What Causes Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Heartburn happens when stomach acid escapes into the esophagus.
A weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES) allows acid to rise upward.
Spicy, greasy, or acidic foods can trigger reflux episodes.
Lying down right after eating makes symptoms worse.
Overeating increases pressure in the stomach, forcing acid upward.
Chronic reflux is called GERD — gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Gravity, timing, and muscle tone all affect reflux control.
Antacids help neutralize acid but don’t fix the root cause.
Maintaining a healthy weight and eating smaller meals reduces flare-ups.
It’s not your heart that burns — it’s acid in the wrong place.