Acid reflux is a very common condition with thousands of sufferers. Acid reflux occurs when the barrier between the stomach and esophagus that is meant to protect the esophagus from stomach acids malfunctions causing the acids and enzymes of the stomach to escape into the esophagus causing a burning sensation. The barrier, also known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), normally holds the top of the stomach closed acting as a protective shield. A stomach abnormality, called hiatal hernia, is what occurs when the LES moves above the diaphragm which separates the stomach from the chest. The diaphragm is there to help keep the acid in the stomach if there isn’t any proper protection in place, the esophagus and the stomach eventually suffers.

A few symptoms that you may like to know for acid reflux include, but are not limited to:

• Heartburn: This is the most common (and often the most uncomfortable) symptom of acid reflux. Heartburn generally manifest as a burning sensation in the chest cavity. The burn in the chest has, however, been known to travel down into the abdomen and even up into the esophagus area (the throat). If the heartburn is experienced as a stabbing or abrupt sensation as opposed to its usually gradual nature it can often be mistaken as a heart attack.
• Regurgitation: This is the expulsion of food and drinks from the mouth by way of the esophagus. This is done involuntary when it is a symptom of acid reflux. This act of regurgitating is generally preceded by a sour or bitter taste in the mouth that is shortly followed by strong salivation then the expulsion ensues.
• Dysphagia: Dysphagia is a narrowing of the esophagus. When the esophagus narrows it can create a feeling that the throat is closing. This can make is difficult to swallow foods and drinks. Difficulty swallowing food and drinks can cause other health related issues if it isn’t urgently tended to.

Sufferers of acid reflux may grow to know that there are many natural cures for the condition. The trick is to find the cure that works best for you. Don’t be afraid of a little trial and error to discover the curing method that suits you best. A few natural cures include:

• Drinking lots of water: Be sure to drink water before, during and after meals. Water aids in diluting the acids in your stomach which in turn minimizes reflux symptoms.
• Try eating smaller meals more often: Eating smaller meals allows for your stomach to breakdown and process each meal without being forced to overwork to break down large meal consumption.
• Try drinking aloe vera juice: Amongst several other healing properties, aloe also has the ability to the acids in your stomach which will significantly reduce the risk of acids escaping the stomach making way into the esophagus.
• Keep a food log and find the foods that are right for you: Trigger foods vary from person to person. Be sure to find the foods that cause less acid reflux irritation.

Follow these natural cures to see if you the results are satisfying. If you’d like more natural cures please feel free to visit refluxremedy.com.

Though acid reflux is prevalent in thousands of people the causes for the disease tend to vary from person to person. What may send your insides blazing may be a walk in the park for another sufferer of acid reflux and vice versa. The key to determining and tackling the causes for acid reflux would be to determine your specific triggers and take the necessary precautions to eliminate the triggers from your lifestyle thus improving (or eliminating) acid reflux altogether.

If you are unfamiliar with what is happening to your body before and during acid reflux here’s a little bit about what you should know–Acid reflux occurs when the acids in your stomach make way to your esophagus causing a burn that is referred to as heartburn. This heartburn can be felt in the throat (esophagus area), the chest and often times reaches down into the abdomen.

There is a small circular ring known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) that is located at the top of your stomach and at the bottom of the esophagus. The key to avoiding acid reflux all relies on the efficiency and functionality of this ring. The ring is a muscle. The job of this muscle is to close immediately after food or drink passes through, leaving the esophagus and making way to the stomach. If this muscle neglects to close or if this muscle opens too often the acids in the stomach have room to escape the stomach area making way to the esophagus causing acid reflux.

There is another way for stomach acids to reach the esophagus. This is by way of a stomach abnormality knows as a hiatal hernia. A hiatal hernia occurs when the LES and the upper part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm. One job of the diaphragm is to serve as a muscle that separates the stomach from the chest thus keeping stomach acids in the stomach. If you are suffering from a hiatal hernia, stomach acids can move into your esophagus causing a burning sensation and other acid reflux symptoms including regurgitation, nausea, bloating, burping, dysphagia (a narrowing of the esophagus), hiccups and weight loss.

You may be unaware but there is a possibility that there is something that you are doing that is causing acid reflux to take place. Here are a few tips on things that may need to be altered to eliminate the disorder:

• Try eating smaller meals instead of larger meals. Smaller meals are more easily broken down by the acids in the stomach.
• Drink lots of water. Eliminate drinks that are alcoholic or carbonated. Water does an excellent job at stabilizing the stomach acids and aiding in digestion. If you are already experiencing acid reflux symptoms, water may be used to soothe the burn in the esophagus.
• Don’t eat too close to bed time. Eat at least two hours prior to bed time. This allows sufficient time for your body to digest foods.

Diet can directly affect acid reflux. Alter your diet, alter your life. For more information on acid reflux causes visit refluxremedy.com.