- Burning sensation in the chest after a heavy meal, especially when bending over or lying down (heartburn)
- Burning feeling in the back of the throat
- Nausea after eating
- Feeling of acid backing up in the throat (regurgitation)
- Sore throat or a cough
- Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)
- Constantly clearing your throat
- Discomfort in your upper abdomen
- Difficulty swallowing
- Laryngitis
- Increased cavities and gingivitis
- Sleep disturbances
- Awaken at night coughing and choking
- Constant sinus infections
- Water Brush, a thick white liquid combined with excessive salivation of the mouth
- Fullness in the stomach
- Excessive salivation

If you recognize some of the above symptoms as emitted by your body then you may well be suffering from the condition known as Acid Reflux.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), gastric reflux disease, or more commonly acid reflux disease is defined as chronic symptoms or mucosal damage produced by the abnormal reflux of stomach acid to the esophagus.

This is commonly due to transient or permanent changes in the barrier between the esophagus and the stomach. This can be due to incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter, transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, impaired expulsion of gastric reflux from the esophagus, or a hiatal hernia.

The stomach of a human body contains acidic juices like hydrochloric acid, pepsin and sometimes bile juices from the liver. These stomach acids help to prevent harmful bacteria from entering the intestines while simultaneously breaking down and digesting food in the stomach. However, in acid reflux the stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus causing damage to the esophagus lining, which unlike the stomach, is not strong enough to handle the acid. The pain of the stomach acid seeping up into the esophagus is what is usually referred to as "heart burn."

Natural Cures for Acid Reflux

Diet:

Certain foods and lifestyle are considered to promote gastroesophageal reflux, but a 2006 review suggested that evidence for most dietary interventions is anecdotal; only weight loss and elevating the head of the bed were supported by evidence. A subsequent randomized crossover study showed benefit by avoiding eating two hours before bedtime.

Position:

Some studies have suggested that elevating the head off the bed may be an effective therapy, this may be achieved by a therapeutic bed pillow. The height of the elevation should be at least 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) to be at least minimally effective to prevent the backflow of gastric fluids. However, some practitioners use higher degrees of incline than provided by the commonly suggested 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) and claim greater success.