Are you often plagued with the heartburn and indigestion that is associated with acid reflux? If so, you're definitely not alone. In a recent study, it was revealed that one in every ten people living in the United States is suffering with this condition. Studies have also suggested that at least 60 million of those who live in the US experience at least one episode of acid reflux each month. Although millions of dollars are spent each year on medication in an attempt to bring soothing relief, many people do not find the relief they are seeking. If you are seeking information on how to prevent or alleviate the heartburn and pain caused by acid reflux, this article contains numerous tips that will provide the help that you need. By continuing to read, you will find guidelines to help you with this quest.

If you notice that spicy foods cause you problems, do not eat anything with peppers or chilies in them. This will help to prevent heartburn. At the very least, reduce the frequency with which you eat these items. You should notice an immediate difference in the way that you feel.

The way you sit after eating can affect acid reflux and can keep it from traveling up your esophagus. After eating, try to remain sitting upright for around two to three hours before lying down. If you're having problems when you lay down later, prop your head up about six inches.

Save your beverages for between meals, and skip them during. This is a great way to deal with hunger pains as you are more likely to be thirsty than hungry. In addition, not drinking during meals will prevent your stomach from expanding as much. As a result, acid is not as likely to rise up, so your acid reflux symptoms will decrease.

Never skip a meal if you have acid reflux disease. When you skip even one meal, you are not putting anything into your stomach, allowing acid to intensify. If you do not feel hungry during a meal time, you could always eat a little something, like a banana or apple.

You need to exercise if you have GERD, but don't overdo it. Losing weight is a huge factor in controlling acid reflux, so go out for a run, play some soccer or go for a swim. That said, don't push your body too hard or you may find your GERD becomes active.

Limit your liquid intake with meals if you're prone to acid reflux. Even healthy beverages like water can fill up your stomach fast, creating conditions that are conducive to acid reflux. Sip your beverage conservatively and never gulp it down. Wait a half an hour after a big meal to enjoy quenching your thirst.

Fat around your stomach doesn't just put you at increased risk of type II diabetes, heart disease and stroke, it also causes you to be more likely to develop acid reflux or will worsen symptoms if you are already a sufferer. Lose weight by exercising moderately and eating low-fat, low-acid foods.

Learn your trigger foods. When you know what foods or beverages cause you acid reflux, you can avoid them to keep your symptoms to a minimum. Some foods that often cause symptoms are foods that are fried, fatty, spicy and carbonated drinks. These are just some examples and what bothers someone else, might not bother you.

As stated at the beginning of this article, acid reflux is a condition that affects many people. With simple changes in diet and lifestyle, some people are enjoying a fuller life with less indigestion problem. Since you have read this article, you should have a better understanding about the causes of acid reflux, when you can tackle this condition or your own and when you should seek the advice of a medical professional.