Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition in which stomach contents are thrown up into the oesophagus, causing heartburn and burning behind the sternum, among other symptoms. An important part of treatment is diet, but many patients make basic mistakes such as irregular meals, oversized portions or eating just before bedtime. Certain foods can also exacerbate symptoms, especially fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, hot spices, acidic foods and fizzy and sweetened drinks. Lifestyle also plays a major role - being overweight, lack of physical activity, stress and poor sleeping habits can clearly worsen the course of the disease.