Acid reflux is a condition that affects thousands of Americans. For some people the condition is rare and doesn't interfere too frequently in their day to day activities, but for other people it is almost constant. Some of the symptoms can include heartburn, bitter fluid in the mouth, chest discomfort, hoarseness, coughing fits, and even shortness of breath. The symptoms can become so painful that they lead to insomnia, loss of appetite and trouble concentrating. However, the right diet can ease these symptoms even for people with the worst acid reflux.
In order to understand acid reflux, we must start with the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach for digestion. The lower section of the tubs has a special muscle around it that usually stays tightly closed, only opening very briefly to allow food and liquid into the stomach when we are eating. This muscle, when working properly, acts to prevent the movement of stomach acid into the esophagus. If the muscle weakens and allows stomach acid to splash up into the esophagus, the symptoms of acid reflux occur. Acid reflux symptoms are amplified by spicy or greasy diets.
