(HealthDay News) -- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus.

The U.S. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse offers this list of factors that can trigger or worsen symptoms of GERD:

• Being obese.
• Being pregnant.
• Smoking.
• Eating citrus fruits, onions or garlic.
• Eating chocolate.
• Drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages.
• Eating fatty or fried foods.
• Eating spicy or minty foods.
• Eating foods with a tomato base, such as pizza, chili, pasta sauce or salsa.