Health Tip: Things that May Cause or Worsen GERD

Factors that could contribute to its primary symptom -- heartburn

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(HealthDay News) -- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.

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The U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse offers this list of factors that can trigger or worsen symptoms of GERD:

• Being obese.
• Being pregnant.
• Smoking.
• Eating citrus fruits, onions or garlic.
• Eating chocolate.
• Drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
• Eating fatty or fried foods.
• Eating spicy or minty foods.
• Eating foods with a tomato base, such as pizza, chili, pasta sauce or salsa.

-- Diana Kohnle