Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease or GERD is also known as acid reflux disease. People that suffer from acid reflux often experience symptoms such as chest pain, heart burn, or throat irritation. http://www.acidrefluxcure.net/symptom/ When the muscles of the esophagus become weakened, or the opening and closing of the valve at the stomach is disrupted, stomach acid can be regurgitated back up the esophagus and work up to the throat and mouth causing severe burning and irritation.http://www.gicare.com/diets/gerd.aspx Those with acid reflux may also experience difficulty breathing, nausea or painful swallowing. For critical cases, surgical options are available, along with medication treatments. However, following an acid reflux disease diet can be a safe and more preventative method for controlling discomfort that accompanies this disease. This page will illustrate the common diets for the treatment of acid reflux, but should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact a physician for information on acid reflux and treatment based upon the severity of your condition.

Having a hiatal hernia is a common cause of acid reflux disease. However there are other factors that may contribute to the occurrence of acid reflux or make symptoms worse. When eating, there are several actions that can be avoided to lessen the severity or the occurrence of acid reflux. After eating, refrain from eating too large a meal. Eating smaller meals throughout the day can lessen the chances of having an episode. Repeatedly lying down or bending over immediately following a heavy or large meal can cause acid reflux. Also, acid reflux sufferers should refrain from snacking too close to bedtime. Excess weight, smoking, pregnancy, and eating or drinking certain foods can also influence acid reflux activity. http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease

When using diet as a form of treatment for acid reflux, it's important to understand that your eating habits are just as important as what and how much you are eating. By controlling your food intake this way, you adapt your habits to suite what your body is reacting to.

1. To reduce the pressure placed on your stomach, eat small meals throughout the day. This will prevent overeating and allow the stomach to properly process your meals, reducing the amount of pressure build up. http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/livewithreflux.htm
2. Avoid eating before lying down, or before bed time. By lying down, your stomach contents will tend to place pressure on the muscles that are designed to keep stomach acid and its contents at bay. http://www.healthcastle.com/acid_reflux.shtml
3. Take note of when you have acid reflux. Also notate what you ate prior to the attack. Avoid foods that trigger your reflux and increase acid production. There are several foods groups such as citrus and spice that often are causes of acid reflux. Discovering what leads to your discomfort will offer a way for you to control it.http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/livewithreflux.htm
4. Avoid smoking and alcohol. Alcohol consumption increases stomach acid and lowers the lower esophageal sphincter which offers a perfect environment for acid reflux. http://www.gicare.com/diets/gerd.aspx
5. Use antacids. Available in over the counter form, these can quickly soothe irritation and other symptoms that occur with acid reflux. http://heartburn.about.com/od/gerdacidrefluxdisease/a/livewithreflux.htm
6. Foods to avoid also include: whole milk, fried vegetables, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruits, pineapple, cold cut meats, sausage, bacon, fatty meat, animal or vegetable oils, coffee and tea, carbonated beverages, beef/chicken or cream based soups. http://www.gicare.com/diets/gerd.aspx
7. Foods that are recommended: Skin or low fat milk, fresh or boiled vegetables, apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches, pears, bread made with low fat ingredients, chicken, fish, turkey, water. http://www.gicare.com/diets/gerd.aspx