stops acid reflux.
But long-term use of antacids can bring side effects, including diarrhea, altered calcium metabolism (a change in the way the body breaks down and uses calcium), and a buildup of magnesium in the body. Too much magnesium can be serious for people who have kidney disease.
H2 blockers: For chronic reflux and heartburn, the doctor may recommend medications to reduce acid in the stomach. These medicines include H2 blockers, which help block acid secretion in the stomach. H2 blockers include: cimetidine (Tagamet), famotidine (Pepcid), and nizatidine.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs): Also known as acid pumps, these drugs block a protein needed to make stomach acid. PPIs include dexlansoprazole (Dexilant), esomeprazole (Nexium), lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec), omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate (Zegerid), pantoprazole (Protonix), and rabeprazole (Aciphex).
Prokinetics: In rare cases, these drugs help stomach empty faster. They may also help with symptoms like bloating, nausea, and vomiting. But they can also have serious side effects. Example of prokinetics include domperidone and metoclopramide (Clopra, Maxolon, Metozolv, Reglan).

Diet and Lifestyle Changes

Avoid foods and beverages triggers: Stay away from foods that can relax the LES, including chocolate, peppermint, fatty foods, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages. Should also avoid foods and beverages that can irritate a damaged esophageal lining if they cause symptoms, such as citrus fruits and juices, tomato products, and pepper.
Eat smaller servings: Eating smaller portions at mealtime may also help control symptoms. Also, eating meals at least 2 to 3 hours before bedtime lets the acid in stomach go down and make stomach partially empty.
Eat slowly: Take time at every meal.
Stop smoking: Cigarette smoking weakens the LES. Stopping smoking is important to reduce GERD symptoms.
Elevating head: Raising the head of bed on 6-inch blocks or sleeping on a specially designed wedge lets gravity lessen the reflux of stomach contents into esophagus. Don’t use pillows to prop up. That only puts more pressure on the stomach.
Stay at a healthy weight: Being overweight often worsens symptoms. Many overweight people find relief when they lose weight.
Wear loose clothes: Clothes that squeeze waist put pressure onther belly and the lower part of the esophagus.
Acupuncture: In one study, treatment with acupuncture stopped reflux in the test group better than PPIs, with results that lasted longer.