Many overweight people find relief when they lose weight. Cigarette smoking weakens the lower esophageal sphincter. To reduce GERD symptoms, stop smoking. Elevating the head of the bed on six-inch blocks or sleeping on a specially designed wedge reduces heartburn by allowing gravity to minimize reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Antacids taken regularly can neutralize acid in the esophagus and stomach and stop heartburn.
Many people find that nonprescription antacids provide temporary or partial relief.
An antacid combined with a foaming agent, such as alginic acid, helps some people. Researchers believe that these compounds form a foam barrier on top of the stomach that prevents acid reflux from occuring. Too much magnesium can be serious for patients with kidney disease. If antacids are needed for more than three weeks, a physician should be consulted. For chronic reflux and heartburn, a physician may prescribe medications to reduce acid in the stomach.