With millions of people suffering with acid reflux disease, researchers have been trying to identify the causes and prevention.

One study indicated tea, coffee and alcohol does not cause acid reflux. However, table salt may increase your risk of having gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD by as much as 70 percent.

Chemists have made a connection between acid reflux and esophageal cancer. They say enzyme NOX5-S is found in cancer cells exposed to acid which results in more hydrogen peroxide. The enzyme stresses the cells and leads to DNA damage.

Acid reflux is the inflammation of the esophagus. Also simply called heartburn, is cause by the regurgitation of food. As many as 1 in 10 adults in the United States suffer with heartburn.

How to prevent acid reflux

To prevent acid reflux, the best strategy is to do an overhaul of your diet and make smart changes. Even though scientists do not believe tea, coffee and alcohol are directly responsible for acid reflux, consuming foods and drinks that cause an acid reaction in the body is bad for your health.

Cancer cells can not thrive in an alkaline environment. To create an alkaline environment in your body, you need to eat foods such as fruits and green vegetables. Most experts suggest eating 80 percent alkaline-forming foods such as lemons, limes and vegetables while eating 20 percent acid-forming foods. Even though citrus fruits such as lemons might seem like an acidic food, they have an alkaline response in the body.

Some of the most acid-forming foods include red meat, doughnuts, white sugar, artificial sweeteners, black tea, coffee and French fries.

Eliminate fast food

One of the easiest ways to virtually eliminate acid reflux is by avoiding fast food restaurants or making better choices.

A typical meal at a fast-food restaurant includes a cheeseburger, French fries and diet or regular soda pop. All three items can contribute to acid reflux.

Instead, visit restaurants that offer healthful alternatives such as grilled chicken, vegetables and salads. Sprinkle lemon juice in your water for flavor.

Remember, drinking diet sodas is the worst thing you can do for acid reflux, which is also known as reflux esophagitis.

Finally, before taking prescription medicine for your acid reflux, such as the ?purple pill? called Prilosec or Nexium, consider natural remedies. The prescription pills will reduce the HCL in your stomach. Hydrochloric acid is necessary for digesting food and killing off parasites you may have picked up through the air, water, food or soil.

Take probiotics and digestive enzymes along with garlic, which is a natural remedy.