Acid Reflux

Tips for Managing Acid Reflux While on Semaglutide

1. General Lifestyle Modifications

Maintenance Therapy

Making some adjustments to your daily routine can help alleviate acid reflux symptoms:

Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Large meals can increase pressure on your stomach and worsen acid reflux. Opt for smaller meals throughout the day instead of three large ones.
Avoid Trigger Foods: Common triggers include spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, chocolate, acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes, and fatty or fried foods. Experiment to find which foods trigger your symptoms and try to limit or avoid them.
Stay Upright After Eating: Refrain from lying down for at least 2-3 hours after meals. This can help prevent stomach acid from moving up into your esophagus.
Elevate Your Head While Sleeping: If reflux tends to occur at night, try raising the head of your bed by 6-8 inches. You can use bed risers or a wedge pillow.

2. Specific Remedies

If lifestyle adjustments alone aren’t providing enough relief, you may benefit from over-the-counter medications or other remedies. Here’s a rundown of effective options:

Over-the-Counter Antacids: These can provide quick, short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid. Brands like Tums or Rolaids may be helpful, especially for occasional symptoms.
H2 Blockers (e.g., Famotidine): Famotidine (Pepcid) reduces the amount of acid your stomach produces and can be taken 30 minutes before a meal if you anticipate reflux symptoms. It typically provides relief for several hours and is suitable for regular use if needed.
Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs) like Omeprazole: PPIs like Omeprazole (Prilosec) work by significantly decreasing stomach acid production. They’re best taken 30-60 minutes before breakfast for longer-term relief. Omeprazole is usually safe for regular use, but it’s best to use it for limited periods unless otherwise advised by a healthcare provider.
Chewing Gum: Chewing gum after meals can stimulate saliva production, which may help neutralize stomach acid and reduce reflux symptoms.
Ginger Tea: Some find relief with ginger, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties. Try sipping ginger tea (without added citrus) to help soothe your stomach.

If symptoms persist or worsen, consider consulting your healthcare provider for a tailored treatment plan, as they can provide guidance on dosage and frequency, especially with Semaglutide, which may affect your digestive system.