Gravity helps keep stomach contents in place while you are upright.
When you lie flat shortly after eating, reflux can occur more easily. NIDDK recommends allowing about three hours between your last meal and lying down if nighttime reflux is a problem.
### Excess Body Weight
Extra abdominal pressure can increase the likelihood of reflux. Weight loss may reduce GERD symptoms in people who are overweight or have obesity.
### Smoking
Smoking can interfere with normal function of the lower esophageal sphincter and may worsen reflux.
### Hiatal Hernia
A hiatal hernia occurs when part of the stomach moves upward through the diaphragm. It can increase the likelihood of developing reflux or make existing GERD worse.
## Foods and Drinks That May Trigger Symptoms
There is no single reflux diet that works for everybody.
