What Causes Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)? — A Guide for Filipinos

Last Updated on 12/09/2025 by Helal Medical

Many of us have felt heartburn, acid after meals, or burping once in a while. But if these keep coming — often after eating or when lying down — you may have Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). This article explains clearly what causes GERD, why some people are more likely to get it, and which habits make it worse. By knowing the root causes, you and your loved ones can take steps to prevent or manage it.

How GERD Happens — The Role of the Sphincter and Stomach Acid

Our digestive system has a protective valve called the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — a circular muscle at the bottom of the esophagus (the “food pipe”). Normally, when you swallow food or drink, the LES opens so contents go into the stomach. Then it closes, preventing stomach acid and food from flowing backwards. (Mayo Clinic)

In GERD, this valve doesn’t work properly. It may be weakened, or relax when it should stay shut. As a result, acid and digestive fluids from the stomach go back (reflux) into the esophagus. The esophagus doesn’t have the same protective lining as the stomach — so acid irritates it, causing burning, inflammation, and other discomfort. (MSD Manuals)

If this happens once or twice after heavy meals, it might be a simple upset. But when reflux becomes frequent (weeks or months) — that’s when GERD develops. (Mayo Clinic)

Major Causes & Risk Factors of GERD

GERD usually doesn’t have just one cause. A mix of factors — body, lifestyle, what you eat — can combine to trigger it. Here are the most common ones:

1. Weakened or Malfunctioning LES (Valve Problem)

As mentioned, if the LES doesn’t close properly after eating, stomach acid can escape into the esophagus. This malfunction is the primary cause of GERD. (Healthline)

2. Hiatal Hernia

A medical condition called Hiatal hernia — where part of the stomach pushes up into the chest through the diaphragm — can interfere with the LES function. This increases the risk of reflux. (Mayo Clinic)

3. Excess Body Weight or Obesity

Carrying excess weight (especially around the belly) can put pressure on the stomach, pushing acid upward and making reflux more likely. Many studies link being overweight to higher rates of GERD. (Healthline)

4. Pregnancy

Pregnant women often get acid reflux. Hormonal changes — and the growing uterus that pushes on the stomach — can weaken the LES and increase stomach pressure. (Healthline)

5. Certain Foods, Drinks & Eating Habits

What and how you eat matters:

• Large or heavy meals — especially rich, fatty, fried, or spicy foods — can cause reflux. (Mayo Clinic)
• Eating late at night, or lying down soon after meals, reduces the effect of gravity that helps keep stomach acid down. (MSD Manuals)
• Drinks like coffee, alcohol, carbonated beverages can trigger acid reflux. Chocolate, mint, citrus or tomato-based foods may also worsen symptoms for some people. (Healthline)

6. Smoking and Tobacco Use

Smoking relaxes the LES and reduces saliva (saliva helps neutralize acid). This increases the chance of acid reflux. (Healthline)

7. Certain Medications

Some medicines can weaken the LES, slow digestion, or irritate the esophagus — increasing GERD risk. Examples: certain blood pressure medicines (calcium channel blockers), some antidepressants, sedatives, asthma medicines, anti-inflamatories (NSAIDs), and others. (MedlinePlus)

8. Delayed Stomach Emptying / Slow Digestion

If the stomach empties slowly — due to other health conditions or medications — stomach acid stays longer, increasing the chance of reflux. (MSD Manuals)

9. Age and Other Health Conditions

As people age, body processes change — muscle tone, digestion — making reflux more likely. Also, certain connective tissue disorders may affect LES function. (Mayo Clinic)

Common Triggers for Filipinos: What to Watch Out For

For many Filipinos, some common habits and meals may unknowingly trigger GERD:

• Eating heavy/null large portions of greasy, fried or spicy food (like kawali dishes, street food)
• Drinking coffee, soda, or alcohol especially after heavy meals
• Lying down soon after eating — especially in cramped spaces or small rooms, or due to fatigue after work
• Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke
• Wearing tight clothing or belts that press the abdomen

Recognizing these triggers helps you make small changes to reduce reflux and protect your esophagus.

Why It Matters: Long-Term Risks If GERD Is Not Managed

When acid reflux happens often, and the esophagus is exposed to stomach acid many times, there can be damage. Potential consequences include:

• Inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis) — can cause pain, ulcers, bleeding (MSD Manuals)
• Narrowing of the esophagus (stricture), making swallowing difficult (MSD Manuals)
• Development of abnormal tissue in the esophagus (a condition called Barrett’s esophagus) — increasing risk of esophageal cancer over time (Harvard Health)
• Chronic cough, throat irritation, hoarseness, sleep disruption — especially if reflux happens at night (Mayo Clinic)

Because of these risks, GERD isn’t just “indigestion.” It’s a chronic condition that needs attention — especially when symptoms occur regularly.

What You Can Do: Preventing or Reducing GERD Risk

Here are practical steps — many fit well even in busy Filipino lifestyles:

• Eat smaller meals instead of heavy ones; avoid overeating.
• Avoid lying down immediately after eating — wait at least 2–3 hours.
• Watch your diet — cut down on fatty, fried, very spicy foods; avoid or limit coffee, softdrinks, alcohol, chocolate, mint, tomato-based sauces if they trigger reflux.
• Reduce weight if overweight — this lowers pressure on your stomach.
• Avoid smoking or secondhand smoke.
• Check medications — if you take medicine regularly, ask your doctor whether they might affect your stomach.
• Raise head of bed slightly if you get reflux often at night — sleeping with upper body elevated helps.
• Wear loose clothes — avoid tight belts or waistbands.

If you still have frequent heartburn, regurgitation, or other symptoms even after lifestyle changes — it’s important to consult a doctor. Early management can prevent serious complications.

Summary

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) — the valve between esophagus and stomach — does not work properly. As a result, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating its lining. Factors that cause or worsen GERD include hiatal hernia, obesity, pregnancy, smoking, certain foods and drinks, certain medications, delayed digestion, and lifestyle habits like eating large meals or lying down soon after eating.

Understanding what causes GERD helps you see that it is more than occasional heartburn — and that with the right habits and awareness, you can reduce risk or manage symptoms. If heartburn or acid reflux becomes frequent, do not ignore it. Consult a doctor for proper evaluation and care.

Stay attentive to your digestion — small changes now can protect your long-term health.

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