If you suffer from acid reflux, or "Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease" (GERD), you are probably among the millions who because of pain, heartburn, or acid reflux treat with prescription drugs. Drugs are a popular method of treatment here in the United States, and reduce the acid in the stomach and oesophagus when taken.

While drugs can be effective for some people, many experts believe that taking drugs actually exacerbates acid reflux and GERD symptoms, because, by reducing the acid in the stomach, it creates a whole new host of health problems. With less acid in the stomach, the ability to digest food, and to discourage food-borne infection, is diminished. An alternative is to implement changes in diet, along with using more natural remedies. If your acid reflux has not been cured by using over-the-counter or prescription drugs, creating lifestyle changes may have a much more positive effect.

Diminishing the pain of GERD and acid reflux starts with some diet modifications. Starting with the diet will have the most impact, and successive changes can be incorporated over time. There are a variety of non-essential foods and beverages that have been linked to GERD symptoms. Fruit juices, coffee, chocolate, and high-fat, or spicy foods can all exacerbate these symptoms. Just cutting out these menu choices may be enough for you to see a positive change in your health.

Not only what you eat, but how you eat, can also diminish your acid reflux pain. If a very large meal is eaten, the food actually expands back into the esophagus, causing a burning feeling because it is mixing with the stomach acids. You can give your stomach more room to digest but eating smaller meals, even if you have to eat more often. Eating before bed, or late at night, is not the best idea either, as sitting or staying upright will help your body digest the food much easier.

Another well-known factor is stress. Stress creates a domino effect, leading to other bad habits, such as smoking, and indulging in too much alcohol or junk food. These can all exacerbate the symptoms of GERD. A much easier and healthier way to diminish stress is to commit to regular exercise. Not only will you decrease your stress, but you may also lose weight, which may help alleviate your condition.

Medication does not have to be the first and last step if you are suffering from GERD or acid reflux. By incorporating simple diet or lifestyle changes, you can lessen or reduce your symptoms naturally. To learn more about diet relief options visit http://www.acidrefluxworld.com/acid-reflux-symptoms/acid-reflux-food-to-avoid.php. Removing the risk factors associated with acid reflux may be the best place to begin.