8. Sleep on an Empty Stomach
Lying down soon after eating increases the risk of heartburn, as the stomach acids are churning away as they digest. In fact, a 2005 study found that people who go to sleep within 3 hours of eating are significantly more likely to suffer from GERD. (12)
9. Cut the Carbs
Simple carbohydrates are acidic and cause inflammation and bloating. If you have trouble digesting gluten, eating carbs may cause you even more digestive distress.
One study even found that switching to a low-carb diet reduced the symptoms of GERD in all participants. This occurred is as little as 7 days on the experimental diet. (13)
10. Go For Aloe
Aloe vera is soothing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. This makes it a great choice for easing sore oesophageal tissue.
“A. vera gel has been demonstrated to possess several pharmacological actions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-proliferative, and anti-diabetic properties. Furthermore, A. vera has also shown anti-ulcer, wound-healing, and antimicrobial effects, all of which may be relevant to the treatment of GERD and its comorbidities.” wrote a 2015 clinical study. (14)
In this study, all participants experienced a reduction of all GERD symptoms tested after taking aloe vera daily for 4 weeks: heartburn, difficulty swallowing, nausea, vomiting, acid and food regurgitation, belching, and flatulence.