Various lifestyle and dietary factors can contribute to
heartburn by: increasing the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter,
allowing it to open; increasing the amount of acid in the stomach; increasing
stomach pressure; or by making the esophagus more sensitive to harsh acids.
These factors include the following:
Eating and dietary habits
- Eating large portions
- Eating certain foods such as onions, chocolate, peppermint, high-fat
foods, citrus fruits, garlic, spicy foods, and tomatoes or tomato-based
products
- Drinking things such as alcohol, citrus juices, caffeinated beverages,
and carbonated beverages
- Eating shortly before bedtime
Lifestyle habits
- Being overweight
- Smoking
- Wearing tight-fitting clothing or tight belts
- Certain positions, such as lying down or bending over, especially after
eating
- Stress
Medical reasons
- Pregnancy
- Bulging of the stomach into the chest, also called hiatal hernia
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Taking certain medications, especially some anti-inflammatory drugs and
aspirin