Suffering from acid reflux? Here's what you can do

Suffering from acid reflux? Here's what you can do Heartburn is a painful, burning feeling in the middle of your chest. It's not really in your heart, though. It's caused by stomach acid rising into your oesophagus (reflux), which runs through your chest, close to your heart. Heartburn is an occasional symptom for many people and a chronic condition for others, occurring frequently. When it's chronic, you might have GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). When related to GERD, heartburn occurs when stomach juices, including acids and enzymes, backwash into your oesophagus. Your stomach has a thick mucous lining that protects it from these substances, but your oesophagus doesn't. A valve at the bottom of your oesophagus called the lower oesophagal sphincter is supposed to keep stomach contents from coming back up. But sometimes it's weak or doesn't close all the way. Acid reflux that causes heartburn may also indicate other hidden problems in your digestive...