Acid reflux is a painful condition that affects millions of people all over the world. It is caused when your stomachs digestive acids make their way up into the esophagus. If you suffer from acid reflux on a regular basis, there is a chance that it may be the result of another more serious condition called gastroesophogeal reflux disease; also known as gerd.

Getting rid of acid reflux, acid reflux disease, or gerd (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) as it's known by physicians is about changing your lifestyle and eating habits more than taking any kind of medication. Medication can only get rid of acid reflux for so long before you start to gain a resistance to the medication. Acid reflux can be caused by any number of things, but it's usually brought on by two things: stress and poor diet. Stress of any kind can cause your body to react in strange ways, and one of those reactions is an increase in the production of digestive acids.

Consume the baking soda solution swiftly (the taste is extremely salty and disgusting).

This is where the other cup of water comes in. Immediately after consuming the first glass of baking soda solution, drink from the second glass of water. This will help to get rid of the baking soda taste. Within a matter of a couple to several minutes, you should begin to belch. This will indicate that the baking soda is working to balance out the acidity.

There are certain symptoms of acid reflux disease that you might need to know in case you ever acquire this condition. In addition to the painful heartburn, you might begin to experience ulcers on the inside of the throat. These can be painful and can lead to bigger problems. In addition, one might develop a stern cough that will not go away with medicine or cough drops. If this sounds like you, then you might have acid reflux. One of the worst symptoms of acid reflux disease is something called Barrett's esophagus.

Lose some weight. A weight-loss of as little as ten pounds can start you on the road to a gerd-free life. Also, don't wear tight pants. I know that sounds extremely lame, but it does make a difference. In fact, this is the most surefire way to actually be cured of gerd.

There are also natural treatments available that are just as effective in relieving acid reflux pain. These include special diets (i.e.: alkaline diets), avoiding acidic foods, and light exercises. Special diets often utilize alkaline foods to counteract with the excess acid that's "eating away" your stomach. Sometimes, simply avoiding acidic foods can ease acid reflux discomfort. Doctors may also recommend some light exercises to make it hard for acid to travel to the esophagus.

Change the way you eat. Avoid spicy, sour, and highly acidic foods, including: chocolate, alcohol, coffee, tomatoes (say it ain't so!), onions, and cigarettes. There's a full list of foods to avoid here. Eat your last meal 3 hours before you go to bed. Don't snack before bedtime.