Acid reflux has several different names from GARD to GERD, or just plain old heartburn. Knowing what causes these attacks and how to avoid them can make life a lot happier.

Specific Foods

The most likely cause of acid reflux comes from certain foods which trigger acid production in many sufferers. Common food and beverages that can cause acid reflux are:

1. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks containing high levels of caffeine

2. Chocolate, due to its high butter fat level

3. Deep fried foods and food with a high fat content. They slow down the digestive system process, creating higher levels of acid

4. Onions, garlic, and spicy foods, such as taco mince.

5. Citrus fruit juice, citrus fruit, and tomatoes, which are acidic.

By avoiding these trigger foods, most people can avoid many of the acid reflux problems.

It will be a matter of keeping a track of what you eat to find out what creates the most problems.

Some Behavior that increases the chances of Acid Reflux

Some foods are the major cause of acid reflux. There are behaviors that either cause acid reflux or make the condition worse. Do your best to avoid these activities:

1. Sitting down and eating large meals- listen to your body and know when to stop

2. Smoking - Apart from being bad for you health, to many poisons which react with the soft lining of your throat.

3. Eating to late at night - you should stop eating at least three hours before going to bed. 4. Wearing clothes that are too tight. Any clothes that fit too tightly around the stomach area will naturally make it hard to process any food.

Physical Conditions

Regardless of the cause of the pain, the illness itself is the same. The stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. The backup occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which holds the acid in place, relaxes.

Some physical conditions can cause the relaxation of the LES such as:

1. Pregnancy, which can bring on more acid reflux 2. Hiatal hernia- A Hiatal hernia is a condition in which the upper portion of the stomach sticks into the chest cavity through an opening of the diaphragm. This affects the operation of the diaphragm.

Acid Reflux Treatment

Whatever the cause, acid reflux can bean uncomfortable and anti social disease that requires attention for the enjoyment of life. Delaying treatment can lead to long term damage of the throat area. Those suffering from acid reflux should contact a doctor as soon as possible to find a suitable solution.

Changing certain behaviors may reduce acid reflux. The change in diet and in lifestyle and start to bring on fewer attacks however medical treatment should still be sort out. Most patients report immediate relief once they start a course of medication.