Recently, I found myself chatting with a fellow New York City subway rider and mentioned that I was studying to become a Registered Dietitian. Immediately, he asked me how he can prevent acid reflux. Acid reflux describes the backward flow of food, liquid and stomach acid from the stomach up through the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. This reflux can cause a feeling of heartburn, a burning or pressure in the chest, and can lead to a more serious condition known as GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). In GERD, frequent episodes of acid reflux can lead not only to heartburn, but also to an irritatation of the esophagus and signs and symptoms like: nausea after eating, a sour taste in the mouth, dry cough, wheezing, hoarse voice, sore throat, or difficulty swallowing. Many of these symptoms may be worse in the evening, especially while lying down.
