GERD is essentially indigestion — really bad indigestion — often accompanied by pain in the chest area. GERD is caused when some stomach contents flow back into the throat, possibly because of lower-than-normal pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter, the muscle at the junction of your esophagus and stomach. It can cause irritation or swelling of the esophagus. If you suffer from a lot of anxiety on a daily or near-daily basis, you may find yourself with worse-than-average heartburn. Some health professionals believe this is because people who have anxiety disorders tend to swallow a lot of air. In any case, heartburn often goes along with stress.

There are several prescription medications just for GERD. The condition, though not very serious in itself, can lead to damage of the esophagus and even cancer, in rare cases. There are tests that can be done to determine whether you have GERD. Often, a prescription can be taken for a short time, maybe even just a couple of weeks, until the esophagus heals.

Reducing or Preventing GERD

One trick to preventing, or mitigating, GERD or heartburn is to make sure to eat slowly and chew thoroughly — but this is much easier said than done. Changing one's eating habits generally requires a lot of attention to be paid, and it is often hard to concentrate fully on routine activities, at least for very long. However, it's still a good idea to try.

Not only can you make an effort to take smaller bites and chew your food more thoroughly, you might also try putting down your utensils and resting between bites. Also, sip rather than gulp, beverages and try to slow down in general when you eat or drink (unless obsessive slowness is a problem for you). Not having distractions, such as work or TV, might also help you to concentrate on just eating. (Some experts, however, suggest television or conversation as a way to help you slow down while eating.)

Foods That Can Irritate

In addition, you can avoid foods known to aggravate this condition. These include peppermint, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, citrus (such as oranges and grapefruit), chili peppers, raw onion, and tomato juice. Other foods thought to aggravate GERD and heartburn include ground beef, chicken nuggets, grains, and many dairy products, as well as fatty or greasy foods.

Eating smaller amounts throughout the day may help, as may sleeping on a wedge to keep stomach acids from backing up while you're lying down. You may want to keep a journal, making note of which foods seem to aggravate the condition. It is also not a good idea to exercise right after eating. Over-the-counter medications should be taken with caution, if at all, as they are not intended for long-term use.