Question: What causes GERD, and how do I treat it naturally?

Dr. Brownstein's Answer:

There is not usually a single cause. Alcohol, pregnancy, and smoking are all known to cause gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, but the two main causes are obesity and overeating.

Obesity is associated with excess weight around the abdomen, and this fat pad will push the stomach upwards and lead to GERD symptoms. Overeating will cause the stomach to be over-extended, which can result in a reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. Losing weight and eating less will help symptoms as well as eliminating or decreasing the use of alcohol and cigarettes.