Lifestyle changes help prevent GERD. Among these are quitting smoking, weight loss, not eating within two to three hours before bedtime, eating more frequent but smaller meals, and avoiding certain foods that may aggravate heartburn, including greasy or spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, chocolate, and tomato products. If lifestyle changes alone do not alleviate the symptoms of GERD, medications, including antacids, acid blockers, or proton pump inhibitors, may be beneficial.