Most of us get heartburn on occasion. It can be very unpleasant, but it’s usually nothing to worry about. But if you get it often, it could be caused by acid reflux disease.

Acid reflux is officially known as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, or GERD. It is defined as chronic abnormal reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, and is caused by the dysfunction of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). This is a small ring of muscle at the opening of the stomach. When it doesn’t remain closed as much as it should, it allows acid to come back up out of the stomach and into the esophagus. This can erode the lining of the esophagus, causing ulcers to form. It can also increase the likelihood of esophageal cancer.

If you have the following symptoms, you could have acid reflux:

* Frequent, persistent heartburn - This is the most recognizable symptom, as well as the most common. Most acid reflux sufferers have heartburn several times a month or more. But some do not have heartburn at all.

* Regurgitation of acid - Those with acid reflux often report regurgitation of acid into the back of the throat, and sometimes all the way into the mouth. It may or may not be accompanied by food from the stomach.

* Persistent cough - Some acid reflux sufferers develop a dry cough. This usually occurs when certain nerves in the lower esophagus are stimulated by the refluxed acid. But it can also be caused by acid reaching the throat and irritating it.

* Choking sensation - Acid reflux sufferers sometimes feel like there is a piece of food stuck in their throats, when in reality there is not.

* Wheezing or hoarseness - This is caused by the damage done to the throat and esophagus. It is particularly common in the morning. Acid reflux can aggravate existing asthma, and in rare cases it has been known to cause it.

Treatment of Acid Reflux

If you have some of the symptoms above, you may need to see a doctor. If you are diagnosed with acid reflux, there are a number of medications (known as proton pump inhibitors) that your doctor could try. There are herbal remedies that can help as well. But there are also some lifestyle changes that can provide relief. These include:

* Avoiding alcohol and tobacco - Both of these can aggravate the symptoms of acid reflux. Alcohol causes the stomach to produce more acid and relaxes the LES. Smoking also has these effects, and it also reduces the production of saliva, which provides a natural defense against refluxed acid.

* Losing weight - Being overweight can make acid reflux worse. This is because of increased pressure on the abdomen.

* Avoiding certain foods - Foods that aggravate acid reflux include fried or fatty foods, citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, and anything spicy. It’s also a good idea to eat smaller meals, as large meals can increase abdominal pressure.

* Elevating the head of your bed - Acid reflux often worsens at night because it’s easier for acid to escape the stomach when you’re lying flat. Raising the head of your bed can help. Sitting up for a few hours after a meal is also helpful.

Acid reflux can be painful, and it can lead to other health problems. The good news is that it is treatable. With medication and a few lifestyle modifications, most sufferers have a major reduction in symptoms.

Acid reflux can range in severity from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition. But it is a potentially dangerous condition, as it has been linked to cancer of the esophagus. That’s why it is so important to treat it.

There are numerous prescription and non-prescription drugs on the market for acid reflux. They have provided relief to many sufferers, but some do not respond to them. And they’re not without side effects, either. Some studies have linked proton pump inhibitors, the type of drug usually prescribed for acid reflux, to an increased incidence of pneumonia. Some of these drugs can also cause other gastrointestinal problems, and they may interfere with the absorption of other drugs.

These concerns have lead many acid reflux sufferers to seek more natural treatment options. Here are some things you can try if you want to get rid of acid reflux naturally.

Herbs

* Ginger - Ginger is one of the most popular herbs for digestive problems, and it can be very effective against acid reflux. It helps by relieving pain and inflammation and killing bacteria that aggravate the condition. It is important to use it in moderation, however, because overdoing it could make your heartburn worse.

* Bladderwrack - Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed whose stem is used medicinally. It contains alginic acid, which is used in mainstream heartburn drugs such as Gaviscon.

* Aloe vera - Aloe is best known as an effective treatment for sunburn and other skin irritations. But it has also been shown to be good for acid reflux. It can be taken in capsule or juice form two or three times a day.

* Licorice - Licorice has anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been studied for use in the prevention of ulcers and gastritis. It is also a natural antacid. It may be taken in tea, or you can buy chewable deglycyrrhizinated licorice tablets. These are best if you are concerned about blood pressure or water retention.

Foods

* Sweet foods - Sugar is a natural antacid, so eating something sweet can help curb excessive acid in the stomach and combat acid reflux. Anything that is sweet and low in acid will do, but fruits such as red apples, pears, purple grapes, and honeydew are best for overall health.

* Vegetables - There are also some vegetables that have antacid properties. These include potatoes (sweet and white), broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, and avocado.

* Foods to avoid - Avoiding certain foods can help prevent acid reflux symptoms, or at least reduce their severity. Some of these are citrus fruits, sour berries, fermented foods, alcohol, caffeine, tomatoes, mustard, and spicy foods.

Acid reflux can be treated naturally. These treatments are often just as effective as prescription drugs, and they have a much lower risk of harmful side effects. Still, it is best to consult a healthcare professional for advice. Some herbs can interact with other herbs or medicines, and they may not be suitable for people with certain health problems.

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