Acid Reflux

Here are the most common reasons why others suffered from Acid Reflux. Try to avoid the following:

• eating a large meal
• spicy or fatty foods
• smoking, which makes the sphincter more relaxed
• long gaps between meals, which allow stomach acid to build up
• pregnancy - the growing baby pushes the stomach closer to the esophagus
• particular foods: oranges and chocolate make the sphincter more relaxed; caffeine irritates the esophageal lining.

The word "reflux" comes from the Medieval Latin word refluxus which comes from the Latin word refluere, meaning "to flow back, to recede". If you suffer from acid reflux the acids from your stomach "flow back" into your esophagus, causing discomfort and pain - this discomfort is known as heartburn.

If you have an acid reflux, try to avoid any of the following:

• Alcohol
• Black pepper
• Chili and chili powder
• Citrus fruit, pineapple
• Coffee
• Garlic
• Spicy food
• Tea
• Tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice, ketchup
• Vinegar

I tried some simple solutions to head off acid reflux and it works. First, try a saltwater gargle (1/4 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water). The briny solution helps to rinse away and neutralize acids in the throat, relieving the burning sensation and promoting fast healing of irritated mucous membranes. But if you have a chronic heartburn like a stomach ulcer or a hiatus hernia, you should consult a doctor. Chronic acid reflux can damage the esophagus.