If you have ever had heartburn you know the pain and discomfort that comes along with it. When those gastric contents are expelled into the esophagus it can cause many problems far greater than a little discomfort. There is, however, help to control acid reflux.

Acid reflux can be caused by physical issues such as a hiatal hernia becoming a factor. In most cases where it is physical it is because the lower esophageal sphincter doe not control the stomach's acid like it is designed to do.

The most common symptom and complaint of those suffering from acid reflux is heartburn, which feels like a burning, stinging or even ripping type of pain around the breastbone area. Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing and changes in mucosal linings of the throat. In extreme cases sufferers may develop esophageal ulcers or scarring.

 

In order to get a good diagnosis of acid reflux your doctor may order a barium swallow followed by a series of x-rays that show off your throat and stomach actions. Once you figure out what is causing the problem help to control acid reflux and a good course of treatment can be used.

Sometimes endoscopy is used to better examine the esophagus, stomach and relating portions of the body. The patient will usually be sedated in order to ease relaxation.

Regardless of the type of medical treatment you decide to go with there are a number of different types of food that seem to set off acid reflux. Staying away from or eating less of certain foods may help to control acid reflux.

Eating certain kinds of foods right before laying down to sleep can cause acid reflux to get the best of you. Stay away from vitamin C, coffee and alcohol during the later parts of the night. Keep a record of what kinds of foods may trigger GERD in you and avoid them like the plague.

Chocolate and peppermint, onions, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts are known acid reflux stimulants. Milk and dairy items should be avoided at bedtime. Eating smaller meals, elevating the head of your bed and drinking more water have all been shown to have good effects for coping with and managing acid reflux and related conditions.

Without a doubt you already know about all the heartburn medications on the market today. Let me encourage you though, to begin by avoiding those foods that set you off. Simply medicating the symptoms does not take care of the problem. In fact, simply masking the symptoms adds to more symptoms. It is always better to take care of the root cause.

So lets work with our bodies and do our best to ingest foods that help us and avoid ones that exacerbate our various conditions or concern areas. Start eating a little healthier, and chances are you will notice a difference for the better, no matter how mild or severe your version of GERD is. There is nothing better than finding help to control acid reflux.