So, just what causes the sphincter to weaken or relax? There are certain foods that can weaken the sphincter. Foods such as chocolates, coffee, alcohol, peppermint, fried and fatty food, as well as soda and citric fruits like oranges and pineapple. You should also avoid spicy foods as they are very difficult to digest, which causes the stomach to produce more acid, which ultimately means increasing the likelihood of heartburn. Basically, the LES is the valve that keeps the stomach acid in the stomach. If it doesn t work properly, it will allow the stomach acid to come in contact with the esophagus, which in turn causes heartburn. This is a common symptom of GERD or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Another cause is by eating certain foods, such as fried and fatty foods, chocolates, coffee, peppermint, sugars, and alcohol. Besides, you wouldn t want to give up eating oranges or grapefruit, would you? These things are not only delicious but they are also rich in vitamins. Remember these things and you can be sure that you will be able to control heartburn more effectively. Through these natural home remedies, you will be able to lessen your dependency on drugs prescribed by your doctor. Heartburn happens when stomach acid comes in to contact with our esophagus. You have to remember that stomach acid can reflux or travel back up inside our body. When stomach acid comes in to contact with our esophagus, it will cause irritation and we will feel that burning sensation that starts in our diaphragm all the way to our chest, which is basically what we all know as heartburn. Also, you should try eating your food slowly as this will be able to help reduce the symptoms of heartburn. Secondly, you need to avoid certain foods. If you love spicy food, such as Mexican food, then you may want to cut back on this type of food while you are pregnant. Spicy food can get your stomach to produce more acid, which will increase the likelihood of you experiencing heartburn. Basically, chronic heartburn is where the problem lasts for long periods of time and it occurs with a much greater frequency. If you suffer from extremely painful heartburn more than twice a week, then you are suffering from chronic heartburn. It is also a sign of a much more serious illness. Heartburn is also called acid reflux, pyrosis, and even acid indigestion just to name a few.