A nurse is teaching a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease about managing his illness. Which of the following recommendations should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. Avoid eating within 3 hr of bedtime: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus because the Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) is weak or relaxes inappropriately. Lying down (supine) immediately after eating eliminates the help of gravity in keeping food down, worsening reflux. Waiting 3 hours allows the stomach to empty. B. Limit fluid intake not related to meals: The recommendation is actually to limit fluids with meals (to prevent over-distension of the stomach) and encourage fluids between meals. C. Chew on mint leaves to relieve indigestion: Peppermint and spearmint are known to decrease LES pressure (relaxing the valve), which allows acid to escape into the esophagus, thereby worsening GERD symptoms. D. Season foods with black pepper: Spices, including black pepper, can irritate the esophageal lining and stimulate acid secretion, aggravating the condition.