Even though HIV drugs may be the primary cause of your heartburn, think about modifying lifestyle factors that could be making it worse. While these tips are common sense, changing the way you live your life may require more than just willpower. Ask your doctor, nurse or local case manager for referrals and resources that can assist you with nutrition, exercise and quitting smoking.
Heartburn and GERD
Avoid or cut down on cigarette smoking.
Avoid or cut down on heartburn and GERD triggering food & drinks (alcohol, chocolate, soft drinks, coffee, black tea, and both spicy and fatty foods).
Try losing extra pounds—the extra pressure on your stomach squeezes the acid into your esophagus.
Avoid clothes that are tight around your tummy.
Diarrhea
Avoid foods that are spicy and/or greasy.
Drink lots of healthy liquids to prevent dehydration (water, herbal teas, soups, fruit juices and smoothies)
Eat food that will soak up the liquids (flax meal, peeled apples and apple sauce, bananas, rice, oatmeal, oat bran, and barley).
Nausea or vomiting
Eating may be the last thing you think you can do, but try nibbling on a cracker and drinking sips of water.
The flavors and scents of ginger, lemon peel and peppermint can also keep your tummy calm.
