Acid Reflux Symptoms Can Be Reduced in Several Ways
 Living with acid reflux symptoms can rob life of the little pleasures. It makes enjoying a good meal difficult because the hours afterward may include a burning sensation in the chest, belching, regurgitation, sore throat and even difficulty swallowing. The condition can even prevent you from getting a good night's sleep if you consume a meal too closely to bed time. All of these symptoms occur when partially digested food and drink re-enters the esophagus after they've mixed with stomach acid. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter separating the stomach from the esophagus doesn't tighten completely or as quickly as it should.
Fortunately, there are a variety of methods you can use to manage your acid reflux symptoms, including:
- An altered diet: Avoid foods that create a lot of acid activity or irritation when digested. This includes high fat foods like fried meats and vegetables; dairy items including ice cream, many cheeses, and sour cream; citrus juices and fruits as well as tomatoes and peppers; and alcohol.
- Different meal times and sizes: Eating smaller portions reduces the amount of stretching that occurs in the stomach, so the lower esophageal sphincter is more likely to close tighter. Additionally, avoiding meals close to bedtime will reduce acid reflux symptoms during the night when the body is reclined and stomach acid can more easily seep into the esophagus.
- Medical intervention: There are many over the counter antacids that can reduce symptoms, as well as natural alternatives that can change the pH in parts of the body to reduce discomfort. There are also prescription medications and a surgery that can be performed to lessen the pain associated with acid reflux.
If you are living with acid reflux symptoms, it's important to visit your doctor to discuss management options. If acid reflux is left unchecked it can lead to Barrett's esophagus, a condition marked by a change in the esophageal tissue, which is sometimes a precursor for certain cancers.
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