MICHAEL WOLFE, MD: Okay, heartburn is a symptom. That is, the burning sensation Jim described behind the breastbone that goes up into the throat. But GERD is actually what's happening. GER, actually. Gastroesophageal reflux. Meaning, you're getting flow of acid from the stomach into the esophagus. So the process is reflux. The end result, most commonly, is heartburn.
DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Can a person's lifestyle affect heartburn?
JAMES FRESTON, MD, PhD: Absolutely. People who overeat. People who are overweight. People who eat large meals before going to bed, leaving no gap between the meal and bedtime or very little. They're all predisposed to getting heartburn.
DAVID R. MARKS, MD: Any other factors?
MICHAEL WOLFE, MD: Well, certain foods are notorious for causing heartburn. But -- then again, causing reflux, I should say. But there are -- we should really recognize that everybody has their own individual trigger. Certain foods relax that valve -- that so-called "sphincter" between the esophagus and stomach, allowing acid to flow backwards, or reflux. Such as coffee of any type, fatty foods, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol. Those are the notorious foods that cause the problems of reflux.
JAMES FRESTON, MD, PhD: We should mention, and a host of medications.
DAVID R. MARKS, MD: What about stress?
JAMES FRESTON, MD, PhD: I think stress is overrated as a cause of heartburn. It can contribute indirectly. For example, uptight people who are rushing through meals and overeating they're so anxious, which is common. Drinking ten cups of coffee, that can contribute. But stress itself, I doubt is directly a cause.
