If you've ever had heartburn, you know the uncomfortable burning sensation in your chest and throat is no fun. Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, when acid from your stomach bubbles up into your esophagus, the tube connecting your stomach to your throat. Your esophagus is much more sensitive than your stomach, which is built to handle the corrosive effects of acid.
Certain foods and drinks
Many people complain that they get reflux after eating certain foods. Common culprits include items high in fat, chocolate, spicy foods, citrusy or acidic foods like oranges and tomatoes, mint, garlic, and onions, as well as carbonated drinks.
Obesity
Obesity is one of the main drivers behind both acid reflux and GERD. It may also increase the risk of GERD complications like Barrett’s esophagus, a condition involving precancerous changes in esophageal cells.
Hiatal hernia
A hiatal hernia is when the top part of your stomach bulges up into your chest cavity, preventing the LES from closing properly.
Eating a large meal and then lying down
Eating a large meal at any time can trigger acid reflux, but it’s especially troublesome if you do it right before you go to bed or decide to lounge on the couch.
Smoking
Smoking can damage your digestive system just as it damages so many other parts of your body. Even secondhand smoke and chewing tobacco can contribute to reflux by relaxing the lower esophageal sphincter.
Pregnancy
As many as half of all pregnant women experience acid reflux. It can start at any point when you’re expecting, but it’s more common after 27 weeks.
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