Whilst symptoms generally improve a few hours after eating, they can also include unpleasant sensations such as constriction in the throat, a bitter taste and unproductive coughing. If you experience acid-reflux more than twice a week, it is likely that you are suffering from a condition that is more serious, known as gastroesophagul reflux-disease or GERD. If this condition persists and is left untreated, it can lead to painful ailments such as inflammation of the oesophagus and a pre-cancerous condition, known as Barrett’s oesophagus.
As most conventional doctors believe that overproduction of stomach-acid is key to acid-reflux, many over-the-counter drugs are available which aim to reduce the pH or acidity in the stomach and include treatments such as Alka-Seltzer and Tums.
However, some acid-reflux medications can be harmful in the long-term, as they can interfere with the body’s natural digestive processes and are not suitable for all. Therefore, before you take a trip to your local pharmacy, it may be worth-while considering some more natural remedies, such as: reducing caffeine intake, avoiding spicy and fatty foods, eating too close to bedtime, drinking plenty of water and cutting down alcohol consumption.