The first priority the doctor has in finding a suitable acid reflux treatment (or GERD treatment) is to reassure you that you have every chance that the symptoms will ease and even disappear. You, though, have your part to play in your own treatment by changing your lifestyle, and your doctor will help by supporting you with some acid reflux remedies.

Once treatment starts, you should also be reassured that you don’t have an illness that is life-threatening. Many people with GERD and acid reflux disease are frightened that they may have cancer or heart disease: once your diagnosis has been made clear you can cast these worries aside and get on with your life, content in the knowledge that GERD can be cured.

Once you understand that, you are already treating yourself and the cure has started before you have swallowed your first dose of whatever acid reflux medication you are taking.

The wrong lifestyle has played its part in most people with GERD, and changing to a healthier lifestyle is the first step towards finding your cure for acid reflux. The guidelines on lifestyle for GERD include:

• Lose excess weight.
• Stop smoking.
• Reduce alcohol intake if it is above two standard drinks (of wine) a day.
• Raise the head of the bed at night and use plenty of pillows (to try to stay reasonably upright when asleep).
• Eat small meals often, rather than one large meal at any time.
• Avoid hot drinks.
• Avoid alcohol and food less than three hours before going to bed at night (to avoid a full stomach when lying horizontal).
• Avoid drugs that may affect the normal peristalsis of the esophagus or the sphincter (nitrates, anticholinergics, tricyclic antidepressants).
• Avoid drugs that may damage the esophageal mucosa (NSAIDs, potassium salts, bisphosphonates).

So by making some simple lifestyle changes and working with your doctor, you should be able to find some natural acid reflux treatments that will cure acid reflux disease for good.