What are the most cited GERD triggers?
GERD triggers include certain foods and lifestyle habits that can exacerbate symptoms. Common dietary triggers are spicy foods, fatty or fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and carbonated beverages. Overeating or eating large meals can also provoke symptoms, as can lying down or going to bed shortly after eating. Find out what other triggers made the list and how they are ranked.
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1
Acidic foods and beverages
542
39
Acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar, as well as acidic beverages like orange juice and soda, can irritate the esophagus and increase stomach acidity, triggering GERD symptoms.
2
Stress
549
55
Stress is a significant trigger for GERD, as it can increase stomach acid production and weaken the LES. Stress can also lead to behaviors like overeating or eating quickly, which can further worsen GERD symptoms.
3
Genetics
506
28
Genetic factors may contribute to an increased risk of GERD. People with a family history of GERD may be more likely to experience the condition themselves.
4
Junk food
518
51
Junk food, often high in fat, sugar, and salt, can trigger GERD symptoms by increasing stomach acidity and causing bloating or indigestion.
5
Citrus foods
476
13
Citrus foods like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are highly acidic and can irritate the stomach lining and esophagus, leading to acid reflux and heartburn in those with GERD.
6
Salt
472
15
High salt intake can increase blood pressure and contribute to water retention, which may increase stomach pressure and worsen GERD symptoms.
7
Overweight
468
24
Being overweight increases abdominal pressure, which can weaken the LES and cause acid reflux. Excess weight can also contribute to other GERD triggers like a hiatal hernia.
8
Dairy
479
46
Dairy products, particularly full-fat dairy, can increase stomach acid production and trigger GERD symptoms in some people. Lactose intolerance can also cause digestive discomfort that exacerbates GERD.
9
Fried foods
522
105
Fried foods are high in fat, which slows digestion and puts pressure on the stomach. This can relax the LES and lead to acid reflux, making GERD symptoms worse.
10
Alcohol
522
118
Alcohol relaxes the LES and increases acid production in the stomach. It can also irritate the esophagus and lead to the discomfort and burning sensation associated with GERD.
11
Chocolate
437
45
Chocolate contains both caffeine and a compound called theobromine, which can relax the LES and contribute to acid reflux. It’s also high in fat, which slows digestion and can worsen GERD.
12
Overeating
466
74
Overeating puts extra pressure on the stomach, which can cause the LES to weaken and allow stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus. Eating large meals, particularly fatty or spicy foods, increases the likelihood of GERD flare-ups.
13
Chili pepper
442
55
Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which can irritate the stomach lining and increase acid production. This can lead to a burning sensation in the chest and worsen GERD symptoms.
14
Smoking
370
19
Smoking relaxes the LES and decreases saliva production, both of which can worsen GERD symptoms. Smoking also increases stomach acid production and reduces the effectiveness of medications that treat GERD.
15
Cough
424
77
Chronic coughing can aggravate GERD symptoms by putting pressure on the abdomen, which can push stomach acid into the esophagus. It can also be a symptom of GERD, as the condition sometimes causes a persistent cough.
16
Caffeine
453
110
Caffeine can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which allows stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to GERD symptoms. It is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some sodas, and can trigger or worsen acid reflux.
17
Coffee
405
67
Coffee, both caffeinated and decaffeinated, is a known GERD trigger because it stimulates acid production and can relax the LES, making it easier for acid to flow into the esophagus.
18
Gastroparesis
440
108
Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the stomach’s ability to empty food, leading to delayed digestion. This can increase pressure in the stomach, promoting acid reflux and exacerbating GERD symptoms.
19
Ice cold water
372
42
Drinking very cold water can cause the stomach to contract, which may trigger acid reflux in some people. Cold liquids can also slow digestion, increasing the likelihood of reflux.
20
Hernia
407
85
A hernia, particularly a hiatal hernia, occurs when part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, which can weaken the LES and increase the risk of acid reflux. This makes GERD symptoms worse.
21
Sugar
379
63
High sugar intake, especially refined sugars, can contribute to weight gain and obesity, which are known risk factors for GERD. Sugar can also cause inflammation, increasing acid production in the stomach.
22
Hiatal hernia
352
37
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm. This condition can weaken the LES, allowing stomach acid to reflux into the esophagus and worsening GERD symptoms.
