Heartburn affects over 40% of people, but do you really know why people get heartburn and acid reflux?

Most people just think it’s normal and therefore fail to do anything about it. But you don’t have to live with heartburn.

There are several reasons why you may suffer from reflux or heartburn. Some of the major risk factors include:

1. Being Overweight
It is believed that having too much fat can lead to pressure on the stomach and other organs, resulting in heartburn and GERD.

2. Smoking
The esophageal sphincter (LES) is weakened when you smoke. You will also have an increase in stomach acid production. Both of these factors are bad news if you suffer from heartburn.

3. Being Pregnant
Increased hormones and pressure on the stomach during pregnancy can bring about heartburn, and many women will experience it.

4. Drinking Alcohol
When you drink alcohol you get more acid in the stomach which leads to heartburn.

5. Some Foods
There are some foods that cause heartburn in some people (but not everyone will react to the same food). The key is to find your trigger foods and avoid them as much as possible. Some of the most common culprits are:

  • Fried and greasy foods
  • Citrus fruits and citrus drinks
  • Tomato based foods
  • Chocolate
  • Pepper

6. Caffeine
Many people find that drinking coffee or other caffeine drinks can bring about heartburn and acid reflux. Avoid caffeine as much as possible.

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