Heartburn Causes

What causes heartburn

People experience the discomfort of heartburn when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. What should normally happen when you eat or drink is that your lower esophageal sphincter, a muscle around the bottom part of your esophagus, relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow down into your stomach. After that, it closes. But if this muscle relaxes or gets weak, the acid can creep up your esophagus, causing heartburn.

The most common cause of developing heartburn is diet. Eating too much at one meal can trigger heartburn, particularly if you lay down soon afterward. Certain foods, even in moderate portions, can trigger heartburn:

Drinks:

• Alcohol
• Carbonated beverages
• Coffee or tea (regular or decaffeinated)

Foods:

• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, limes) * Fatty or fried foods
• Foods containing tomato (spaghetti sauce, salsa, pizza)
• Garlic and onions
• Vinegar
• Mint
• Spicy foods (with chili, curry, black pepper)

Other risk factors for heartburn include obesity, smoking and certain medications.