Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease or disorder (GERD) is when a faulty stomach valve releases acid into the esophagus or in another word the stomach contents (food or liquid) leak backwards from the stomach into the esophagus (the tube from the month to the stomach). We normally call it Heartburn because of a burning sensation in your chest.
While enjoying your favorite meal and you happen to experience the unpleasant symptoms of acid reflux. Most people think it is not a big deal; you can just bear it for a day or more and hope it to go away. You might think it is caused from the unhealthy lifestyle you chose such as overeating or drinking food /coffee or even smoking. Those are just part of a spark to the cause. The real cause is that your valve is currently malfunctioning. We cannot just ignore when part of your body is malfunctioning.
There are symptoms for you to watch out when the acid reflux is happening. The most common symptoms are Heartburn and Regurgitation.
• Heartburn is when you feel a burning pain and discomfort that move from your stomach to your abdomen or chest and it can go up to your throat.
• Regurgitation gives out sour or bitter-tasting acid in your throat or mouth.
There can be other symptoms such as:
• Bloating
• Burping
• Bloody or black stools
• Dysphagia (feeling of food being stuck in your throat)
• Hiccups often
• Nausea
• Massive weight loss
• Wheezing, dry cough, hoarseness, or chronic sore throat

For most people, acid reflux can be relieved with some medication pills but for some cases, it can damage to their esophagus. When acid reflux damage esophageal lining, it can lead to a precancerous condition known as Barrett’s esophagus. It is best to watch out if you suffer from the acid reflux often, go see a doctor to make sure it does not lead to any dangerous condition.
Having acid reflux can be a pain and ruin your days; it will be hard to lead a normal happy lifestyle for most people. To avoid having such condition and also improving your health, it is good to change your diet and lifestyle little by little.
• Eat smaller meal and take your time ingesting the food (chew)
• Quit smoking
• Don’t eat at least 2-3 hours before laying down
• Try napping in a chair
• Lose weight with exercise
• Diet change
• Drink milk before bed (recommended to sufferers of acid reflux)

Resources: http://www.healthynfoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/heatburn.jpg, http://health.howstuffworks.com/diseases-conditions/digestive/5-acid-reflux-myths.htm, http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/guide/what-is-acid-reflux-disease