As the longest-tenured star of Saturday Night Live, Kenan Thompson is well known for his comedic presence and making people laugh. Over the years, the comedian has also starred in several movies and has even won an Emmy for his work on the show. But behind the scenes, Thompson lives with a condition called non-erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease, or non-erosive GERD. 

“GERD is a condition where stomach acid travels upwards toward the esophagus. This could lead to symptoms like heartburn, regurgitation, trouble swallowing and even coughing,” says Kavita R. Kongara, MD, a gastroenterologist. 

It’s a condition that can be treated with lifestyle changes, such as healthier eating habits, and sometimes with medications. We got a chance to chat with Thompson about his diagnosis of non-erosive GERD and how he’s working to spread awareness about the condition so that others can seek the treatment they may need. Plus, Thompson reveals his favorite protein-packed dinner and the nostalgic breakfast food that reminds him of his childhood. Keep reading to find out more! 

EatingWell: What is your favorite easy weeknight dinner? 

Kenan Thompson: My favorite easy weeknight dinner is probably a salmon salad kind of thing. You know, like an arugula salad that you can make really quick in a bowl and then throw some good, delicious salmon on top—or grilled shrimp or something like that. I like warm food, I’m not really a cold food fan, so it’s nice to be able to blend the two worlds with these kinds of salads and you’re eating good. It’s a nice filling dinner that’s not gonna make you feel so stuffed and weighed down. 

EW: What is your favorite breakfast food?

Thompson: Bacon is my favorite breakfast food. It’s so nostalgic for me because I remember growing up when I would wake up in the morning and smell bacon happening in the kitchen, it was always a very happy memory. I would be excited and think to myself, “Oh wow, we’re gonna have bacon in the morning; someone is providing and nurturing me. How lucky am I?” 

EW: Can you tell me a bit about your journey with non-erosive GERD? What was the process of receiving this diagnosis?

Thompson: So about 10 years ago, I was starting to have symptoms that weren’t easily solvable with over-the-counter treatments or things that had worked in the past. It was this mystery of whether I’d be living with this situation every single time I eat pizza or have a soda or anything that might cause a flare-up and it just got to a point where I couldn’t really take it anymore.

I ended up talking to my doctor about it and we ultimately came to the conclusion that I had non-erosive GERD. So once I had more in-depth conversations about my symptoms and learning about what GERD is, I was able to be on the other side of the mystery. Now having the information and taking Voquezna as a treatment that actually works for me, it feels much, much, much better to be on a better health journey in general.

EW: What motivated you to take part in the “GERD Is No Joke” campaign?

Thompson: Once I realized that I had kind of been suffering in silence, I thought, wouldn’t it be great to be able to help get that word out? So, thankfully I was able to partner with Phathom Pharmaceuticals and come up with a campaign to make it make sense. We were able to come up with an angle that was relatable and personal to help people get into the conversation. I could say I had this struggle and if you’re going through a similar situation, maybe my story can give you some tips. 

EW: How do you balance late work nights and meal routines with your non-erosive GERD diagnosis, since eating later at night or too close to bed can make it worse?

Thompson: It’s tough, you know. The later the night gets, the healthier choices available just get slimmer and slimmer and slimmer. But, you know, I remember the pain and discomfort. And I also remember the nervous feeling of not being able to do my job because sometimes my symptoms would cause me to lose my voice. I never want to be in those positions again because I have a job to do and my kids that I have to provide for. It helps me remember that I have to prioritize the healthier choice and that I can’t just take risks for the sake of having two extra slices of pizza.

EW: What does “eating well” mean to you?

Thompson: Eating well means living well. It means feeling well, you know. It’s very reflective. What you put in your body reflects in so many different ways. Especially as you age. I’m 46 now, turning 47, so these are the times when you don’t really play with your health. When you’re younger, you’re just like, “Blah, blah, blah, healthy stuff” but it actually really matters. 

I wish it didn’t take such a dramatic, drastic kind of event like my diagnosis to steer my mentality that way, but making healthy choices is so important. Being a parent means I have responsibilities to my children as well. It feels good to be able to walk up the stairs with no pain, to get out there on my bike and ride a few miles. So all of that, making healthy choices, and it just feels good to feel good, if you will. 

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for clarity and length.