Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition involving acid reflux (heartburn) due to relaxation or weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) allowing acidic gastric contents to enter into the esophagus and cause “burning”. A variety of foods and beverages can cause worsening of GERD symptoms (acid reflux or heartburn) through various mechanisms including increasing weakness of the LES and/or delaying gastric emptying. In this lesson, we discuss foods and beverages that should be avoided if you have GERD/acid reflux, because these foods and beverages can worsen acid reflux/heartburn.