Causes of Heartburn

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The stomach produces juices containing a powerful substance called hydrochloric acid. This is used to break down food as part of the digestive process. Heartburn happens when this acid flows upwards into the gullet (oesophagus). There is a small, muscular valve dividing the stomach from the gullet. Normally, this only allows food into the stomach and not back up again. Heartburn occurs when it relaxes and allows some of the stomach contents to flow upwards.

Heartburn usually happens after a meal. It is affected by the quantity and type of food that you eat, as well as the time at which you eat. Dietary triggers include the following:

Fatty food is more difficult to digest and stays in the stomach for longer. Stomach acid has more chance to move back into the gullet.
Foods such as peppermint, spearmint and chocolate foods - these cause the valve between the gullet to loosen or relax allowing acid to enter more easily.
Caffeinated drinks, citrus juice and alcohol - these raise the level of acidity in the stomach. Citrus juices, spicy foods and tomato products can directly irritate the gullet.
Eating big portions- the stomach produces a large amount of acid in one go to break down the food. More stomach acid increases the chance of some of it being regurgitated.
Eating before bedtime - acid levels are high after meals, and certain positions, such as lying down, make it easier for acid to move into the gullet.

Heartburn is also linked to the following:

Pregnancy - as the body makes room for the baby, organs such as the stomach are pushed upwards, increasing the pressure on the valve in the gullet.
Certain over-the-counter medicines - medicines for heart problems, asthma and high blood pressure can sometimes stimulate excess acid production in the stomach.
Hiatus hernia - this is when part of the stomach pushes upwards into the chest through the normal opening in the diaphragm.
Being overweight puts more pressure on the abdomen and the valve in the gullet.
Smoking - this can stimulate acid production and cause the valve in the gullet to relax. It also slows down saliva production, which protects the gullet.
Tight clothes - clothes that are tight around the waist can increase abdominal pressure.