Everyone who has ever been a victim of extreme stress has probably been affected by acid reflux or heartburn at some point. Some experienced it after eating extra spicy hot wings, some after bingeing on junk, and some after prolonged fasting. The burning sensation is caused by the stomach acid flowing up the esophagus. But, did you know that acid reflux has some extremely common causes? Here are some of them given below.

7 common risk factors of acid reflux

Spicy foods
Foods that include various spices and spice mixes can be a trigger for acid reflux. Any kind of chili or spice-producing food can lead to the same effect as extra hot food is harder to digest for the digestive system. It requires excessive production of acid in the stomach, which then ends up moving up the esophagus. The resulting burning sensation is what is also known as acid reflux. It is best to limit the intake of spicy food to manage the condition properly and decrease the frequency of flare-ups. If eliminating the spices is not an option, one should observe moderation.

Eating habits
Speed eating or overeating are some of the practices that can lead to people experiencing acid reflux and/or heartburn. Overeating is one of the most common causes of acid reflux. But that is not all; certain categories of food are also known to make people more susceptible to the condition. Liquor, carbonated drinks, tea, citrus foods and beverages, coffee, and chocolate all make it to this list. In addition, excess tomatoes, garlic, chili, mint, and onions are also causes of increased acid in the stomach. However, it is prudent to note that these food items do not pose a threat to people unless they are consumed in large quantities. If eaten in the right proportion, all of these food items have benefits for the human body.

Stomach disorders
The presence of acid reflux can, in some cases, be a symptom of some other underlying cause. It might act as a symptom of a more serious condition involving the stomach or the digestive tract. It could be indicative of health concerns like Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or GERD, scleroderma, stomach ulcers, and gallstones. Hiatal hernia is another condition that leads to acid reflux. In this, the upper portion of the stomach pushes through the opening in the diaphragm, leading to the organ entering the chest cavity. This causes frequent bouts of acid reflux. It has been noted that acid reflux caused by hiatal hernia can be managed well by shedding some weight. Other management options include over-the-counter remedies. In severe cases, individuals may require surgery for any of these conditions.

Unhealthy BMI
An unhealthy body mass index is among the leading causes of secondary health concerns. It increases the risk of conditions like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver, renal diseases, and high blood pressure. It is also one of the common acid reflux causes. In case one leads a tremendously sedentary lifestyle, the condition can aggravate into GERD. The excess fat surrounding the stomach also puts extra pressure on the organ, forcing the acid up the digestive tract.

Pregnancy
Pregnancy causes the body to experience more than a handful of changes. This includes changes in hormones, body temperature, body structure, needs, and likes and dislikes. In addition to all this is the persevering pressure on the uterus and stomach that comes with the growing fetus. Pregnancy also hinders the normal functioning of the esophageal sphincter, resulting in acid reflux and heartburn in pregnant women. In a majority of cases, acid reflux caused by pregnancy is experienced in the third trimester.

Stress
Stress has often been pointed out as one of the primary acid reflux causes. While there is little to prove the exact science of how being stressed results in heartburn, the co-relation has been proven by the common habits people indulge in when stressed. This includes stress eating, overeating or speed eating, substance abuse, skipping physical activity, and more. Therefore, in order to manage acid reflux, it is also important to indulge in healthier stress-relieving activities like exercise, yoga, meditation, and painting.

Various OTC remedies for acid reflux
Certain classes of remedies, over-the-counter or prescription, have the tendency to trigger heartburn or act as an acid reflux causative agent. These include naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen, certain anti-inflammatory options, and more. Remedies prescribed for arthritis, osteoporosis, asthma, muscle relaxers for spasms, etc., also tend to increase the risk of developing acid reflux or heartburn. Some prescriptions for anxiety, insomnia, and depression can also be added to the list.