GERD stands for Gastroesophageal reflux disease. It refers to the reflux of stomach acid through the LES (lower esophageal sphincter) into the esophagus. This can cause damage to the esophageal lining, resulting in numerous illnesses, for instance, throat cancer. 

To manage this condition, let us take a look at 10 ways to prevent GERD naturally:

Avoid lying down immediately after eating
It is generally not a good practice to go to sleep immediately after you finish eating food. People who suffer from acid influx are especially recommended to at least keep a three-hour gap before going to bed. 

Attempt to lose weight
The diaphragm is a muscle that is located above the stomach. For those who are fit, the diaphragm protects the lower esophageal sphincter. For those who are overweight, their belly fat causes this sphincter to get pushed ahead. This increases the risk of acid reflux, and hence you should attempt to lose the excessive weight. 

Check the medications you are taking
Certain medications can increase the risk of GERD. Some of them include calcium channel blockers, sedatives, potassium, iron tablets, bisphosphonates, some asthma medications, and anticholinergics.

Stop drinking alcohol
Drinking alcohol, as we all know, is harmful to our health. But a lot of people are unaware of the fact that alcohol can also increase the risk of a person developing acid reflux. This is why you should avoid drinking alcohol. 

Maintain a low-carb diet 
Carbs that remain undigested can be the cause of bacterial overgrowth, which can elevate the pressure in the abdomen. This is considered to be one of the most common causes of acid reflux, and hence you should maintain a low-carb diet.

Cut down on carbonated drinks
Those who are suffering from GERD are advised to limit their intake of carbonated drinks. This is because studies show that these drinks are often associated with acid reflux, and hence are considered to be best avoided. 

Make sure to not overeat chocolates
Those who are suffering from GERD are also advised to cut down on their consumption of chocolates since they are known to make the lower esophageal sphincter weak.

Keep your bed elevated 
There are many cases where people experience acid reflux at night. One effective solution is to slightly elevate their bed, which reduces the acid reflux symptoms.

Do not drink too much citrus juice 
According to reports, about 72% of 400 GERD patients reported citrus juice to worsen their acid reflux symptoms and hence is best avoided. 

Do not eat raw onion
Raw onions are considered to increase heartburn and acid reflux; this is why people suffering from GERD should avoid raw onion.