When stomach acid flows the wrong way — back into the tube that connects your throat to your stomach (your esophagus) — that’s called acid reflux. Many people experience acid reflux but if it happens often and doesn’t get better, it’s called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Symptoms include chest pain, a cough, and trouble swallowing, especially when you lie down. Sometimes it can bring up bits of food or sour liquid into your mouth. See your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms, especially if you also have shortness of breath.
What you eat can have a big effect on GERD. There’s a long list of foods that you may want to stay away from, including chocolate, onions, acidic foods, and red meat. But other foods may help — or at least not make it worse. Check them out!
