Reflux

Having been diagnosed with reflux & Barretts Esophagus, my doctor told me I should not eat within 3 hours of going to bed.  Does this include not drinking water, juice, etc. (no alcohol or caffeine) within 3 hours of bed, as well?

[harrald]

I have GERD, and I follow the same instructions about stop eating 3 hours before bedtime. I drink a little water or cola to take medicine. I am a lousy sleeper, and because of GERD, I am afraid to take sleeping medication should I have an acid attack late at night or morning. Twenty years ago, I stopped drinking because I came home drunk and passed out on the bed. Sometime in the early morning, I had  acid reflux, and I aspirated stomach acid into my lungs and almost suffocated to death. I drink beer in the afternoon , but no later.

Harrald

[katwoman119]

Thanks for your comment!  The reason I ask about drinking water or juice before bed is because someone recently told me that, not only are you not supposed to eat within 3 hours of bedtime, but you should also not have any liquid 3 hours prior to bed.  My doctor did not tell me that about drinking allowable beverages within 3 hours of bedtime.  I understand that alcohol and/or caffeinated drinks are not good for a person diagnosed with reflux or Barretts.  I do try to refrain from eating after 7:00 at night, but I had never heard that you should not drink water after 7:00 pm either.  Has anyone else been told that by a Gastroenterologist?

[bigkev414]

No, I haven't heard that and I have GERD. Fruit juice will aggravate it because of the acid in the juice and I rarely drink it. I dont have coffee or coke but I sip water all night because I get a dry mouth. I don't think your advice is right.
best wishes

[katwoman119]

Thanks for your response.  I agree.  I would not think that drinking water would be a bad thing.  First of all, there is nothing in water to activate the acid production & secondly, if you already have acid in your stomach, I would think the water would dilute it.