Many people are suffering from acid reflux disease or GERD and do not know what causes this condition. In fact, the medical community does not have a concrete explanation for why it happens, and treating it is not so easy.

So, how does GERD happen? To understand this condition better, you have to know more about the foods that trigger it. So here’s a little education.

Acid reflux can happen when the esophagus contracts too much to swallow. It can also happen if the esophagus is damaged and cannot relax properly. And it can happen when the esophagus is inflamed by a foreign body.

Any acidic foods can trigger this condition. These foods include spicy foods, alcohol, and coffee. You should avoid foods that cause acid reflux. Here are some examples of foods to avoid:

Of course, there are also other things that can cause acid reflux symptoms. Some of them are stress, smoking, and taking medications like anti-depressants, antibiotics, and aspirin. Lifestyle factors can also lead to acid reflux and can include unhealthy eating habits, poor eating habits, and eating three times a day.

The good news is that you can still control your symptoms. However, you will need to understand how to do it and how to identify the triggers of acid reflux. Once you find out, you will be able to take care of the problem yourself without the help of medicine.

Sometimes, when the stomach content is thrown up into the air and then comes back down into the esophagus, it can cause the esophageal sphincter to relax, allowing the food in the stomach to come out. However, if the sphincter is weakened, the food will go back up the esophagus and will cause the condition. When the valve of the esophagus is weak, the acid will eventually go back into the stomach, causing the symptoms of acid reflux.

The body can heal itself if the valve is healthy, but if it is weak, the result is the same. There are medicines available to strengthen the valve. However, since this problem can be caused by many factors, the best way to prevent reflux is to control the diet.

Make sure you get the right food to eat to keep the problem at bay. Stick to a low-fat diet, reduce or eliminate caffeine, alcohol, and smoking. If you are overweight, then losing some weight maybe your best option to lower your chances of developing the condition.

Proper nutrition can also lower the level of acid in the stomach and stop it from refluxing. Experts say that the consumption of yogurt with live bacteria in it is one of the best ways to fight acid reflux and prevent it from occurring.

Knowing the right way to treat acid reflux is important to your health. You do not want to use medicine or surgery on your own. Instead, consult your doctor for the best treatment.