Living with the persistent burn and discomfort of GERD can transform simple pleasures like enjoying a meal into anxiety-inducing experiences. Shockingly, around 20% of Americans struggle with GERD symptoms on a weekly basis, making it one of the most common digestive disorders in the United States. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic condition that causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn, acid reflux, and chest discomfort. While medications can help manage symptoms, a successful GERD treatment plan also relies on changes, dietary adjustments, and sometimes professional treatment from the best GERD doctor in Beverly Hills 

Read on to get a GERD recovery checklist that will walk you through essential steps to feel better and reduce the risk of flare-ups, putting you back in control of your digestive health. 

GERD Recovery Checklist from the Best GERD Doctor in Beverly Hills

Taking control of gastroesophageal reflux disease requires a comprehensive approach that extends beyond simply taking over-the-counter acid reflux medication or avoiding spicy foods. This practical checklist provides actionable steps to help you manage symptoms, heal your esophagus, and prevent future flare-ups:

1. Follow a GERD-Friendly Diet

Making smart food choices is important for managing GERD symptoms. The best thing you can do is avoid common triggers that can increase stomach acid or relax the lower esophageal sphincter, including: 

  • Spicy foods
  • Caffeine
  • Citrus fruits
  • Tomato-based products
  • Chocolate
  • Fatty or fried foods

Instead, build your meals around gentler options such as:

  • Non-acidic fruits, like bananas and melons
  • Lean proteins, such as chicken and fish
  • Whole grains
  • Alkaline vegetables like spinach and broccoli

How you eat matters just as much as what you eat. Try consuming several smaller meals throughout the day rather than three large ones, which puts less pressure on your digestive system and reduces the chance of acid backing up into your esophagus.

2. Create a Heartburn-Safe Routine

Daily habits also have a big impact on GERD symptoms. Making a strategic heartburn-conscious lifestyle routine is essential for relief. Some of the most effective things you can do include: 

  • After meals, remain upright for at least two to three hours before lying down or going to bed, giving your body time to digest food properly and preventing stomach acid from flowing back into your esophagus. 
  • Elevate the head of your bed by six to eight inches using bed risers or a wedge pillow. This simple adjustment uses gravity to keep acid where it belongs while you sleep.
  • Choose loose-fitting clothing that doesn't squeeze your midsection. Tight belts, waistbands, or compression garments can put unnecessary pressure on your abdomen and force stomach contents upward, triggering painful reflux episodes.

These adjustments add up to powerful nighttime heartburn prevention and calmer days.

3. Track Your GERD Symptoms

Becoming a detective of your own digestive health can dramatically improve your GERD management. Keep a detailed food and symptom journal to discover which specific foods, beverages, or activities trigger your reflux. Many people are surprised to discover that their personal triggers differ from the foods commonly considered triggers. 

Each time you experience heartburn or reflux, record what you ate, when symptoms appeared, and how severe they were, using a simple one to 10 scale to rate discomfort. This information will also provide valuable patterns for your doctor to review during appointments and help guide treatment adjustments. 

4. Take Your GERD Medication as Prescribed

Medications play a crucial role in healing your esophagus and managing GERD symptoms, but they work best when taken exactly as prescribed. Whether your doctor has recommended proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like omeprazole, H2 blockers such as famotidine, or other acid-reducing medications, follow the dosing instructions carefully, including timing around meals when specified. 

Even when your symptoms improve, resist the urge to stop treatment early, as acid damage can continue silently and symptoms often return with a vengeance when medication is stopped too soon. 

5. Manage Stress to Help Reduce Flare-Ups

The mind-body connection plays a surprising role in GERD, as stress can increase stomach acid production and trigger painful flare-ups even when you're careful with your diet.

Try incorporating relaxation techniques into your daily routine, such as: 

  • Deep breathing exercises for five to 10 minutes when feeling tense
  • Gentle yoga poses that avoid inversions
  • Guided meditation apps

Physical activity also helps manage stress hormones and supports healthy digestion. After ensuring you’re healthy enough for exercise, aim for around 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days, while avoiding high-intensity workouts immediately after eating.

6. Know When to See a Doctor for Professional GERD Treatment

While lifestyle changes and OTC medications can help control mild to moderate GERD symptoms, severe GERD symptoms require professional medical attention. Consider seeing a gastrointestinal specialist if: 

  • You've been following your treatment plan faithfully, but still experience heartburn or reflux more than twice weekly, 
  • You have difficulty swallowing food, unexplained weight loss, persistent hoarseness, or chest pain that radiates to your jaw or arm. These could signal more serious conditions like Barrett's esophagus or even cardiac issues. 

During follow-up appointments, don't hesitate to discuss your long-term GERD management plan, particularly if your symptoms have not improved after several months of treatment. In these cases, you may need additional testing such as an endoscopy, pH monitoring, or esophageal manometry to understand your condition better. Severe cases of GERD may require revisional GERD surgery to reduce symptoms. 

Where to Find the Best GERD Doctor in Beverly Hills 

When it comes to complex digestive issues like GERD, precision matters; that’s exactly what we deliver with Dr. Danny Shouhed. As a board-certified general surgeon with specialized training in gastrointestinal and esophageal disorders, Dr. Shouhed brings a deep understanding of GERD and related conditions to every patient interaction. 

Our approach combines the latest diagnostic tools with minimally invasive treatment options to ensure you get long-term relief, not just a temporary fix. With advanced fellowship training and leadership roles at top institutions, Dr. Shouhed and his team are committed to delivering thoughtful, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs. We’re here to help you. 

Ready to feel better and eat comfortably again with help from the best GERD doctor in Beverly Hills?