23
Bad posture
390
81
Poor posture, particularly slouching or lying down after eating, can increase pressure on the abdomen and relax the LES. This can cause stomach acid to flow into the esophagus, triggering GERD symptoms.
24
Tomato sauce
396
87
Tomato-based products like sauce and ketchup are highly acidic and can increase stomach acidity, leading to GERD flare-ups. They can irritate the esophagus and trigger heartburn.
25
Blood pressure medication
377
69
Certain blood pressure medications, such as calcium channel blockers, can relax the LES and increase the likelihood of acid reflux. This can worsen GERD symptoms.
26
Turkey
367
66
Turkey is a lean protein, but when consumed in large amounts or in processed forms, it can trigger GERD symptoms. Fatty cuts of turkey, in particular, can relax the LES and worsen reflux.
27
Peanut butter
361
61
Peanut butter is high in fat, which can relax the LES and increase the risk of acid reflux. It’s also dense and can take longer to digest, putting additional pressure on the stomach.
28
Eating too quickly
395
96
Eating too quickly can lead to overeating, causing the stomach to become overfull. This increases the pressure on the LES, leading to acid reflux. Eating too fast can also prevent proper digestion, worsening GERD symptoms.
29
Carbonated beverages
379
81
Carbonated drinks like soda and sparkling water can cause bloating and increase pressure on the stomach, leading to acid reflux. The bubbles can also trigger burping, which can exacerbate GERD.
30
Vinegar
301
26
Vinegar is highly acidic and can exacerbate GERD symptoms by increasing stomach acidity. It can irritate the esophagus and cause a burning sensation in the chest.
31
Bread and wheat products
359
88
Refined bread and wheat products can be high in gluten and simple carbohydrates, both of which can trigger GERD. They can cause bloating and discomfort, making it easier for stomach acid to escape into the esophagus.
32
Bulimia
341
76
Bulimia, which involves frequent purging of food through vomiting, can damage the esophagus and LES, leading to chronic acid reflux and GERD. The acid from vomiting can irritate the esophagus and increase reflux.
33
Gluten
320
65
Gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, can trigger inflammation in the digestive tract for some individuals, potentially worsening GERD symptoms. People with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease may experience more severe GERD symptoms when consuming gluten.
34
Chronic fatigue syndrome
275
51
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is associated with a weakened immune system and digestive issues, which can make GERD symptoms worse. People with CFS may be more prone to gastrointestinal reflux and discomfort.
35
H. Pylori
228
12
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a bacteria that can cause stomach infections, leading to increased acid production and inflammation. In some cases, H. pylori infection may worsen GERD symptoms.
36
Fibromyalgia
253
45
Fibromyalgia is a condition characterized by chronic pain and fatigue. Stress and the pain associated with fibromyalgia can trigger or worsen GERD symptoms, as stress is a known GERD trigger.
37
Lap band
248
48
The lap band procedure for weight loss can lead to GERD symptoms if the band puts too much pressure on the stomach, preventing it from emptying properly and increasing the likelihood of reflux.
38
Eggs
215
23
Eggs, particularly egg yolks, are high in fat, which can relax the LES and trigger acid reflux. They are also a common food sensitivity, which may exacerbate GERD symptoms for some individuals.
39
Achalasia
205
46
Achalasia is a disorder where the LES fails to relax properly, leading to difficulty swallowing and food backing up into the esophagus. This condition can worsen GERD symptoms by preventing food from moving efficiently into the stomach.
40
Calcium tablets
200
45
Calcium supplements can irritate the stomach lining and exacerbate GERD symptoms. Some forms of calcium, like calcium carbonate, can increase acid production in the stomach.
41
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy
121
28
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is a weight loss surgery that can sometimes trigger GERD symptoms, particularly if the surgery results in an increased pressure on the stomach or causes a weakening of the LES.
42
Energy drinks
80
12
Energy drinks often contain caffeine and high levels of sugar, both of which can trigger GERD symptoms. They can also irritate the stomach lining and increase stomach acid production.
43
Gall bladder removal
62
14
Gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy) can affect digestion, leading to the improper breakdown of fats and increasing the likelihood of acid reflux. Without the gallbladder, bile may not be released as effectively, contributing to GERD.
44
Aspartame
62
14
Aspartame, an artificial sweetener, can cause digestive discomfort and bloating for some individuals, which may exacerbate GERD symptoms. It can also trigger an increase in stomach acid production.