Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Causes

Each time you eat, stomach acids are released. Normally the lower esophageal sphincter acts as a guard to prevent stomach acids from backing up into the esophagus. An increase of the pressure in the stomach and/or relaxation of the muscle tone of the valve may cause reflux to occur.

Factors that cause an increase in pressure are:

• Full stomach

• Obesity

• Lying down

• Bending forward

• Pregnancy

• Tight clothing 

Factors that loosen the muscle tone of the valve can be caused by:

• Pregnancy

• Nicotine

• Alcohol, Coffee

• Chocolate

• Mint

• Fatty foods

This information has been approved by Luette Morton, MD (October 2008).