Those who have experienced acid reflux know just how horrible and uncomfortable it can be. It can make you feel nauseous, gassy and just generally leave you feeling fed-up.

What is acid reflux?

The disease usually occurs when the lower oesophageal sphincter doesn't close all the way or it keeps opening repeatedly, allowing stomach acid to move up your oesophagus. This can cause a myriad of unpleasant symptoms including a burning sensation in your chest, known as heartburn. Most people will experience this sensation every now and then but if you do get acid reflux symptoms more than twice a week you could have acid reflux disease, also known as gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).

What causes acid reflux?

There are many factors that can cause acid reflux, one of the most common is a stomach abnormality called a hiatal hernia. This happens when the top part of the stomach and the lower oesophageal sphincter move above the muscle that keeps your stomach separate from your chest, the diaphragm. Having hiatal hernia can cause acid to move up your oesophagus.

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Other risk factors of the disease include eating large portions, lying down straight after you eat, smoking, pregnancy, being overweight and even eating certain foods. The foods most likely to trigger acid reflux symptoms are those high in citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, garlic and foods high in fat.

What symptoms are there?

Heartburn is the main symptom of acid reflux but there are many other common indicators; bloating, excessive burping, persistent hiccups, unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing food or experiencing the sensation of food being stuck in your throat all point to acid reflux disease. Those who suffer with the illness may also experience a dry cough and catch themselves wheezing for no apparent reason.

Those who do suffer with GORD often ignore their symptoms as acid reflux is such a common condition however severe symptoms should be taken seriously. If ignored, the disease can lead to problems such as cancer. If you are showing signs of acid reflux but these symptoms are preventing you from going about your day, do visit your local GP as soon as possible.

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When you do go to your doctor, they will ask you about your symptoms and make a diagnosis. They might also test to see whether your oesophagus is working properly.

What treatments are there?

The treatment of GORD ranges from over-the-counter medication to surgery. The type of treatment completely depends on how severe the symptoms are and whether it is affecting you quality of life.

There are also a range of different techniques you can apply to your lifestyle to help manage the symptoms of acid reflux. This includes specific low-fat, high-fibre diets, cutting out smoking and watching stress levels.

Acid reflux or heartburn is technically known as gastroesophageal reflux. A person with acid reflux or heartburn may feel a burning sensation in their throat and chest, which may be quite painful and distressing.
Acid reflux occurs when the valve, or sphincter, that connects the stomach to the esophagus, or food pipe, is weakened. When this happens, stomach acid, which should stay in the stomach, flows back into the food pipe.
Because the acid is an irritant, the lining of the food pipe also becomes inflamed, and this can cause discomfort.
Acid reflux or heartburn is one of the most common symptoms of a more chronic, yet common, disease of the digestive system called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Contents of this article:

1. Drinks to avoid with acid reflux
2. What to drink
3. More tips for preventing acid reflux
4. Symptoms of GERD

Drinks to avoid with acid reflux

Managing the symptoms of acid reflux mainly involves learning what triggers the symptoms and then avoiding them.

Alcohol is best avoided by people with acid reflux.

Certain foods are much more likely to cause acid reflux.
As the symptoms occur quite soon after eating the offending food, it is usually quite easy to narrow down what may be causing the symptoms.
It is also important for a person with acid reflux to consider what they are drinking. This is often overlooked when evaluating eating habits.
Certain beverages are the worst offenders when it comes to triggering acid reflux.

Alcohol

Alcohol further relaxes the valve between the stomach and the food pipe, and it stimulates the stomach to produce more acid.
The bubbles found in carbonated beverages expand in the stomach. This creates pressure on the sphincter, and it can push stomach acid and contents back into the food pipe.

Caffeinated beverages

Caffeine aggravates acid reflux. It is found in coffee, tea, and soda. Switching to decaf versions of these drinks can help to minimize the symptoms.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains both caffeine and cocoa, and both of these increase the symptoms of acid reflux. Not only chocolate candy, but chocolate in the form of hot cocoa or chocolate milk can also be a trigger.

