Heartburn, also called acid indigestion, is the most common symptom of GERD and usually feels like a burning chest pain beginning behind the breastbone and moving upward to the neck and throat. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the return of the stomach\'s contents into the esophagus. This usually causes heartburn.

In normal digestion, the valve in the lower esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter: LES) opens to allow food to pass into the stomach and closes to prevent food and acidic stomach juices from flowing back into the esophagus. Gastro-esophageal reflux occurs when the LES is weak or relaxes inappropriately allowing the stomach\'s contents to flow up into the esophagus. Many people say it feels like food is coming back into the mouth leaving an acid or bitter taste.

The burning pressure or pain of heartburn can last as long as 2 hours and is often worse after eating. Lying down or bending over can also result in heartburn. Many people obtain relief by standing upright or by taking an antacid that neutralizes acid in the esophagus.

Heartburn pain can be mistaken for the pain associated with heart disease or a heart attack, but there are differences. Exercise may aggravate pain resulting from heart disease, and rest may relieve the pain. Heartburn pain is less likely to be associated with physical activity.

The diet for gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is designed to decrease symptoms associated with the reflux of gastric (stomach) fluid into the esophagus and control excessive production of acid.

Heartburn Diet Tips to  make necessary dietary modifications:

• Decrease total fat intake - High fat meals tend to decrease LES pressure and delay stomach emptying thereby increasing the risk of reflux.
• Avoid large meals - Large meals increase the likelihood of increased gastric (stomach) pressure and reflux.
• Decrease total caloric intake if weight loss is desired - Since obesity can promote reflux, weight loss may be suggested by your healthcare provider to control reflux. Reducing both total fat and caloric intake will aid in weight loss.
• Avoid chocolate for healthy Heartburn Diet-  Chocolate contains methylxanthine, which has been shown to reduce LES pressure by causing relaxation of smooth muscle.
• Avoid coffee depending on individual tolerance - Coffee, with or without caffeine, may promote gastroesophageal reflux. Coffee may be consumed if it is well tolerated.
• Avoid other known irritants - Alcohol, mint, carbonated beverages, citrus juices, and tomato products all may aggravate GERD. These products may be consumed depending on individual tolerance.

Tips to make lifestyle changes for GERD treatment:

• Maintain upright posture during and after eating.
• Stop smoking.
• Avoid clothing that is tight in the abdominal area.
• Avoid eating within 3 hours before bedtime.
• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Sleep on your left side.
• Chew non-mint gum, which will increase saliva production and decrease acid in the esophagus.
• Yogic breathing exercises can help to relieve symptoms
• Stomach douching (Kunjal Kriya) under guidance can be curative.