• If not treated effectively, GERD reflux disease may become a problem, but an occasional attack of heartburn is rarely serious. Harmful stomach acids can cause damage to the esophagus if it is continually exposed. Prolonged damage can lead to the narrowing of the esophagus, or open sores that can be very painful. Barrett’s Esophagus is a precancerous condition and can be caused by the stomach acids.  You will need regular cancer screenings if you are diagnosed with Barrett’s Esophagus.

    While doctors cannot predict who will get reflux disease, there are some risk factors that increase your chances of getting diagnosed with this condition. People who are overweight or pregnant, are more likely to be diagnosed with or show causes of reflux disease. Heavy smokers, asthmatics and diabetics are a high risk to suffer from acid reflux. While these risk factors don’t necessarily mean you will be diagnosed with reflux disease at some point, they do raise the odds that you might end up with this chronic condition. Not everyone who has the occasional bout of heartburn will go on to develop GERD reflux disease.

    GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disease and it is usually diagnosed when a person experiences heartburn symptoms two or more times a week. While GERD is rarely serious, it can be quite painful. If you suspect that you may have acid reflux disease, consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and correct treatment and possible reflux remedy report. In some cases, the most effective treatment plan for GERD reflux disease is found right at home, with simple remedies and lifestyle changes that can make the world of difference to your symptoms.

    GERD Reflux Disease and Diet Changes

    Changing your diet is the first thing to do if you suffer with GERD reflux disease. The symptoms of acid reflux are triggered by certain foods, so learn what they are for your condition. Citrus fruits and juices, chocolate, caffeinated beverages, alcohol and spicy foods are some of the main culprits. However, other foods can play a role as well. The best way to determine what triggers your GERD reflux disease is to keep a food diary for a couple of weeks and include what you eat every day and when your symptoms flare up. Isolating these foods from your diet should reduce acid reflux from occurring.

    Heartburn at Night

    Many people find that the symptoms of GERD reflux disease flare up at night. If you are being kept awake at night you can make some lifestyle changes to avoid this happening. Do not eat just before going to bed. Make sure all of your meals are eaten in the earlier part of the day, and avoid any food within two or three hours of retiring for the evening. When you lie down gravity pushes the acids in your stomach into your esophagus. Some patients also find that raising the head of the bed by a few inches will allow them to enjoy more restful nights.

    Extra Weight Is A Problem

    When you are carrying extra weight, it puts additional pressure on your stomach, which can force digestive acids back into your esophagus. To reduce this problem, lose some weight and you will find the GERD symptoms lessen. The extra weight that a woman caries when pregnant also causes acid reflux and it is advisable to monitor the weight increase, guided by their doctor. Many pregnant women overcome this problem by not eating three main meals a day, but have smaller, frequent meals during the day. Because it prevents further pressure on the digestive tract at one time it is just one effective home remedy for acid reflux. To keep the symptoms of GERD reflux disease at bay, try these simple home remedies.