What are the most recommended treatments for GERD?
Take a look at popular GERD treatments and see how they rank according to votes received. GERD treatments include lifestyle changes, medications, and, in severe cases, surgery. Lifestyle modifications involve eating smaller meals, avoiding trigger foods (like spicy or fatty foods), not lying down after eating, and elevating the head of the bed. Over-the-counter antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can help reduce stomach acid.
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1
Prilosec (Omeprazole)
388
31
Prilosec is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) that reduces stomach acid production. It helps to heal the esophagus by reducing acid exposure, providing relief from GERD symptoms like heartburn, acid regurgitation, and chest pain.
2
Tums
340
59
Tums (calcium carbonate) is an over-the-counter antacid that neutralizes stomach acid. It provides quick relief from heartburn and acid reflux by directly reducing acidity in the stomach, but should be used sparingly.
3
Don’t eat close to bedtime
275
24
Eating close to bedtime increases the likelihood of acid reflux as the body is lying down and gravity is no longer helping to keep stomach acid down. To minimize GERD symptoms, it's recommended to stop eating at least 2-3 hours before going to bed.
4
Zantac/Zinetac (ranitidine)
235
9
Ranitidine (Zantac) is an H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid production, helping to prevent acid reflux. It can provide relief from heartburn and discomfort associated with GERD, though it has been discontinued in many markets due to safety concerns.
5
Avoid overeating
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45
Overeating can increase stomach pressure and cause acid reflux. Smaller, more frequent meals can help alleviate GERD symptoms by reducing the volume of food in the stomach at any given time.
6
Elevate head of bed
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37
Elevating the head of the bed by 6 to 8 inches can prevent acid from rising into the esophagus while sleeping. This can help reduce nighttime GERD symptoms, including heartburn, coughing, and choking.
7
Light meal in the evening
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54
Eating a light dinner helps reduce the risk of GERD symptoms. Heavy or fatty meals take longer to digest, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux. A light meal consisting of easily digestible foods can help minimize nighttime symptoms.
8
Prevacid (lansoprazole)
184
26
Prevacid is a PPI that works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. It is commonly prescribed for GERD treatment and can help manage frequent acid reflux, providing long-term relief from GERD symptoms.
9
Nexium
175
18
Nexium (esomeprazole) is another PPI that helps decrease stomach acid production. It is used to treat GERD, heal esophageal damage, and alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with acid reflux.
10
Weight Loss
164
15
Maintaining a healthy weight is essential for managing GERD, as excess abdominal weight can put pressure on the stomach, promoting acid reflux. Losing weight through diet and exercise can significantly reduce GERD symptoms.
11
Eat fiber
157
27
A fiber-rich diet can help improve digestion and prevent constipation, which can contribute to GERD. Fiber helps keep the digestive system moving and may reduce the risk of acid reflux by promoting proper digestion and minimizing bloating.
12
Avoid high fat consumption at night
137
13
Fatty foods take longer to digest and can increase the risk of acid reflux. Avoiding high-fat meals at night can reduce GERD symptoms by preventing delayed digestion and the subsequent rise in stomach acid levels.
13
Eliminate tea & acidic drinks
133
14
Tea and acidic drinks, such as citrus juices, coffee, and soda, can trigger GERD symptoms by increasing stomach acidity. Eliminating or reducing the intake of these beverages can help prevent acid reflux.
14
Pepto-Bismol
135
19
Pepto-Bismol is an over-the-counter medication that helps coat the stomach and esophagus, reducing irritation from stomach acid. It can provide temporary relief from GERD symptoms like heartburn and nausea.
15
Maalox
136
21
Maalox is an over-the-counter antacid that neutralizes stomach acid, providing fast relief from heartburn and acid reflux. It can help soothe the esophagus and stomach lining by reducing acidity in the digestive tract.
16
Protonix/Protium (pantoprazole)
118
9
Protonix (pantoprazole) is a PPI that reduces stomach acid and is commonly prescribed for treating GERD. It helps heal esophageal damage caused by acid reflux and provides long-term relief from GERD symptoms.
17
Reduce meat in diet
131
22
High-fat meats, such as beef and pork, can contribute to GERD symptoms by increasing stomach acid production. Reducing meat intake and opting for leaner protein sources like chicken and fish may help alleviate symptoms.
18
Gaviscon
116
26
Gaviscon is an antacid that forms a barrier on top of stomach contents to prevent acid from reaching the esophagus. It can help alleviate heartburn, acid reflux, and regurgitation by neutralizing stomach acid.
19
Reduce lactose in diet
96
11
Lactose intolerance can exacerbate GERD symptoms by causing bloating and digestive discomfort. Reducing or eliminating dairy products from the diet can help alleviate some GERD symptoms.
