Kenan Thompson: Strategies for Managing GERD Post-Diagnosis Revealed

By his mid-30s, Thompson was dealing with severe heartburn that affected his sleep.

“The sleepless nights caused by GERD were not conducive to my performance or stress levels,” he noted.

The condition even affected his ability to perform vocally in comedy sketches.

“I found my voice giving out much more easily than I would have imagined, even just from singing briefly,” he shared.

Thompson observed that his symptoms worsened when he indulged in poor dietary choices, specifically soda and pizza.

“There were times when I didn’t immediately connect my eating choices to the flare-ups. I might have thought, ‘perhaps that pizza was spicier than I remembered,’ without realizing my own role in these episodes,” he reflected.

In his early 40s, Thompson was diagnosed with non-erosive GERD, a form of the condition that does not damage the esophagus.

“GERD is typically diagnosed based on a patient’s history discussed during a consultation,” explained Kavita Kongara, MD, a gastroenterologist at Northside Hospital. “If necessary, an upper endoscopy can help identify whether it’s non-erosive or erosive GERD.”

After trying various over-the-counter solutions with only temporary improvements, Thompson’s physician prescribed Voquezna (vonoprazan).

“Despite the wide range of over-the-counter and prescription options available, many individuals continue to experience persistent symptoms,” Kongara stated.

This led Thompson to seek a more consistent remedy for his discomfort.

“It got to the point where eating pizza guaranteed a sleepless night, which is no way to live. Pizza is a must for me,” he joked.

Now, Thompson’s condition is well-managed with medication.

“I’m less concerned about food triggers these days,” he said. “While I try not to indulge as often, I’m not overly worried about occasional slip-ups because I have effective medication to fall back on.”

Thompson is now using his platform to increase awareness through the “GERD IS NO JOKE” campaign.

“If my sharing can change even one person’s life for the better, that’s great. If it can reach more, all the better. It’s important for those suffering to have access to information,” he emphasized.

He even hinted at the potential for an SNL skit focused on GERD to further educate through humor.

“Now that I’m actively speaking out, it may inspire a sketch. Maybe it’s time for a Weekend Update feature,” Thompson mused.

While studies vary and often contradict each other regarding the effects of certain foods on GERD, Anna Beery, a dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, has observed that some foods tend to provoke symptoms more than others.

Eliminating these trigger foods can significantly alleviate the symptoms. Common triggers include:

• acidic foods
• carbonated drinks
• coffee
• high-fat content items
• peppermint
• chocolate
• alcohol
• processed foods

Beery also advises limiting consumption of red meats, fried items, sweets, and fast food.

“Maintaining a food diary can be incredibly useful,” Beery suggested. “Noting down what you eat, how much, and the symptoms you experience can help pinpoint specific triggers. It’s also beneficial to record meal times, stress levels, and sleep patterns.”

She recommends a primarily plant-based diet to potentially improve GERD symptoms.

“It’s not necessarily about being vegan or vegetarian, but rather focusing on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains, with moderate use of healthy oils like olive oil,” she explained.

The Mediterranean diet, known for its high fiber content, may also be beneficial.

“This diet includes lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. It emphasizes the regular consumption of plant-based foods, with fish, poultry, legumes, and eggs eaten weekly, and a moderate amount of dairy,” Beery detailed.

Additionally, consuming five to six smaller meals throughout the day and avoiding lying down soon after eating can help manage symptoms.

“Proper sleep and maintaining a healthy weight through physical activity are also crucial in managing GERD effectively,” Beery added.

Ultimately, managing GERD requires a personalized approach as trigger foods and symptoms can vary widely among individuals, according to Beery.