Top 7 Causes of Heartburn

Heartburn occurs mainly due to acid reflux. However, most people think that spicy foods and alcoholic drinks are the main reasons behind it, which is not quite true since there are other common causes. Here are the top 7 causes of heartburn.

7. Problem with Lower Esophageal Sphincter

Heartburn happens when acid passes from the stomach to the esophagus. If there is a defect in the lower esophageal sphincter, it will not be able to prevent acid from passing. This happens when the pressure of the sphincter is low. (1, 2)

6. Pregnancy

Progestin lowers the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter. In addition, the uterus is growing and increases pressure upwards, which is a predisposing factor for acid reflux in pregnant women. Once the baby is delivered, the heartburn relieves and the acid reflux stops. (3, 4)

5. Hiatal Hernia

Hiatal hernia is more common than you think. It doesn’t usually cause acid reflux but in some people, who have this hiatal hernia in the upper part of their stomachs, may suffer from heartburn. Surgical intervention may be required. (5, 6, 7, 8)

4. Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis means that your stomach takes longer than usual to push its contents to the intestine. Normally, your stomach produced acid that will pass into the intestines. However, if the food stays for a longer time in your stomach, the acid will come back up into your esophagus causing heartburn. (9, 10)

3. Obesity

Obesity is the number one cause of heartburn if you don’t have any medical problems. It is a lifestyle issue. Studies show that obese people are more susceptible to acid reflux than other people. (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)

2. Overeating

Overeating is the most obvious and commonest cause of heartburn in most people. The stomach remains distended, which prevents the lower esophageal sphincter from closing properly, which leads to the allowance of the stomach acid to rise back up causing heartburn. (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)

1. Lifestyle

People who suffer from chronic heartburn without any medical problems can benefit from making some changes to their lifestyles. For example, decreasing spicy foods, chocolate, caffeine intake, or any foods or drinks causing heartburn is recommended. Also, losing weight, quitting smoking, and exercising reduce the level of stomach acid. (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)