Acid Reflux Management

This leaflet is about how to manage your acid reflex.

What is acid reflux?

Acid reflux is the reverse passage of gastric contents into the oesophagus (‘food pipe’) which can cause heartburn. The terms are often used interchangeably, but acid reflux is the actual action of the part of the stomach contents travelling back up the oesophagus (sometimes into the throat and even into the mouth), while heartburn is the uncomfortable feeling as a result of that action.

Actions you can take?

Follow the advice below regarding how you should eat and foods to avoid:

Diet dos:

• Eat slowly
• Eat sitting up
• Eat smaller meals
• Avoid overeating
• Chew food thoroughly
• No food two to three hours before bedtime
• Restrict liquid/food intake before singing and/or lifting, bending or stooping.

Diet don’ts:

• Alcohol
• Soda
• Citrus juice
• Tea/coffee
• Breath fresheners
• Mints
• Milk
• Chocolate
• Spicy and/or fried foods
• Lozenges or cough drops
• Tomato products
• Tobacco.

About this leaflet

Author: Emma Thomas, Speech and Language Therapist
Approved: June 2020
Review date: June 2023
Edition: 1

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk