How to relieve acid reflux without medication
- Avoid reflux-triggering foods. Avoid certain foods that trigger heartburn, such as caffeine, soda, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, tomatoes, onions, mint and high-fat foods.
- Eat more fiber. Fiber helps the digestive tract to work smoothly and healthily.
- Portion control. Avoid eating large portions at once. Try to eat five or six small meals a day. Also read more about Healthy Eating Patterns for People with GERD.
- Don’t eat before bed. The habit of eating before bed is often the cause of increased stomach acid or GERD. Stop eating at least two or three hours before bed so that the stomach has a chance to empty before you lie down.
- Eat slowly. Don’t eat in a hurry, eat slowly.
- Don’t smoke. Because, smoking can reduce the effectiveness of the muscles that keep acid in the stomach. So, stop smoking if you don’t want GERD to recur.
- Wear loose clothing. Tight clothing puts additional pressure on the stomach.
- Elevate your head. Pile a few pillows under the bed so that the head is about 6 inches higher.