20
Drink plenty of water
102
19
Drinking plenty of water helps dilute stomach acid and flush it through the digestive system. It can also help reduce bloating and keep the digestive system moving, alleviating some GERD symptoms.
21
Avoid alcohol
100
19
Alcohol can relax the LES and increase stomach acid production, exacerbating GERD symptoms. Limiting or avoiding alcohol can reduce the frequency and severity of acid reflux.
22
Apple cider vinegar
92
12
Apple cider vinegar is sometimes used as a natural remedy for GERD, as it may help balance stomach acid levels. Though not scientifically proven, some people find that a small amount of diluted apple cider vinegar before meals helps alleviate symptoms.
23
Walk after dinner
82
14
A gentle walk after dinner can help stimulate digestion and prevent acid reflux by reducing the pressure in the stomach. It can also promote better sleep by easing discomfort and improving digestion.
24
Reduce refined carbs
85
19
Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and sugary foods, can worsen GERD symptoms by increasing acid production. Reducing refined carb intake and opting for whole grains can help improve digestion and reduce acid reflux.
25
Gluten-free diet
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19
Some people with GERD may find relief by following a gluten-free diet. Gluten can irritate the digestive tract and contribute to inflammation, so eliminating gluten may reduce acid reflux symptoms.
26
Alkaline diet
77
17
An alkaline diet emphasizes foods that help neutralize stomach acid. This includes vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while avoiding acidic foods. Adopting an alkaline diet may help balance pH levels in the body and reduce GERD symptoms.
27
Stop smoking
70
16
Smoking weakens the LES, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux. Quitting smoking can improve GERD symptoms by allowing the LES to function properly and reducing stomach acid production.
28
Avoid food allergens
67
14
Certain foods, such as gluten, dairy, and certain spices, can trigger GERD symptoms. Identifying and avoiding food allergens can help manage GERD by preventing inflammation and reducing acid reflux.
29
Famtodine
61
10
Famotidine (Pepcid) is an H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid production. It is commonly used to treat GERD and can provide relief from symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, and chest discomfort.
30
Pepcid
55
9
Pepcid (famotidine) is an H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid production. It can help manage GERD symptoms by lowering acid levels, preventing acid reflux, and providing relief from heartburn. It’s typically taken before meals or at bedtime.
31
Avoid caffeine
58
12
Caffeine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to GERD symptoms. Reducing or eliminating caffeine-containing drinks like coffee, soda, and energy drinks can help prevent acid reflux.
32
Probiotics
56
11
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome. They can improve digestion, reduce bloating, and may help manage symptoms of GERD by promoting a healthy gut lining and improving the overall digestive function.
33
Peppermint oil
58
13
Peppermint oil has a calming effect on the digestive tract and can reduce symptoms like nausea and bloating. However, it should be used cautiously, as it may relax the LES and worsen acid reflux for some individuals.
34
Ginger supplements
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15
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help soothe the stomach and esophagus. Taking ginger supplements may reduce nausea, improve digestion, and alleviate acid reflux symptoms.
35
Aloe Vera
51
9
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe the esophagus and stomach lining. Drinking small amounts of aloe vera juice may help reduce irritation caused by acid reflux, although care should be taken not to consume too much, as it may have a laxative effect.
36
Cold green tea
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10
Green tea has antioxidant properties, but when consumed cold, it is less likely to irritate the stomach lining. Green tea can soothe the digestive system and reduce inflammation, potentially easing GERD symptoms.
37
Paleo diet
46
10
The Paleo diet focuses on whole, unprocessed foods like meats, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. It eliminates processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy, which are often triggers for GERD. This diet can reduce inflammation and acid reflux episodes.
38
Sleep on left side
40
9
Sleeping on the left side may reduce acid reflux by improving the position of the stomach and minimizing the risk of stomach acid traveling into the esophagus. This position helps gravity keep stomach acid down and can alleviate nighttime GERD symptoms.
39
Melatonin
37
9
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles. It has also been found to help with the healing of the esophagus in people with GERD and may reduce the frequency of acid reflux episodes, especially during sleep.
40
Himalayan salt
33
6
Himalayan salt is often considered less processed and contains minerals that may support digestion. While salt can aggravate acid reflux for some, a small amount of Himalayan salt may help improve electrolyte balance and overall gut function.
41
Avoid concentrated tomato products
34
12
Tomato products, such as tomato sauce, paste, and ketchup, are acidic and can trigger GERD symptoms. Avoiding concentrated tomato products can help prevent the burning sensation and acid reflux associated with GERD.
42
Raw foods diet
29
10
A raw foods diet focuses on consuming uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. This diet is high in fiber and low in processed foods, which may reduce acid production and inflammation, making it a potential choice for managing GERD.