Have you ever heard of acid reflux? You probably have. Acid reflux is also known by a couple of other names. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and heartburn are all forms of acid reflux.

Chances are, if you are like most people, you have had acid reflux at least one or twice. If you are unlucky enough to be like many people, you have chronic problems with this.

You have heard of acid reflux and you know that most of the time you will need to take some type of medication, such as antacids to alleviate the sour stomach or burning sensation that you feel.

You also know that there are some foods that will cause you to have more problems than other. If you are among those that have acid reflux only occasionally, then you probably do not even give acid reflux a second though unless you have it.

However, do you really know what acid reflux, or GERD is?

GERD, or acid reflux, is a problem has to do with the acid in your stomach not staying in the place, which is your stomach. If you eat a large meal, it may push the stomach acid into the esophagus. This acid is not meant for any place except your stomach, so of course, you get symptoms. That acid will cause you to have burning and discomfort.

Of course, acid reflux is not just caused by large meals. Some people, infants and children included, have a problem with the sphincter in their esophagus. Sometimes, this sphincter (which can be compared to a small flap) may not close all the way, or it may open and close or have spasms. This will allow the stomach acid to react. This expulsion of stomach acid will leave you feeling sick and in need of medications.

You may not know that millions of people suffer from this problem. It is estimated that 25 million people living in the United States suffer from this condition at least some of the time. That equals to one out of every ten people. This means that people get this each and every day. For most cases of acid reflux, it is not necessary to see a doctor, but that can change if it gets worse. In fact, there are serious problems that can arise if serious and chronic acid reflux is not treated. Mainly, you can take over the counter medications. Zantax and Pepcid are also popular and easy choices.

If you know you have problems with acid reflux, then you can find solutions. Acid reflux can also be prevented by watching the foods that are eaten and by losing weight. There are certain foods that can trigger these symptoms. Tomatoes, onions, garlic and even coffee are all common culprits. There are herbs and other foods that will also help ease symptoms. These include ginger, peppermint, water and papaya.

There is no reason to suffer from acid reflux when there are lots of treatment options and way to prevent it. Learn more about acid reflux and how you can improve your chances of never getting it again.