Heartburn is what happens when the proper order of things between the esophagus and the stomach doesn't happen for whatever reason. The esophagus is a tube that allows the passage of food from the mouth to the stomach. There is a valve at the bottom of the esophagus that is supposed to close once the food has left the esophagus and entered the stomach, the purpose of this valve is to prevent acids from the stomach from entering the esophagus. Heartburn is the experience of that very thing happening.

The question is whether or not there is a cure for acid reflux. The answer is not so cut and dry. There are many treatments that are quite effective at treating acid reflux, but since there is no definitive cause that has as of yet been determined, there is also no absolute cure. That being said it is important to point out that most people will experience acid reflux on occasion if they decide to stop the treatment that has been prescribed for them. For this reason we believe there is no cure, it will come back. Some of the most effective treatments for acid reflux include medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery (only for the most severe and resistant cases). It's amazing how profound small differences such as quitting smoking, changing your dietary habits, and incorporating exercise into your daily routine can have.

If you find that these aren't effective treatments for you, and the problem continues, then perhaps you should discuss medication options with your doctor. While there are many over the counter drugs that offer marginal success to sufferers there are prescriptions available that offer much wider success and relief. Some common medications will prevent the production of acid by blocking the last step in acid production. Others act to suppress the secretions of acids that are triggered by histamine and gastrin.

Often, lifestyle changes provide the fastest and most painless results. Establishing healthy eating habits, daily exercise, and quitting smoking you can greatly reduce the occurrences and severity of your acid reflux attacks. Other things you might do to help are to sleep with your head elevated above your stomach so that gravity will help keep acid where it belongs.

Still other people will opt for natural remedies, which can be found in most health food stores. These remedies tend too much milder and easier for the body than harsh chemicals that prescription medications can introduce to the body. Prescription medications are still the most aggressive forms of treatment and often provide the most immediate relief to sufferers.

The important thing to remember is that you are an individual and people are built differently. It may take a couple strategies or even a combination of strategies before you find the one that works best for you. Talk to your doctor and take proactive action in relieving your pain.