GERD stands for Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
It is is a long-term condition where acid from the stomach comes up into the esophagus and burns the lining of the esophagus causing possible tissue damage. It is very painful and causes great discomfort.
Dietary management should include reducing or cutting out certain foods that may trigger GERD symptoms. These include greasy foods , spicy foods, chocolate, peppermint, coffee, foods containing tomato products and alcoholic drinks.
Lifestyle management should include certain behavior changes such as eating only moderate amounts of food and avoid overeating, stop eating 2 to 3 hours before sleeping, quit or avoid smoking, if a person is overweight, losing weight can help prevent symptoms, do not wear clothing that is tight around the abdomen and sleep at a slight angle with the head slightly elevated.
