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According to Pinoy MD, Acid Reflux is a common condition that comes from a burning pain known as heartburn, in the lower chest area. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the common cause of acid reflux and heartburn.

Simple ways to avoid reflux and heartburn

Alcohol consumption, certain foods, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, and stomach abnormalities can contribute to GERD.

Though avoiding acid reflux triggers is hard, there are simple ways to lessen the chance of experiencing it. Here are a few helpful tips from Pinoy MD to combat acid reflux and heartburn.

1. Aloe vera juice and apple cider vinegar

Drinking aloe vera juice and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar diluted in water before meals is recommended due to the enzymes that aid in digestion.

2. Baking soda

Mixing 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda in water is a good way to immediately ease acid reflux. It's best to sip this drink slowly to avoid diarrhea and gas.

3. Avoid late night snacks

Wait for at least 30 minutes to an hour before lying down after eating and avoiding eating late at night before bedtime can help promote healthier digestion.

4. Sleeping on your side

Even sleeping positions can impact acid reflux. The gallbladder and liver are on the right side of the body and sleeping while facing the left is recommended to prevent acid reflux because this position helps the body release more fluids to neutralize stomach acid.

5. Lessen acid reflux-causing food

Citrus fruits, dairy products (cheese, milk), spices, oily food, caffeinated drinks, and softdrinks can all aggravate acid reflux so try to lessen your intake of these triggers.

Food for acid reflux and heartburn:

There are also specific foods that are good for acid reflux.

Lean meat, oatmeal, and vegetables, are good in preventing acid reflux and heartburn.

No single diet can prevent all symptoms of GERD so it's best to keep a food diary to help you identify the kinds of food that worsen your symptoms.

Keeping a food diary can serve as a guide to controlling GERD symptoms.

Asking a doctor for recommendations and treatment is also a must to manage the occurence of acid reflux and heartburn better.