Acid reflux is a condition in which acid from the stomach is pushed into the esophagus, resulting in heartburn. Though nearly everyone will experience acid reflux at some point in their lives, people who have reflux two or more times per week have gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Though medical treatments are available to help manage GERD, our practice also works with patients to develop an anti-reflux nutrition regimen that will lessen and possibly even reverse uncomfortable symptoms.
What treatments are available to people with acid reflux?
Nutrition and lifestyle management is an important part of treating acid reflux. We always recommend nutrition intervention first, however if nutrition intervention does not improve GERD symptoms medical intervention such as surgery to find relief from reflux symptoms and also protect the esophagus from acid-related inflammation may be necessary in some cases – especially those with narrowing of the esophagus or severe esophageal inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of dietary changes should I make as a part of an anti-GERD regimen?
We recommend eliminating foods that are known to cause GERD symptoms; reaching a healthy weight and eating smaller meals. You dietitian nutritionist will work with you to develop a diet to help lessen and possibly even reverse GERD symptoms.
In addition to diet, other lifestyle factors are also connected to GERD. Though they may not cause the disease, they are capable of worsening symptoms. Examples include smoking, being overweight, and lying down shortly after eating. We recommend that patients stop smoking, adopt an active lifestyle, and always wait at least 3 hours after eating before going to sleep.
Is there anything else I should do to help prevent reflux?
In addition to diet, other lifestyle factors are also connected to GERD. Though they may not cause the disease, they are capable of worsening symptoms. Examples include smoking, being overweight, and lying down shortly after eating. We recommend that patients stop smoking, adopt an active lifestyle, and always wait at least 3 hours after eating before going to sleep.
What treatments are available to people with acid reflux?
Lifestyle management is an important part of treating acid reflux. However, many people also require medical interventions to find relief from reflux symptoms and also protect the esophagus from acid-related inflammation. In some cases – especially those with narrowing of the esophagus or severe esophageal inflammation – surgery may be necessary to prevent acid from further damaging the esophagus.
What to expect:
At your initial 55 minute nutrition counseling session visit your licensed dietitian nutritionist will evaluate your condition(s), develop an appropriate treatment plan and may recommend 25 – 55 minute follow – up nutrition counseling sessions. Your licensed dietitian nutritionist may also recommend nutrition testing or refer to other medical professionals for further evaluation. If you are interested in metabolism testing please let the receptionist know when you schedule your nutrition session, and your licensed dietitian nutritionist know at the start of your visit and your metabolism can be measured at your appointment. If weight loss is a goal your licensed dietitian nutritionist will also recommend the right amount of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, fat and other nutrients necessary for you to achieve your weight and health goals, show you how to use our preferred food tracking software, and may recommend one of our weight loss programs and/or weight loss coaching.
Insurance coverage and rates
Contact us and our receptionist will schedule you with one of our licensed dietitian nutritionists for an initial 50 minute appointment at one of our office locations or virtually through our HIPPA compliant telehealth system or over the telephone.
All of our licensed dietitian nutritionists are in-network with United, BCBS and Aetna. Most insurance companies now offer nutrition benefits. If you have insurance benefits for nutrition and you have met your deductible you only need to pay your co–pay at the time of session if you have one. For more information about your insurance benefits please visit our insurance and billing page.
Self-Pay Rates for Nutrition Counseling
55 minute initial nutrition counseling session ………………$200
25 minute follow-up nutrition counseling session…………………..$100
How do I get started?
Contact us and our receptionist will ask you to fill out our insurance verification form and schedule you with one of our licensed dietitian nutritionists for an initial 55 minute session at one of our office locations or virtually through our HIPPA compliant telehealth system or over the telephone