Heartburn can be triggered by certain foods such as spicy foods, citrus fruits, garlic, onions, peppermint, chocolate and tomato based foods. However, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is not caused by these foods,

GERD is actually caused by reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus due to a relaxation of the flap that keeps the lower end of the esophagus closed when a person is not swallowing food or liquids. This causes stomach acid to rise into the esophagus, which causes heartburn and can potentially damage the esophagus.