Kenan Thompson, star of Saturday Night Live (SNL), has been open about his struggles with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The comedian shares how the condition affects his live performances and the steps he’s taking to manage it.
Thompson says that high-energy characters allow him to gauge when he’s being affected by GERD. He notes that intense pain from acid reflux can cause hoarseness and make it difficult for him to perform on stage. “It’s usually because I’ve had sleepless nights or overly stressed,” he explains.
GERD occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms like heartburn, chest pain, and trouble swallowing. Thompson spent years trying various treatments but found that over-the-counter medications stopped helping. He credits a new medication called Voquezna from Phathom Pharmaceuticals for providing relief.
To manage his GERD, Thompson has made lifestyle changes, including adjusting his diet and exercise routine. He eats a balanced diet and still enjoys foods like pizza, but limits his intake of spicy foods and soda. He exercises regularly, biking four days a week and cycling on Sundays, which he says helps him feel more energized.
Thompson’s health journey has been about finding balance and feeling his best. “I have high-energy characters, so I can always tell when I’m being affected by it and when I’m not,” he notes. By prioritizing his health, he’s able to perform at his best on stage and off.
Source: https://www.prevention.com/health/a64409618/kenan-thompson-gerd-diagnosis-diet