Indigestion/Acid Reflux/Heartburn

Indigestion/acid reflux/heartburn are very common side effect of GLP1 and that over time it normally settles (up to a few weeks or 1-2 months).

There are several lifestyle strategies that can ease your symptoms:

• Eat smaller portions more frequently
• Instead of lying down flat, lift the head of your bed a little and sleep in a reclined position (stomach acid is more likely to flow into the oesophagus)
• Avoid eating 2-4 hours before going to bed
• Certain breathing exercises have been shown to help reduce acid reflux in some cases

• Avoid potentially irritating foods, while increasing fibre intake, see table below

Nutritional management:

Eat  ✅	Avoid  ❌
The GERD (or GORD) diet has been shown to reduce acid reflux and heartburn (only if in alignment with the Client’s nutritional plan). Please refer to Werd’s GORD  guideline (link)	Fatty, greasy, or fried foods
Whole grains e.g. oatmeal, couscous, brown rice	Hot, spicy foods (e.g. chilli pepper, cayenne, black pepper etc)
Green vegetables: asparagus, broccoli, green beans, peas	Tomato and tomato sauce
Alkaline foods: banana, melon, cauliflower, nuts	Citrus fruits
Herbal tea	Chocolate and caffeine
Lean meats	Alcohol and fizzy drinks

When to contact Beyondbmi or seek medical assistance:

• If your symptom is new since initiation of therapy, discuss it with your Beyondbmi clinical team at your next consultation or attend your GP
• If you would like to make any change to your medical therapy (i.e. Reduce dose/stop medication/change to new medication etc...) and feel you can’t wait until next consultation, contact your Beyondbmi team on [e-mail]. and a healthcare professional will get back to you within 72 hours.