According to a study, proteins in the form of gluten commonly found in grains like wheat, barley, rye can lead to GERD symptoms, or aggravate them if you are already suffering from the disease. A diet free of gluten is advised in order to prevent GERD symptoms.

If you are prone to GERD symptoms, avoid wearing tight pants or belts as they can constrict the region around the stomach and lead to acid reflex.

It is important to reduce alcohol intake as it can interfere with the lower esophageal sphincter muscles, and cause muscle spasms of the esophageal lining. This can increase the chances of GERD symptoms aggravating.

Studies have shown that the main constituent of cigarettes, nicotine, can interfere with an individual’s saliva and its ability to remove acid out of the esophagus.

There are many medications that can aggravate the risk of GERD by interfering with the digestive process or by further aggravating an already inflamed esophageal lining. Some of these medications include anti-inflammatory drugs that are non-steroid in nature, calcium channel blockers, asthma medications, anti-allergic medications like anticholinergics, painkillers, sedatives, iron tablets, potassium, and some other antibiotics. If you take any of these medications, and you think they are causing your GERD symptoms to worsen, you should consult your doctor and ask about the possibility of switching to an alternate medication.

It is never advisable to lie down immediately after a meal. It is generally advised to wait at least a minimum of 3 hours before one goes to bed. Gravity normally acts as a deterrent to acid reflex from developing, but, if a person lies down immediately after a meal, the stomach acid can push the lining of the lower esophageal sphincter, resulting in the ejection of stomach acid into the food pipe.

When a meal is taken in excess, it can fill the stomach completely and put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter, which in turn can push the contents of the stomach up into the esophagus, causing acid reflex.

There are food items known to cause acid reflex, especially in people who are susceptible to GERD. Fatty and spicy foods are known to cause acid reflex. When they are taken in excess, they can affect people who do not suffer from the disease generally. Foods that are acidic in nature also lead to acid reflex such as citrus and tomatoes. Things like mint, chocolates, onions, carbonated beverages and beverages containing caffeine should be avoided.

Obesity is a very common condition among the current population and it is also one of the leading causes of GERD. The extra fat in our stomach puts pressure on the abdomen, which results in the ejection of acidic gastric juices up into the esophageal tube that can reach the mouth giving a bitter taste, especially when a person burps. It is really important to maintain a healthy weight in order to prevent GERD.