Millions of people suffer from occasional episodes of acid
reflux. This occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
located at the end of the esophagus, opens spontaneously or does
not close properly for some reason and digestive juices-called
acids-rise up with partially digested food into the esophagus.
The result can be that you taste food or liquid in the back of
your mouth (acid reflux). When the partially digested stomach
contents reach the lining of the esophagus a burning sensation
in the chest or throat known as heartburn or acid indigestion
can occur.  If this becomes chronic, occurring more than twice a
week, it is usually considered the more serious form of the
disease called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). While
there are many over-the-counter antacid medications on the
market that neutralize the acids in the stomach and offer relief
for mild bouts of GERD, they can also carry some unwanted side
effects such as diarrhea, constipation, loss of calcium and in
rare instances, put you at