Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach contents back up into the esophagus. This action is also called acid regurgitation or gastroesophageal reflux.
If you experience symptoms of acid reflux more than twice a week, you may have a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Symptoms of reflux

Acid reflux can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest, which can move up toward your neck and throat. This sensation is often called heartburn.
If you have acid reflux, you may experience a sour or bitter taste at the back of your mouth. It may also cause the regurgitation of food or liquid from your stomach into your mouth.
Some other symptoms of reflux include:
- nausea
- chest pain
- pain when swallowing
- difficulty swallowing
- chronic cough
- hoarse voice
- bad breath

Reflux diet

Some people find that certain foods and drinks can trigger their symptoms. Although triggers can be very individual, there are some foods that are routinely mentioned more than others. These include:
- high-fat foods (such as fried foods and fast food)
- citrus fruits and juices
- tomatoes and tomato sauces
- onions
- mint
- coffee
- soft drinks

Reflux treatment

Some people prefer to start treating heartburn with home remedies. While certain home solutions may help a little when it comes to occasional "bouts" of acid reflux, they are not expected to provide lasting improvement for chronic problems.
Chronic health problems can sometimes be alleviated with lifestyle changes, but some form of medical intervention is usually also necessary. When dealing with chronic issues, it is best to resist the urge to self-diagnose and self-medicate. Talk to your doctor before starting any new treatment.

There are some home remedies circulating that may do more harm than good:
- Baking soda. Because baking soda is alkaline, it can help neutralize acidity and is mostly safe to consume in small doses. However, baking soda is high in sodium, and side effects can occur if you consume too much of it.
- Chewing gum. The idea here is that because saliva is slightly alkaline, stimulating it by chewing gum after eating may help neutralize acidity in the mouth and throat. Although a very small 2005 study did find some interest in this approach, the size of the study makes it difficult to draw real conclusions.
- Consuming ginger. Ginger is a common home remedy for problems such as nausea and an upset stomach, but it is still unclear if it can actually help with occasional heartburn symptoms. In fact, many studies suggest that heartburn is a symptom of consuming too much ginger.
- Consuming milk. Because of its natural alkalinity, milk is another home remedy often mentioned for relieving heartburn symptoms. Unfortunately, while it may be soothing initially, the fat and protein it contains can eventually worsen heartburn symptoms after the milk is digested. Low-fat milk may be easier for some people to tolerate.