Risk factors make it more likely you’ll get reflux, but it’s not a certainty. As a basic rule, the risk factors for heartburn and reflux fit neatly into one of three basic categories:
| Risk Factors You Can’t Change |
|---|
| Your sex |
| Your body shape |
| Your family history |
| Risk Factors You Can Make Less Risky |
| Medical conditions (such as asthma) that may trigger reflux |
| Medicines that upset your stomach |
| Risk Factors You Can Eliminate |
| Bedtime snacking |
| Being stressed |
| Being overweight |
| Irritating foods and beverages |
| Lack of moderate exercise |
| Smoking |
| Very large meals |
