Today's young woman is at greater risk of digestive disorders than ever before. Missed meals, crash-dieting, long work hours, and a generally frenetic lifestyle all set the scene for the chronic heartburn that is the main symptom of reflux disease (known as GORD, or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.) This uncomfortable condition, which affects up to 20% of people in the western world, is also very common during pregnancy and if you are overweight. Many people self-treat but it is important to visit your doctor to avoid complications such as Barrett's oesophagus (inflammation or perforation of the oesophagus.) Many heart conditions can also mimic reflux disease, whose other symptoms include chest pain. This book explores the surprisingly wide range of people who can suffer from this condition, and explains clearly what can be done about it. Contrary to popular myth, heartburn usually isn't caused by any particular types of food – this seems to be an individual matter. But simple lifestyle changes can make a great difference to sufferers, who are generally advised to take a look at their pace of life, slow down, and lose any excess weight.