Acid Reflux Disease is a common ailment. Acid and digestive juices from the stomach back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest, behind the sternum. The pain from the acid reflux can be mild or severe, or anywhere in betweeen. This burning sensation is commonly called heartburn. The painful symptoms of heartburn can often be similar to that of heart disease, so if you have persistent or long term symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately to have the problem diagnosed.

Several treatments are available for acid reflux. Over the counter medications are available to reduce the acid in the stomach. If something stronger is needed, there are prescription medications available as well. If the acid reflux symptoms do not respond to over the counter or prescription medications, then your doctor may recommend surgery.

Drastic measures, such as surgery and prescription medication are not always necessary. Some simple lifestyle changes may help to reduce or eliminate acid reflux. Changing your diet, limiting caffeine, or reducing stress can help to control the symptoms of acid reflux.

Probably the biggest lifestyle change to control acid reflux symptoms is to change one’s diet. Fatty or deep fried foods are commonly associated with acid reflux, as are caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Acidic foods, such as grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, and tomatoes may also trigger acid reflux. Eliminating or reducing these foods in your daily diet can cause a reduction in acid reflux. Not everyone experiences acid reflux the same, so you should keep track of what foods cause acid reflux for you. When you experience acid reflux, take note of what foods you’ve been eating, and when. This will help you to figure out what foods you should eliminate or reduce from your diet.

Stress is known to cause the body to produce more stomach acid. Because of this, managing stress is an important factor in managing acid reflux. Taking a walk through the park, deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help in managing stress, and keeping it under control. If you can, when you start to feel stressed, just sit down, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and focus on relaxing. Concentrate on relaxing, one group of muscles at a time, from your head down to your feet. When you’re relaxed, then continue on with your day.

Acid reflux symptoms can also occur when you lay down to sleep. It is important that you do not eat too soon before you go to bed. You should wait at least 3 hours between eating and going to bed. This gives the stomach a chance to digest the food, and slow down its production of acid. If you do experience acid reflux after going to bed, you may try sleeping on your left side, which will help keep any stomach acid away from the esophagus. Raising the head of your bed, if possible, can also help.

These simple lifestyle changes will help you to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of acid reflux, without drastic measures such as surgery. Some of these changes will also help to enhance your health, and give you a better quality of life.