Now that you’se been diagnosed with acid reflux disease, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, what do you do? Through lifestyle change you should be able to control your symptoms and live a healthy life.

Lifestyle Changes

By making a few small changes you can make a difference in the severity of your acid reflux:

• Elevating the upper body while sleeping
• Sleeping on your left side, rather than right
• Eating smaller meals
• Eating an earlier evening meal
• Avoiding foods like mint, alcohol, chocolate, fatty foods and foods that contain acid, like tomato, citrus and carbonated beverages
• Chew gum
• Stop smoking
• Control your weight
• Don’t lie down after eating
• Loosen your belt

Using antacids for acid reflux

Even though antacids are a common, over-the-counter medication, they are still popular in treating acid reflux disease.

Antacids defuse your stomach acid, so there won’t be any acid to reflux. They work quickly, but they also wear off quickly, as the food leaves your stomach.

Use of antacids may cause side effects. Antacids containing aluminum may cause constipation, while the magnesium based may cause diarrhea. Calcium-based antacids may cause acid rebound as the calcium carbonate wears off. Use with care to make sure you find the type that works best for you.

It is best to find yourself an all natural solution for acid reflux. There are many available and generally have no negative side effects.

Relieve episodic heartburn safely and naturally.

Sources:
http://www.medicinenet.com/gastroesophageal_reflux_disease_gerd/page6.htm#tocf
http://mayoclinic.com/health/gerd/DS00967/DSECTION=1