Understanding GERD and How to Manage It Safely

Dina Zeki
Jun 3
3 min read

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, affects millions of people. It causes discomfort and can impact daily life. I want to share what GERD is, why it happens, how to avoid it, and how to treat it. I’ll also explain why long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can be risky and how we at Veritas Concierge Primary Care work with patients to safely come off these medications.

Close-up view of a person holding their chest in discomfort, indicating acid reflux

What GERD Is and Why It Happens

GERD happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This causes a burning feeling in the chest, often called heartburn. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. Normally, a valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) keeps stomach acid where it belongs. When this valve weakens or relaxes too much, acid escapes and irritates the esophagus.

Several factors can cause GERD:

Weak or damaged LES
Hiatal hernia, where part of the stomach pushes into the chest
Obesity, which puts pressure on the stomach
Pregnancy, which can relax the LES
Certain foods and drinks like spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate
Smoking, which weakens the LES and reduces saliva that helps clear acid

GERD symptoms include:

Heartburn or burning chest pain
Regurgitation of food or sour liquid
Difficulty swallowing
Chronic cough or sore throat
Feeling of a lump in the throat

If left untreated, GERD can cause complications like esophagitis (inflammation), strictures (narrowing), or Barrett’s esophagus, which increases cancer risk.

How to Avoid GERD Flare-Ups

Managing GERD starts with lifestyle changes. These can reduce symptoms and sometimes prevent the need for medication.

Try these tips:

Eat smaller meals more often instead of large meals
Avoid foods that trigger your symptoms, such as fatty or fried foods, citrus, tomatoes, garlic, onions, and mint
Don’t lie down right after eating; wait at least 2-3 hours
Elevate the head of your bed by 6-8 inches to keep acid down while sleeping
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your stomach
Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
Wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid pressure on your abdomen

These changes can make a big difference. For many, they reduce the frequency and severity of reflux episodes.

How to Treat GERD Safely

When lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications can help. The most common are antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). PPIs reduce stomach acid production and provide strong relief.

At Veritas Concierge Primary Care, we focus on personalized care. We help patients understand the benefits and risks of medications like PPIs. While PPIs are effective, long-term use can cause problems.

Risks of Long-Term PPI Use

Research shows that taking PPIs for a long time can:

Increases bone turnover, which may worsen osteoporosis or osteopenia
Increase the risk of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infections, which cause severe diarrhea
Lead to low magnesium levels, causing muscle cramps, irregular heartbeat, or seizures

Because of these risks, we don’t recommend staying on PPIs indefinitely without review. Instead, we work with patients to find the lowest effective dose and explore ways to eventually stop the medication safely.

Eye-level view of a doctor discussing medication options with a patient

Veritas Concierge Primary Care’s Role in Managing GERD

At Veritas, we offer a highly personalized, physician-led experience. We take time to understand your health history, lifestyle, and goals. Our goal is to build a strong doctor-patient relationship that supports your long-term health.

We provide comprehensive care that includes:

Detailed evaluation of GERD symptoms and causes
Tailored lifestyle and diet advice
Careful medication management, including PPI tapering plans
Ongoing support and education to empower you

If you want to learn more about how we help patients manage GERD and safely come off PPIs, visit our Veritas Concierge Primary Care website.

Final Thoughts on Managing GERD and PPIs

GERD can be uncomfortable and disruptive, but it is manageable. Understanding why it happens and how to avoid triggers is the first step. When medication is needed, it’s important to use it wisely.

Long-term PPI use carries risks that should not be ignored. Working with a healthcare provider to safely reduce or stop PPIs can protect your bones, magnesium levels, and gut health.

At Veritas Concierge Primary Care, we partner with you to create a plan that fits your life. Together, we focus on your overall health, not just symptoms. If you’re struggling with GERD or concerned about your medications, reach out. We’re here to help you find balance and wellness.