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Acid reflux is a common condition characterized by a burning pain, known as heartburn, in the lower chest area. But what exactly is acid reflux? Why does it occur, and what can you do to lesson its impact?

It's important to always seek medical advice before taking over-the-counter antacid medication. Similarly, see your doctor at the onset of acid reflux symptoms., and if these subsequently persist.

Click through the gallery for an overview of gastroesophageal reflux and the more severe GERD.

▲Many people experience acid reflux in their body from time to time. Acid reflux can create a burning sensation in the lower chest area, often after eating, when lying down, and when bending over.

▲The burning sensation of acid backing up, or refluxing, into the esophagus is often referred to as heartburn. It’s also called acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux (GER).

▲By the way, despite the name, heartburn has nothing to do with the heart.

▲In addition to a burning sensation, another symptom of acid reflux is an unpleasant, sour taste in your mouth.

▲Other symptoms of acid reflux are: a cough or hiccups that keep coming back, a hoarse voice, bad breath, bloating, and feeling sick.

▲At the entrance to your stomach is a valve, which is a ring of muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The diagram on the left is a properly functioning esophagus. The diagram on the right shows the sphincter opening, allowing reflux.

▲Normally, the LES closes as soon as food passes through it. If the LES doesn't close all the way or if it opens too often, acid produced by your stomach can move up into your esophagus.

▲Stomach, or gastric acid helps break down food and protect against pathogens such as bacteria.

▲The lining of the stomach is specially adapted to protect it from the powerful acid, but the esophagus, the narrow tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach, is not.

▲There’s often no obvious reason why people suffer from heartburn. However, you can reduce symptoms by changing your diet and avoiding foods and drinks that worsen the condition.

▲The specific triggers for heartburn differ from person to person. In general, anything that is fatty, acidic, or highly caffeinated should be avoided.

▲Coming up with the appropriate diet involves discovering what works best for you. Examples of things to reduce or steer clear of in your diet include: chocolate, peppermint, citrus fruits, tomato (including ketchup and tomato soup), fried and fatty foods, spicy foods, garlic, and onion.

▲Alcohol (the usual suspect), carbonated beverages, and coffee (caffeine).

▲Vegetables like broccoli and leafy greens, as well as ginger, oatmeal, non-citrus fruits (especially banana, apple, and pear), lean meats and seafood (grilled, broiled, baked, or poached), egg whites, and healthy fats like walnut, flaxseed, and olive oil are foods that soothe reflux.

▲Herbal teas including chamomile, licorice, and slippery elm improve digestion and soothe many stomach problems. Low-fat milk is a better option than full fat milk. Plant-based milks (soy, coconut etc) are a good alternative. Low-acidic fruit juices like carrot or aloe vera juice are good options. And don’t forget to drink lots of water, its PH value is 7.0, or neutral!

▲Moderate to severe heartburn,or acid reflux that occurs at least once a week, is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This is a long-term digestive disorder in which stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus.

▲GERD follows all the symptoms of GER, but may also include chest pain, difficulty swallowing, and a sensation of a lump in the throat.

▲If you have nighttime acid reflex, you may also experience chronic cough, laryngitis, new or worsening asthma, and disrupted sleep.

▲It’s time to act if you’ve been using over-the-counter antacid medicines for more than two weeks and you still have heartburn symptoms. Note: always consult your doctor before taking medication.

▲Indeed, seek medical advice as soon as possible if your heartburn symptoms have become more frequent or severe.

▲Difficulty swallowing or pain when swallowing is an indicator, as is nausea or vomiting. Black or bloody bowel movements or drastic weight loss are other red flags.

▲Seek immediate care if you have chest pain, especially if you also have shortness of breath, or jaw or arm pain. These may be signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

▲Dietary changes as described earlier can lessen the effects of GERD.

▲Eat smaller and more frequent meals each day instead of a few large meals.

▲Other lifestyle changes to alleviate GERD symptoms include avoiding lying down for at least two hours after a meal. Evening meals should be eaten at least three hours before going to bed.

▲Keep your head elevated while you sleep. Using an extra pillow or two can help prevent reflux. Also consider raising the head of your bed by 10-15 cm (4-6 in), so you can sleep with your head and chest elevated.

▲Wear loose-fitting clothing to ease pressure on the stomach.

▲Quit smoking. Smoking can increase the production of stomach acid and reduce the function of the lower esophageal sphincter.

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Reduce excess weight around the midsection.

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HEALTH Heartburn

It's important to always seek medical advice before taking over-the-counter antacid medication. Similarly, see your doctor at the onset of acid reflux symptoms., and if these subsequently persist.

Click through the gallery for an overview of gastroesophageal reflux and the more severe GERD.