Acid reflux is another term for a condition many people commonly call heartburn Primarily affecting the food pathways it can cover a range of conditions that have almost identical characteristics. For the body to process all this food, it requires the strong hydrochloric acid to break it down into nutrients which are then distributed throughout the body. With this condition, acid in the stomach tries to escape up the food pathways and this is the reason for the burning pain.

Food is normally trapped in the stomach by the lower esophageal valve after it has passed through to stop this problem. When the valve refuses to close as it should, the acid escapes back up the esophagus, producing the problem known as acid reflux. This condition is also known as GERD which is the shortened version of the correct medical name: gastroesophageal reflux disorder. Although the real cause of acid reflux disorder has not yet been found, it is thought that eating the wrong foods could be to blame; factors that include overeating, can also put a strain on the stomach and contribute to the disorder.

Too much strain is placed on the muscles of the stomach when we overeat and the result of this a build up of internal pressure. As this pressure builds up, the lower esophageal valve starts to weaken and can eventually open, allowing food and acid to move up into your esophagus causing that unpleasant burning feeling centered in the chest. By lessening the amount of work the stomach has to do at any one time should reduce the instances of heartburn. To help with this condition, adjustments need to be made with regards to the size of meals consumed, which need to be smaller but more frequent. To maintain health your digestive system needs to be healthy so requires looking after if you want to remain in good health as well. This is because the stomach is not only responsible for breaking down our food but also for preparing this food to be converted to specific nutrients that everyone\'s body needs.

Using drugs and other acid reducing drugs readily available from drugstores will block the natural processes of your stomach on a temporary basis. Unfortunately they can have side effects when used as the only method to reduce the incidences of heartburn. A more permanent approach to treating the acid reflux condition is required by changing the way you eat. This will then allow your stomach to settle down and regain its strength. You might find that once the heartburn incidents have been reduced you can gradually start eating some of the dishes you did before, remembering to take things easily.

Whilst eating is probably the largest factor in acid reflux disorder, other substances can also contribute; a few of these are listed below:

• Being a smoker
• Allergic reactions to certain types of food
• Prescription medication
• Too much alcohol
• After meal napping

What can I do about my heartburn?

I keep having this terrible heartburn. It hurts to elevate my legs. Food feels like it's coming back up, and it burns very badly. Sometimes it makes me cough. What should I do?

Targeting doctors won't reduce ulcer drug overuse

Education efforts directed at doctors won't prevent overuse of popular ulcer drugs, a new study from the Netherlands shows.

Health Watch: New Surgery Can Fix Heartburn

Heartburn can be excruciating and many people suffer the symptoms every day. But now a new procedure is helping the symptoms permanently. CBS 2 HD learned a lot more on the surprisingly simple surgery.

Cookbooks offer recipes for your health

There's no arguing that people are always looking for new recipes. Whether in the supermarket, a summer barbeque, a school event or even when spending some quiet time with friends and family, more often than not, conversations turn to food and how best to prepare it. Acquaintances can often find common ground when talking about a family's coveted, multigenerational pound cake, as well as, a ...

Medications versus surgery for GERD: debate over treatments for persistent heartburn

Treatment of acid reflux disease, the condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, is an area of great debate among physicians, who are divided between medical and surgical fixes for the common problem.