Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when stomach acid and other stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and regurgitation. While occasional acid reflux is normal, chronic acid reflux can cause significant discomfort and even lead to complications. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and medical treatments can aid in acid reflux prevention in NYC, helping manage the symptoms and prevent long-term damage to the esophagus.
Relief That’s Rooted in You
While there are many evidence-based strategies that can help reduce acid reflux, such as eating smaller meals, following an anti-inflammatory diet, managing stress, and adjusting sleep position, no two patients are the same. What works for one person may not be effective for another, especially when underlying issues like gut dysbiosis, delayed gastric emptying, or hormonal imbalances are involved.
At Gut Love, Dr. Elena Ivanina goes beyond generic reflux advice to uncover the root causes of your symptoms. Using advanced testing and an integrative lens, she personalizes each prevention plan to reflect your unique biology, lifestyle, and goals. This approach not only relieves reflux but supports long-term digestive health and overall wellness.
Possible Causes:
- Weakness or relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
- Hiatal hernia
- Delayed stomach emptying
- Pregnancy
- Obesity or being overweight
- Smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Certain medications (e.g. NSAIDs, calcium channel blockers)
- Eating large meals or lying down after eating
- Consuming acidic or spicy foods
- Stress and anxiety
Acid Reflux (Gerd) Symptoms:
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or vomiting
- Belching
- Bloating
- Hiccups
- Sore throat or hoarseness
- Chronic cough
- Dental erosion or bad breath
Acid Reflux Specialist in NYC
Dr. Elena Ivanina is a quadruple board-certified integrative gastroenterologist with a holistic approach to digestive health. As a leading specialist in acid reflux prevention in NYC, she focuses on identifying and treating the root causes of reflux—whether related to diet, lifestyle, stress, or motility disorders. Rather than relying solely on symptom suppression, Dr. Ivanina creates personalized treatment plans that combine traditional and functional medicine, including nutrition therapy, gut-brain axis support, and evidence-based lifestyle changes. Her expertise spans internal medicine, gastroenterology, preventive medicine, and obesity medicine, allowing her to treat acid reflux from multiple angles and empower patients with lasting relief.
Integrative Solutions for Acid Reflux
At Gut Love, Dr. Elena Ivanina takes a personalized and integrative approach to acid reflux care. Rather than simply masking symptoms, she works to identify and address the root causes—whether that’s a weakened LES, delayed gastric emptying, gut dysbiosis, or dietary triggers.
Your customized plan may include:
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Nutritional guidance and targeted dietary changes
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Eating patterns that support digestion and reduce pressure on the stomach
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Gut-brain axis support through stress management techniques
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Advanced testing for motility, microbiome balance, and food sensitivities
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Herbal or pharmaceutical therapies as needed
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Postural and sleep positioning strategies to minimize nighttime reflux
At Gut Love, acid reflux prevention isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s a personalized journey toward restoring balance, comfort, and long-term gut health. Dr. Elena Ivanina addresses reflux at its root, using a holistic, integrative framework that blends nutrition, lifestyle medicine, and advanced diagnostics to help you heal from the inside out.
Tips to Prevent Acid Reflux
Preventing acid reflux is often about small, consistent lifestyle adjustments. Here are evidence-based strategies you can incorporate into daily life:
1. Eat Smart:
- Choose smaller, slower meals and avoid overeating.
- Finish dinner at least three hours before bedtime.
- Include fiber-rich, anti-inflammatory foods like green vegetables, oats, ginger, banana, and avocado.
2. Manage Weight and Abdominal Pressure:
- Even a 5–10% weight reduction can lower reflux risk.
- Avoid tight clothing that compresses the stomach.
3. Support Digestive Function:
- Gentle movement, like a short walk after meals, aids digestion.
- Consider fennel like in Biome botanicals “go” to stimulate enzyme production.
- Probiotics may help balance gut bacteria and reduce bloating.
4. Mind Your Medications & Substances:
- Certain blood-pressure drugs, anticholinergics, and opioids can weaken the LES. Discuss alternatives with your doctor if reflux persists.
- Limit alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, fried foods, and mint.
- Quit smoking to improve LES tone and mucosal defense.
5. Optimize Sleep and Stress:
- Sleep on your left side and elevate the head of your bed 6–8 inches.
- Practice diaphragmatic breathing, gentle yoga, or mindfulness to reduce stress and improve LES function.
- Avoid eating while rushed or distracted.
6. Hydration and Soothing Beverages:
- Drink herbal teas (chamomile, licorice root, ginger) and warm water .
- Avoid carbonated drinks, citrus juice, and energy drinks.
7. Consider Natural Support:
- Alginates (derived from seaweed) relieve gastroesophageal reflux by forming a physical barrier that prevents gastric contents from reaching the esophagus.
- Licorice, and other mucosal-soothing herbs can reduce irritation.
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