You may have already discovered that over-the-counter antacids help relieve over-acidity and heartburn. If your problem is more severe, you’ve likely visited the doctor and been placed on special medications that decrease the stomach’s secretion of acid. These include Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid and such newer drugs as Prevacid and Prilosec, as well as others.

Whether or not your symptoms are severe enough to warrant medication, there are some general recommendations for all patients with frequent reflux. These measures are non-medicinal, inexpensive, and easy to follow. (Although stopping smoking and alcohol can be very difficult problems!) These steps are recommended for all patients with acid reflux disease, whether it be mild or severe, and regardless of what medications you may be taking.

Note: Use of the Bedge, or use of non-prescribed medications does not substitute for professional medical care. If you have more than occasional acid reflux symptoms see your doctor!

General Recommendations:

1. Avoid tight-fitting clothing, bending at the waist, and other pressure on the abdomen.

2. Eliminate alcohol and tobacco!

3. Eliminate aspirin and medications containing aspirin.

4. Overweight individuals should reduce to normal body weight for their size, height and age.

5. Eat slowly and chew well.

6. Avoid carbonated beverages, highly spiced foods, and any food that irritates your stomach. Fats, caffeine, chocolate, and peppermint may also aggravate the condition.

7. Eat meals at least three hours before reclining or going to bed. An upright posture will put gravity to work and prevents reflux. Several small meals are preferable to one or two large meals.

8. Elevate the head of the bed. This can best be accomplished with a long wedge, like the Bedge.