What is acid reflux?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), more commonly referred to as acid reflux, is a common condition in which the contents of the stomach come back up into the esophagus, causing heart burn and chest pains, which are the most common symptoms for acid reflux.

What causes it?

GERD can be caused by a hiatal hernia, which happens when the superior part of the stomach passes into the chest through a small rupture of the diaphragm.
Your diet can worsen the condition. Substances like chocolate, mints, fried foods, fat, coffee, alcohol, and nicotine can prompt reflux and heartburn.
Reflux often accompanies obesity, and sometimes pregnancy.

Managing Acid Reflux

In many cases, acid reflux can be controlled without medicinal interference. Experts agree that making changes to your diet and lifestyle can significantly lessen the symptoms of GERD:

Avoid certain foods and drinks that contribute to reflux, such as chocolate, mint, fried and fatty foods, coffee, and alcohol.
Stop smoking, as nicotine also worsens symptoms.
Decrease the size of your meals.
Do not eat right before you go to bed: let your last meal be 2 or 3 hours before you go to sleep.
Lose the extra weight: most obese and overweight individuals have reported improvement and a decrease in symptoms of reflux and heartburn after they have lost a significant amount of weight.
Consult with your doctor, he may prescribe, along with these recommendations, some medicine such as antacids.