Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid, and sometimes food and liquid, back up into your oesophagus, the muscular tube that connects your throat and stomach.
Normally the oesophageal sphincter, a ringlike muscular valve located at the bottom of the oesophagus keeps acids and other substances in your stomach.
Acid Reflux occurs when this sphincter malfunctions, relaxing when it shouldn't and allowing acid to reflux (move up) into the oesophagus.
Persistent Acid Reflux can lead to scarring of the oesophagus.
Pneumonia and bronchitis may occur as stomach acid refluxes and seeps into your lungs through the windpipe, the trachea, usually while you're sleeping.
Acid Reflux can also destroy tooth enamel when stomach acid backs up into the mouth.
Some people experience Acid Reflux when they have a hernia.
In this disorder the upper portion of the stomach moves into the chest by way of an opening in the diaphragm, the band of muscle that separates the chest and stomach.
A hiatal hernia impairs the functioning of the lower oesophageal sphincter allowing acid and other stomach substances to reflux back into the oesophagus,causing the symptoms of Acid Reflux.
Most people can control Acid Reflux by avoiding foods that trigger it, making certain life style modifications and taking over the counter drugs.
If these steps aren't enough one should see a doctor.
You may need to take prescription drugs.
Severe cases may require surgery.
Many herbs are very beneficial as well in soothing the lining and stomach.
Some lifestyle changes are exercise.
Exercise keeps the gastrointestinal system working normally.
Gentle exercise done regularly can help reduce Acid Reflux by relieving stress.
Avoid exercise that require you to bend over as this can aggravate the heartburn.
Stay upright after a meal.
You have a greater risk of Acid Reflux occurring when you lie on your back after a meal.
So sit up for several hours after eating.
Drink lots of water.
About eight glasses a day to wash stomach acid down into the stomach where it belongs.
Get lean.
Extra weight can make it more difficult for the sphincter to stay closed.
Start a sensible diet and exercise program to shed extra pounds.
Eat smaller meals more frequently, perhaps five times a day.
Eat them slowly to help avoid stomach bloating and pressure.
Sit down and relax at mealtimes.
Don't eat on the run.
Avoid trigger foods.
Stay away from alcoholic beverages, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, caffeinated drinks, carbonated drinks, fatty and fried foods, peppermint and spearmint, spicy foods, garlic, onions, peppers, tomatoes, and tomato based foods.
Timing is everything.
Eat and drink at least three hours before going to bed, and don't snack at bedtime.
Some prescription drugs can cause heartburn.
Drinking camomile tea between meals three or four times a day can relieved inflamed and irritated mucous membranes in your digested tract and helps promote normal digestion.
Ginger tea produces some relief also.
Licorice protects the oesophagus by producing mucin, a substance that forms a protected layer against acid burn.
Golden Seal also has a healing effect on the sore membranes.
One study found that chewing a stick of sugarless gum provided heartburn relief in 70 percent of the participants.
The chewing action stimulates the production of saliva which helps wash stomach acid back down the oesophagus.