Hi Jeanette,

Taking the prilosec is a good start but there are also lifestyle changes you can make that will help as well. Here are some tips to start with.

You can also get more information about GERD here in the overview and you can check your symptoms here in the symptoms database. You can read about medications prescribed for GERD, here in the drugs database. You can also research treatments available and alternatives here in the treatments database.

People with heartburn should first try lifestyle and dietary changes. In one study, 44% of patients who experienced symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) reported improvement after changing their diet. Some suggestions are the following:

* Avoid: citrus fruits, cranberry juice, tomatoes and tomato-based foods, peppers, onions, spicy foods, most dairy products, caffeine, high-fat foods, deli meat, cheese, fatty cuts of meat, alcohol, and chocolate.
* Be Careful: berries, grapes, garlic, lean meats, yogurt, non-alcoholic beers and wines, sodas, reduced-fat cookies.
* Enjoy: apples, bananas, broccoli, carrots, peas, green beans, chicken breast, fish, fat-free or low-fat cheeses, whole-grain bread, brown rice.

• People with heartburn should avoid or reduce consumption of foods and beverages that contain caffeine, chocolate, peppermint, spearmint, and alcohol. Both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee increase acid secretion.
• All carbonated drinks increase the risk for GERD.
• Although physicians often advise patients with GERD to cut down on fatty foods, studies are finding no evidence that a low-fat or high-fat meal make any difference in symptom exacerbation. Better studies are needed to confirm this. In any case, as a rule, it is always wise to avoid saturated fats (which are from animal products), and cut down on all fats if one is overweight.
• Increasing protein may help strengthen muscles in the muscle valve. Patients should choose low-fat or skim dairy products, poultry, or fish, in such cases.
• Whole grain products rich in selenium may have some protective role against dangerous cells changes in Barrett's esophagus.
• Patients should have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, although avoid acidic vegetables and fruits (e.g., oranges, lemons, grapefruit, pineapple**, tomatoes).

** There is a discussion about pineapple where Dr. Eisner suggests it is actually good for you because it has an enzyme that promotes digestion. You can read that posting here.

I hope this helps. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!

Vicki M

i advice to see you a cardiospecialist heart burn might be due to heart problem