Managing Acid Reflux: a 4-week plan

Most people can get acid reflux under control with a few well-chosen changes and the right medicine, taken the right way. This 43-page workbook turns UK guidance into a practical 4-week plan, one focus each week with a short daily log, and then helps you step down your acid-reducing tablets safely with your GP.

Is this workbook for you?

• You have heartburn, an acid taste or regurgitation most weeks.
• You take omeprazole or another PPI and aren’t sure it’s working, or you’d like to take less.
• You’ve been told to “change your lifestyle” but want to know which changes actually work.
• Your symptoms are worse at night or after meals.
• You want a clear plan to take to your GP or pharmacist.

Look inside

Click any page to see it full size.

What’s inside

Part	What you’ll learn and do
1. Understanding reflux	What reflux is, why it happens, myths versus facts, and your red-flag card
2. Tests and when you need them	Who needs a camera test, what the report means, and Barrett’s oesophagus explained
3. Lifestyle changes that work	The changes ranked by evidence, and a simple way to find your own trigger foods
4. Your medicines	Antacids, alginates and PPIs, how to take a PPI properly, and what the long-term safety evidence says
5. Your 4-week reflux reset	One focus each week, goals to tick off, a daily log and a weekly review
6. Stepping down your medicine	Whether it’s time, the options, coping with rebound symptoms, and an 8-week step-down tracker
7. Special situations	Pregnancy, older age, cough and asthma, exercise and eating out
8. Appointments	An appointment summary, questions worth asking and after-appointment notes
Appendix	Blank trackers to print: daily log, trigger test sheet, step-down tracker and symptom score card

What makes it different

• Written by a clinician who does this work. Ben Johnson is an NHS Advanced Clinical Practitioner in gastroenterology who performs gastroscopies and prescribes as part of his NHS work.
• Every clinical statement is referenced. Numbered citations link each point to NICE, British Society of Gastroenterology or NHS guidance, or peer-reviewed research, listed in full at the back.
• Built to be used, not just read. Trackers, checklists and appointment pages turn the guidance into things you actually do, and give your GP or specialist a clear picture in minutes.
• A plan, not just information. Four focused weeks, each with goals and a daily log, so you can see exactly which changes help you.

How it works

1. Buy securely and download the PDF straight away.
2. Read Parts 1 to 4, then pick a start date for your 4-week plan.
3. Print the weekly pages, or fill them in using a PDF app.
4. At the end, use the step-down plan with your GP or pharmacist.

Frequently asked questions

What format is it?

A PDF you download straight after paying. It works on a phone, tablet or computer, and prints well on A4 at home.

Can I print it more than once?

Yes. Print the trackers as many times as you need for your own use.

Can I share it with a friend?

Please don’t. It’s licensed for your personal use. You’re welcome to share the link to this page.

What if there’s a problem with my download?

Get in touch through the contact page with the email address you used, and we’ll put it right.

Does it replace my doctor?

No. It supports the care you get from your GP, pharmacist or specialist team, and helps you get more from it. It includes a red-flag card so you know when not to wait.

I already take omeprazole. Is this still useful?

Yes. Part 4 shows you how to get the most from it, and Part 6 helps you work out with your GP whether you can take less.

Should I stop my PPI to follow the plan?

No. Keep taking your medicines as prescribed. Only reduce them with your GP or pharmacist, using the step-down plan in Part 6.

Is it suitable in pregnancy?

There’s a section on reflux in pregnancy, but please check any medicine with your midwife, GP or pharmacist.

This workbook supports your usual care. It doesn’t replace advice from your GP, pharmacist or specialist team. If you have any warning signs, such as vomiting blood, black poo, difficulty swallowing or unexplained weight loss, seek medical help promptly.