General measures

The following lifestyle modifications (conservative interventions) should be considered in all patients with GORD: (1)

• weight loss:
  • may help although there is little data
• raising the head of the bed by 15 cm:
  • shown to reduce reflux in studies
• avoid NSAIDS
• avoid large evening meals within 3 hours of bedtime
• some patients may avoid certain foods (2) :
  • sodas that contain caffeine
  • chocolate
  • peppermint
  • spicy foods
  • acidic foods like oranges, tomatoes, and pizza
  • fried and fatty foods

Llifestyle modifications alone are not likely to control symptoms in most patients with GORD (1)

Reference:

• (1) Kenneth R., et al.Updated guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of Gastroesophageal reflux disease .American journal of gastroenterology 2005;100:190-200
• (2) Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health. 2007