Home Remedies for GERD

Home care can ease mild reflux and often reduces the need for tablets. It does not replace a medical review if symptoms are frequent or come with warning signs.

What may help

• Smaller meals, eaten slowly
• Finish dinner 2 to 3 hours before lying down
• Raise the head of the bed by about 15 to 20 cm using bed risers or a wedge. Extra pillows alone often do not help.
• Lose extra weight, even a few kilos can help
• Loose clothing around the waist
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol
• Chewing sugar-free gum after meals may increase saliva and ease symptoms for some

Sleeping position

Lying on the left side may reduce night reflux in some people.

Common remedies and cautions

• Cold milk gives brief relief but can raise acid later
• Baking soda drinks can cause gas and too much sodium, so avoid regular use
• Ginger, fennel and jaggery water are popular but not proven
• Avoid home remedies for infants unless a paediatrician advises

When home care is not enough

Symptoms more than twice a week, trouble swallowing, weight loss, vomiting blood or black stools need a doctor. Chest pain with sweating or breathlessness: call 112 or 102.

Before you see a doctor

Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements to the appointment, along with a note of when symptoms occur, what you ate, and whether they wake you at night. This helps your doctor choose the right tests and treatment without delay.

Speak to your doctor if symptoms keep returning, rather than relying on tablets alone for months.