Acid reflux can be caused by the inability of the lower esophagus to respond to signals from nerves to relax once food has already passed into the stomach. GERD can also be caused by the inability of the esophagus-stomach barrier to stay shut. The return of food from the stomach and into the esophagus can cause a burning sensation in the chest, directly behind the sternum, a condition referred to as heartburn. If you experience heartburn more than once or twice a week, then you are at a higher risk for GERD, and you may have to consult with your doctor.

Other symptoms of GERD can include chest pains, a harder time swallowing, hoarseness or changes in voice quality, ear aches, sinusitis, nausea, and changes in the lining of the esophagus.

Once diagnosed, acid reflux can be treated in a variety of ways. There are several acid reflux remedies now available to aid sufferers in leading productive, pain-free lives. They can include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. People suffering from GERD may be recommended a GERD diet, in which they have to avoid certain foods that have been found to promote GERD. These can include fatty foods, such as milk, dairy products, and chocolates; peppermint; cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach; and cooked acidic fruits such as boiled or stewed oranges and tomatoes. Although recent research has spoken to the contrary, physicians may recommend avoiding acidic drinks such as coffee and alcohol; excess vitamin C supplements; antacids with calcium; and spicy foods as a precaution.

2. Going through a GERD diet also entails changing eating habits. GERD sufferers are asked to eat more frequent, smaller, fat-free meals, and to avoid eating large meals. Lying down immediately after meals is also not recommended, although physicians will advise GERD sufferers to eat at most two to three hours before their bedtimes.

3. Certain lifestyle changes are imposed on acid reflux sufferers. They will include quitting smoking altogether and avoiding alcoholic drinks.

4. One way to cure GERD is to undergo self-hypnosis, at least according to anecdotal accounts. In self-hypnosis, the GERD sufferer is tasked to clear his or her mind, relax completely, and repeat a specific mantra that is geared toward self-improvement and self-healing. Self-hypnosis is also designed to combat stress, which some people believe can contribute to GERD.

5. Although still undergoing study, positional therapy, or changing one's sleeping positions, is often recommended as a GERD remedy. Because the stomach is on the left side of the body, sleeping on one's left side is said to keep stomach acid from moving back into the esophagus due to gravity. Some studies have also shown that elevating one's head during sleep can keep the stomach acid in the stomach, although such studies have yet to be supported by additional researching.

6. Several drugs are available on the market to aid reflux disease sufferers. For more information on such medication, you can consult with your physician, who will be more updated with the latest drugs on the market.

7. Improving one's posture is also a possible remedy for GERD. Slouching can contribute to GERD, as the muscles that surround the esophagus can undergo spasms if the path to the stomach is blocked or constricted. Adults who slouch will often cough or feel chest pains, an indication that GERD might not be too far away. There are many ways to improve one's posture, from physical therapy to ballroom dancing. For more information, contact an orthopedist, who can give better advice on what you can do to improve posture without exacerbating any existing medical conditions.

8. At its most extreme, GERD can be treated via surgery, especially for patients who are unable to take medication due to other existing medical conditions with which the medication might interfere.

9. A recent procedure called endoluminal fundoplication is being used in the European Union as a method to treat GERD. This non-invasive procedure can be performed through one's mouth, and involves restoring function of the gastro-esophageal valve. This ensures that food is better pushed into the stomach, and that the food is kept there.

There are still more procedures under study, including applying radio frequency waves to the lower esophagus in order to strengthen the muscles. If you wish to learn more about the proven and effective acid reflux remedies, please have a look at the section below on recommended treatments for acid reflux and GERD. If you are diagnosed with GERD, then you are better informed about the possible therapies and remedies that you can undergo.