What is the most annoying thing about having GERD for you? For me, it is the food I have to avoid in order not to experience heartburn, some of which is food that I love. What has been your experience?

Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can vary from person to person and can include hoarseness in the morning, difficulty swallowing, and a persistent dry cough. When did you first suspect you were suffering from GERD? What symptoms prompted you to go to your doctor about it? Share your experiences with others.

A large part of your treatment of chronic heartburn will involve your doctor. First, you need to know what symptoms should prompt a doctor's appointment. Next, it is important to prepare before your appointment. For example, writing down any questions you have so you'll remember to ask everything you want to. Then you'll want to know what you need to discuss with your doctor at the appointment itself. The resources below will help you through these three areas.

When to Call the Doctor
Most people suffer from heartburn occasionally, usually after a meal, with millions experiencing heartburn at least once a month. When heartburn occurs frequently, however, or becomes severe, you should consult your doctor.

Preparing for Your Doctor's Appointment
You are seeing a doctor about your chronic heartburn. To get the most our of your appointment, it will help to prepare ahead of time. These tips will help you get started.

At Your Doctor's Appointment
As important as preparing before your doctor's appointment, you will need to know what you should discuss with your doctor.

People go vegetarian for a variety of reasons, whether it's health related or for some other personal reason. You can learn more at About's Vegetarian Food site.

Here are a few heartburn friendly vegetarian recipes. All these recipes are meatless, but still contain a lot of flavor, and won't trigger your heartburn.

Breakfast is an important meal, and is necessary to start your day off right. Whether breakfast is a leasurely meal for your family, or something that is eaten on the run on busy days, breakfast can still be healthy.

These heartburn friendly breakfast recipes are not only fast and delicious, they don't come with the worry of heartburn.

A great main dish isn't complete without a great side dish to go with it. Side dishes range all the way from the old favorites of potato salad and cole slaw to sweet potatoes and apples or cauliflower and cheese.

If you suffer from acid reflux, try these heartburn friendly side dish recipes that will keep you heartburn-free. Side dishes can be creative, delicious, and quick to make too!

Rice is becoming a more frequent addition to a meal as individuals strive for healthier diets. Data is suggesting that including rice as part of a healthy, balanced diet can be linked to overall healthier eating patterns.

Rice is the staple food for two-thirds of the world's population. It is nutritious while being ideal for special diets. These recipes including rice are also heartburn friendly and can be enjoyed by heartburn sufferers.

Pasta comes in many shapes and sizes. It has been served as a side dish, or an an ingredient in a casserole or other main dish. It goes great whether you are eating chicken, beef, pork, turkey, or seafood. It's even great with just veggies.

Pasta is a staple most people have in their pantries, and it makes for a great addition to many meals. These heartburn friendly pasta recipes can be enjoyed by enjoyed by anyone, whether you suffer from heartburn or not.

While proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can do a lot of good for patients diagnosed with GERD, they are also getting a lot of negative press lately.

First, there were reports that PPIs and Plavix together may increase the risk of recurrent heart attacks. Then there was news about use of PPIs associated with an increased risk of hospital-acquired pneumonia. A study showed there may be a link between the use of PPIs and an increased risk of hip fractures. Another study suggested PPIs may induce reflux symptoms and become addictive.

Now, it seems, PPIs may also increase your risk of gaining weight.

A clinical research team from Japan studied body weight and BMI in patients receiving long-term PPI therapy. Their study will be published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.

The subjects were 52 patients with GERD and 58 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. GERD patients were treated with PPI for an average of 2 years (the treatment range was just under 1 year to almost 6 years), and had been advised on lifestyle modifications (e.g. diet, weight management). Body weight and BMI were measured at beginning and end of study.

The results of the study showed there were no differences in body weight and BMI between GERD patients and controls at the beginning of the study. However, the patients with GERD showed increases in body weight, though there were no such changes were noted in the control group.

The researchers concluded the importance of GERD patients on a daily maintenance therapy of PPI should be strongly encouraged to manage their body weight through lifestyle modifications such as proper diet and avoidance of overeating.

Information on the study can be found on the World Journal of Gastroenterology site.

Casseroles and stews are easy to prepare and delicious to eat. They are great for any season, but especially good for the winter season. They are comforting and hearty dishes.

Try these casserole and stew recipes. They are tasty, filling, but won't cause the heartburn many other casserole and stew recipes that contains onions, tomatoes and spice may.