• Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn, is a medical condition that causes the esophagus to become inflamed and irritated when stomach acids back up into the esophagus. Under normal circumstances, the lower esophageal sphincter tightens during the swallowing process, preventing stomach acid from entering the esophagus.
  
  In reflux acid sufferers, the sphincter relaxes when food is swallowed. During the swallowing motion, stomach acid rises up through the esophagus, causing a burning sensation and making its way into the throat, mouth and lung passages. The acid damages the lining of the esophagus. Results of acid reflux include hoarseness, regurgitation of food, chest pain and asthma.
  
  Acid reflux affects approximately one-third of the adults in the United States about once a month and can also affect infants and children. Nearly 10 percent of adults experience acid reflux symptoms regularly.
  
  

Triggers

• Adjusting eating habits can naturally reduce acid reflux. Some foods to avoid to help reduce the symptoms of acid reflux include fried foods, soda, high-fat dairy products, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, tomatoes, garlic, broccoli, spinach, peppermint/spearmint, alcoholic drinks, chocolate, chili peppers and caffeinated beverages.
  
  

Prevention

• Control acid reflux by limiting the foods that increase acid reflux episodes. Also, control portion sizes at meals. Acid reflux can be triggered not only by eating the wrong foods but by eating too much food at one sitting or obesity issues. Foods that reduce acid reflux include fruits such as apples and bananas, vegetables such as carrots and green beans, lean meats and grains such as wheat or white bread and rice.
  
  Maintain good posture when seated to help prevent acid reflux. Over the counter and prescription medications can also help manage the symptoms. Lifestyle changes, medications, diet, eating habits and other possible medical conditions like hiatal hernia should be reviewed to determine the appropriate ways to treat the condition.