Resolving Acid Reflux
What is Acid Reflux/Heart Burn?

Acid reflux is the backward flow of stomach acid into the esophagus — the tube that connects the throat and stomach. Acid reflux is more specifically known as gastroesophageal reflux. During an episode of acid reflux, you may taste regurgitated food or sour liquid at the back of your mouth or feel a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn).

Heartburn is a burning sensation in your chest, just behind your breastbone. Heartburn pain is often worse when lying down or bending over.

Occasional heartburn is common and no cause for alarm. Most people can manage the discomfort of heartburn on their own with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

Symptoms

1) A taste of regurgitated food or sour liquid at the back of your mouth
2) A burning pain in the chest that usually occurs after eating and may occur at night
3) Pain that worsens when lying down or bending over

Causes

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into your esophagus.
Normally when you swallow, your lower esophageal sphincter — a circular band of muscle around the bottom part of your esophagus — relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. Then it closes again.

However, if the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes abnormally or weakens, stomach acid can flow back up into your esophagus, causing heartburn. The acid backup is worse when you're bent over or lying down.


Western Medicine Treatment

Antacids that neutralize stomach acid
Medications to reduce acid production
Medications that control acid and heal the esophagus
Lifestyle changes
Lose excess weight
Eat smaller meals
Avoid foods that seem to trigger heartburn — such as fried or fatty foods, chocolate and peppermint.
Avoiding alcohol and nicotine
Antacids
H-2-receptor blockers
Proton pump inhibitors

Adopedted from mayoclinic.com