Citrus juices

Juices made from citrus fruits, like oranges or grapefruits, are high in acid. This can worsen acid reflux.

What to drink

There are not many foods that can be used to treat acid reflux. Instead, the person should avoid the triggers and foods that cause the symptoms. However, some drinks can help minimize the symptoms.

Ginger tea

Ginger tea with a little honey may help relieve acid reflux.

Ginger is a natural stomach soother, and it can help reduce the production of stomach acid. Caffeine-free ginger tea with a little honey as sweetener is best.
Ginger ale is unlikely to help, because it is carbonated, and it may contain caffeine. Also, most commercial ginger ale sodas do not contain enough ginger to have an effect.

Yogurt

Dairy products can sometimes reduce the symptoms of acid reflux. People with acid reflux can try a plain yogurt, with a little added honey if needed for sweetness.

Milk

Low-fat or fat-free varieties of milk can help, but high fat content can worsen the symptoms. Almond milk can also be effective, because it is alkaline and can neutralize acidity.

Drinking best practices

The way that a person drinks their beverages can also worsen or cause acid reflux or heartburn.
Here are some good ways to help minimize the symptoms:

• Drinking throughout the day to stay hydrated and to avoid drinking large quantities all at once
• Giving up late night beverages and snacks
• Staying upright after having something to drink

More tips for preventing acid reflux and GERD

There are other self-care measures that can help to manage acid reflux and other symptoms of GERD.
These include:

• Losing weight if needed
• Quitting smoking
• Elevating the head of the bed when sleeping
• Avoiding tight-fitting clothing

Medications

A number of medications are available over the counter for heartburn and other symptoms of GERD.
These include:

• Antacids that neutralize stomach acid, such as Gaviscon or Tums
• H-2-receptor blockers that can decrease acid production in the stomach for up to 12 hours, such as ranitidine (Zantac)
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) that block acid production for long enough to enable the food pipe to heal

Prescription-strength H-2 receptor blockers and PPIs are available from a doctor if over-the-counter medications do not work. They are effective, but long-term use may increase the risk of bone fracture, vitamin B-12 deficiency, and some infections such as pneumonia and C. difficile.

Symptoms of GERD

Symptoms of GERD include:

Acid reflux is sometimes known as heartburn.

• Acid reflux or heartburn, which is a burning sensation in the throat or chest
• Sour taste in the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain
• Sore throat
• Hoarse voice
• Dry cough
• Feeling like there's a lump in the throat
• Regurgitation of food or acid

Acid reflux is usually a mild, but uncomfortable symptom of GERD. Some people experience it when they eat certain foods.
Other people have more serious symptoms of GERD that interfere with their everyday life. In addition, some medical conditions make people more likely to experience some of the symptoms of GERD.
These conditions include:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Nicotine use
• Dry mouth
• Diabetes
• Certain connective tissue disorders
• Hiatal hernia, where the stomach bulges through an opening of the diaphragm

If a person is affected by regular and severe episodes of acid reflux or heartburn, they should see a doctor, as it may develop into something more serious. However, if the acid reflux is just occasional, it is usually managed with simple lifestyle changes, home remedies, and over-the-counter medications. 

When to see a doctor

Acid reflux, though uncomfortable, is very treatable. Some cases can easily be managed at home with some lifestyle changes and the avoidance of triggers. Severe symptoms of GERD may require the use of medication, or in rare cases, surgery.
If an individual has severe or frequent symptoms of acid reflux, they should visit their doctor to rule out other conditions.
The doctor may want to examine the food pipe to see if more serious damage to the tissue has occurred.
It is especially important to seek medical attention if someone thinks they are experiencing acid reflux or any other symptoms of GERD, but also has other symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, jaw pain or right arm pain. These signs may indicate something more serious, such as a heart attack.