Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows upward through the esophagus. The most noticeable symptoms of acid reflux are either as a sour taste at the back of the mouth, or as a burning in the chest.
The cause
Acid reflux is often caused by eating foods that irritate the stomach lining. Some examples of foods like this are fatty or fried foods, chocolate, garlic, onions, spicy foods, and acidic foods, all of which can irritate the stomach lining. Acid reflux can also happen if people take certain medications, drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes, or even eat meals quickly, or soon before bedtime. Acid reflux is also a common pregnancy symptom.
Tips?
Take an over-the-counter antacid as soon as you feel the heartburn coming on. Avoid any foods that you notice cause feelings of heartburn, because there’s a high chance they’ll cause it again. Chew your food slowly and thoroughly, and give yourself some time between meals and bedtime.
Sources
- “GERD or Acid Reflux or Heartburn overview.” ClevelandClinic. Cleveland Clinic, 2017. Web.
- “Acid Reflux.” Patients.gi. American College of Gastroenterology, 2017. Web.
