Dealing with Reflux: Effective Steps to Protect Your Throat and Voice

If you’ve been told you have reflux, also known as LPR (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux), don’t worry—you can do things to feel better. Treatment for LPR involves changing your diet, making lifestyle changes, and adjusting how you sleep. Your doctor might also suggest medicine to reduce acid. These changes will help reduce acid in your throat and improve voice problems and other tasks like swallowing.

Things to Avoid or Limit:

• Carbonated drinks (soda, sparkling water, beer)

• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, grapefruits, pineapples)

• Dairy (like heavy cream, ice cream, and milkshakes)

• Tomatoes (and things like salsa or tomato sauce)

• Raw onions

• Caffeine (coffee, tea)

• Alcohol (especially in carbonated drinks)

• Chocolate

• Mint/menthol (like gum)

• Vinegar (found in salad dressings, BBQ sauce, ketchup)

• Spicy foods (hot sauce)

• Greasy or fried foods

  
  

What You Can Eat:

Eat more vegetables (except tomatoes), lean meats like chicken and fish, beans, tofu, and eggs. You can also have low-acid fruits like bananas and melons. But vegetables should be your main focus!

Supplements to Ask Your Doctor About:

You can talk to your doctor or speech therapist about taking Sodium Alginate. This can be used with your regular reflux medication to create a barrier that keeps acid away from your throat. Some brands of Sodium Alginate include Reflux Gourmet and Gaviscon (UK version).

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help:

• Don’t eat right before bed—wait at least 1-2 hours after eating.

• Don’t overeat.

• Drink more water throughout the day.

• Stop smoking or vaping.

• Avoid tight or uncomfortable clothing.

• Raise the head of your bed 4-6 inches (don’t just use pillows—raise the whole upper part of your bed).

• Try to reduce stress.

  
  

We Can Help:

If reflux is affecting your swallowing or voice, our speech therapists can help. They are experienced in managing reflux and can help with swallowing and voice issues. Contact us at 315-810-2423 or info@brainbodybetter.com if you have any questions or need help.