Acid Reflux – What It Is and How to Calm the Burn

If you’ve ever felt a painful “fire” rising from your stomach after a meal, you know acid reflux isn’t just uncomfortable—it can mess up your day. The good news is that most people can control it with a few practical changes. Below we break down why it happens and what you can do right now to feel better.

Why Does Acid Reflux Happen?

The stomach makes acid to digest food. A valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) sits at the top of the stomach and normally keeps that acid down. When the LES is weak or relaxes too often, acid slips up into the esophagus – that’s reflux.

Things that weaken the LES include big meals, fatty foods, caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and some medications like prednisone or certain antibiotics. Stress can also make the valve act up, so a stressful day might end with extra heartburn.

Practical Ways to Calm the Burn

Eat smaller portions. Instead of three huge meals, try five to six light ones spread throughout the day. This keeps pressure on the LES low.

Choose the right foods. Stick to lean proteins, whole grains, and veggies. Skip fried foods, citrus, chocolate, and tomato sauces until you know how they affect you.

Don’t lie down after eating. Give your stomach at least two‑three hours before you hit the couch or bed. Gravity helps keep acid where it belongs.

Watch your drinks. Coffee, soda, and alcohol are common triggers. If you need a pick‑me‑up, try herbal tea or water with a splash of ginger.

Quit smoking. Nicotine relaxes the LES and raises stomach acid production. Cutting back can lower reflux episodes dramatically.

If lifestyle tweaks aren’t enough, over‑the‑counter options like antacids, H2 blockers (e.g., ranitidine), or proton pump inhibitors (e.g., omeprazole) can provide relief. Always read labels and follow dosing instructions; long‑term use should be discussed with a doctor.

Some prescription meds listed on our site—like Prednisone and certain antibiotics—can worsen reflux. When you’re prescribed one of these, ask your pharmacist about ways to protect your stomach.

Finally, keep a simple diary for a week: note what you eat, how much you drink, any stressors, and when symptoms appear. Patterns pop up quickly, making it easier to fine‑tune your habits.

Acid reflux isn’t a life sentence. With the right food choices, timing tricks, and occasional medication help, most people can keep the burn under control and enjoy meals again.