I have GERD because of a hiatal hernia and I, too, have been told not taking PPIs would be more harmful. I take one Lanzoprazole capsule at bedtime and have the head of my bed on risers. As a result, I have not needed any other OTC meds like TUMS etc. Since I have had the head of my bed raised I have had few to no reflux incidents. The bed risers can be found in any bed and linen supply store, or perhaps even on Amazon. I think I noticed them in the Dollar Tree too. They come in a set of four, but you just need to use two to place under the top two casters or legs of your bed.