Do diet and exercise play a role in preventing heartburn and reducing dependency on drugs such as Prilosec or Prevacid?

Anne

It is hard to specifically answer your question without knowing what your symptoms are and why specifically you are on Prilosec or Prevacid. Generally, patients with GERD (the principal reason for the use of these drugs) have heartburn as their primary symptom. Food can certainly play a role in symptoms. Citrus products -- such as orange juice, grapefruit, and tomato juice -- make the symptoms worse for many patients, as do caffeine, colas, beer, and caffeinated teas. Foods high in fat cause a delay in stomach emptying and lower sphincter pressure, thus increasing reflux. Some people report problems with spicy meals.

Quantity and timing of food is important, too; try eating smaller meals and not eating within two hours of going to sleep or lying down. Exercise may help if you need to lose weight (which may decrease heartburn). All that being said, however, you still may need Prilosec or Prevacid.