Study Identifies 5 Diet and Lifestyle Factors That May Help Relieve Symptoms of GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). A new study recommends 5 diet and lifestyle factors that may help improve symptoms of GERD.

For their study, the researchers used data from approximately 43,000 women who participated in the Nurses' Health Study II. Participants completed a detailed health questionnaire 4 times during a 12-year period, including information regarding GERD and heartburn symptoms. They also provided lifestyle and diet information.

The researchers found that participants who followed all 5 recommended diet and lifestyle factors had up to a 37% decreased risk of experiencing symptoms related to GERD. The 5 factors were maintaining normal weight, never smoking, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at least 30 minutes per day, no more than 2 cups of tea, coffee, or soda daily, and following a prudent diet.

The study was conducted by researchers from Harvard Medical School.It was published online ahead of print on January 4, 2021 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine.