GERD: What Works Now for Heartburn and Reflux

Burning in your chest after meals or a sour taste in your mouth at night? That’s classic GERD—gastroesophageal reflux disease—and it’s more common than people admit. The good news: small, specific changes often cut symptoms a lot. Below are straightforward fixes you can try today, plus clear signs to see a doctor.

Quick fixes that actually work

Need relief fast? Try these first: chew a few antacid tablets or take liquid antacid for immediate neutralizing of stomach acid. Sip water and sit upright for 30–60 minutes after eating—gravity helps. Avoid lying down for at least 2–3 hours after a meal. For nighttime reflux, raise the head of your bed 6–8 inches or use a wedge pillow so you sleep on a slight incline.

Over-the-counter H2 blockers (like famotidine) can reduce acid within a few hours; proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) reduce acid more strongly but usually take a few days to start working. If you’re thinking about daily PPIs, talk to your clinician about risks and whether short-term trials make sense.

Long-term fixes and when to see a doctor

Diet and habits matter. Cut or limit coffee, alcohol, chocolate, peppermint, tomato products, citrus, and fried or very fatty foods—these commonly trigger reflux. Eat smaller meals and slow down. Losing even 10% of excess body weight often lowers reflux. Quit smoking; nicotine relaxes the valve between stomach and esophagus.

If symptoms stay frequent (more than twice a week), severe, or don’t improve with OTC steps in two weeks, get medical help. Warning signs—difficulty swallowing, unexplained weight loss, vomiting blood, or black stools—need urgent care. Your doctor may order an endoscopy, pH testing, or an H. pylori test, and recommend prescription meds or procedures like fundoplication or the LINX device in select cases.

Probiotics and gut health: probiotics can help bloating and some digestive symptoms, but they don’t cure GERD. If you’re taking antibiotics or have gut upset alongside reflux, a targeted probiotic may ease side effects—see our article on Best Probiotics for Antibiotic Side Effects & Gut Support for details. Always tell your doctor about supplements you take.

Medication safety: some drugs make reflux worse (certain painkillers, some blood pressure meds). PPIs and other reflux treatments can interact with other prescriptions. Share a full med list with your clinician, especially if you take blood thinners or heart medicines.

Small changes often give big wins: try meal timing, a modest weight loss plan, and removing 1–2 trigger foods for a few weeks. If that’s not enough, book an appointment—persistent reflux can damage the esophagus if left untreated. Practical care plus the right meds usually gets people back to normal.