What Causes Acid Reflux?
By Seth Miller

Though the root causes are often unclear, perhaps the most prevalent acid reflux cause is a poor diet. Acid reflux occurs during digestion, when the stomach churns up acid or refluxes it into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest or throat. So if you eat too many highly acidic foods like tomato sauces and/or fatty, fried foods, the stomach has to process an overabundance of acid. Too much acid can push back through a valve between the stomach and the esophagus called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Acid reflux culprits include but are not limited to tomato based sauces, fried and fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol, citrus fruits, peppers, and caffeinated beverages.
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Acid Reflux Disease
By Andy Casasanta

What is acid reflux disease?

Acid reflux disease can and often is mistaken for heartburn. But the heartburn symptoms of acid reflux disease usually occur 2 or more days a week for at least 3 months and can damage your esophagus. At the top of your stomach is a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which normally opens and closes allowing food to enter. It also prevents the acid in your stomach from backing up into your esophagus. The trouble begins when the LES opens at inappropriate times, allowing acid from the stomach to get into the esophagus, where it doesn't belong.
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Acid Reflux – Symptoms and Treatment
By Richard Smith

Acid reflux (also known as GERD or heartburn) is a common condition -- Over 60 million Americans experience it at least once a month.

For some, acid reflux is a temporary phenomenon experienced only when eating too much, or eating particular types of food e.g. spicy foods. But for many others, acid reflux can be a painful and persistent condition.

What Is Acid Reflux?

Acid reflux occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter (that normally closes after swallowing to prevent stomach contents from escaping) malfunctions and allows stomach acid to travel up the oesophagus. When this occurs, a painful sensation is felt.
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Dealing with Acid Reflux
By George Anderson

Heartburn, as acid reflux is commonly called, is a very unpleasant and annoying condition. Chronic acid reflux problems are commonly associated with symptoms such as laryngitis, sore throat and swallowing difficulties. A constantly upset stomach and a frequent sensation of vomiting and belching are also among the common acid reflux symptoms. Other problems caused by acid reflux are as follows: bad breath and tooth erosion, gum inflammation and chest pains caused by the acid. Although heartburn is not considered to be a severe condition, it can cause permanent damage to the esophagus and can also lower the quality of life for acid reflux patients.

In order to eliminate the negative aspects of acid reflux you should try to follow some of the following tips. Begin by leading a healthier lifestyle. For starters, introduce a light exercise in your daily routine. However, do not exercise right after eating, as this might cause your abdominal muscles to contract because of the effort and to push food up on the esophagus. If the exercise is carried out before meals, you will improve your blood flow and reduce the chances of acid reflux problems.
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Acid Reflux/Heartburn - Simple Steps to Relief
By Andrew Kelly

You've seen the advertisements: Acid reflux is a horrible disease that can cause damage to the oesophagus and lead to cancer. Are these claims realistic, or simply exaggerated to sell over the counter medications? The fact is that doctors don't even agree on the causes, treatments, and long-term risks related to heartburn, so you can believe what you want about the ads.

Heartburn is the uncomfortable feeling resulting from acid reflux, or GERD, gastroesophageal reflux disease (try saying that out loud a few times). It can feel like a burning sensation (hence, the name), but can also feel like pressure in the chest, which is why it is sometimes confused with feelings associated with heart attacks.
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