Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: Causes, Triggers, and What Works

When stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, it doesn’t just cause a bad taste—it can burn, choke, and disrupt sleep. This is gastroesophageal reflux disease, a chronic condition where stomach contents rise into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort. Also known as GERD, it’s not just occasional heartburn. It’s when that burning sensation happens more than twice a week, or when it starts messing with your eating, sleeping, or daily routine. Many people think it’s just from eating too much spicy food, but the real causes are often deeper: a weak lower esophageal sphincter, hiatal hernias, obesity, or even lying down too soon after meals.

What makes GERD tricky is how it connects to other things you might not expect. For example, proton pump inhibitors, medications like omeprazole and esomeprazole that reduce stomach acid production are commonly used, but long-term use can lead to nutrient deficiencies or rebound acid hypersecretion. Then there’s heartburn, the most common symptom of GERD, often mistaken for a heart problem—which is why some people end up in the ER thinking they’re having a heart attack. And while diet plays a big role, it’s not just about avoiding pizza. Coffee, chocolate, alcohol, and even mint can relax the valve that keeps acid down. Even wearing tight clothes or eating right before bed can trigger it.

What you’ll find here isn’t a list of myths or one-size-fits-all cures. These are real stories from people who’ve tried everything—from over-the-counter meds to lifestyle changes—and found what actually worked. Some cut out gluten and saw results. Others lost weight and their symptoms vanished. A few discovered they were taking meds that made things worse. No fluff. No hype. Just what helps, what doesn’t, and why.