Chocolate and Caffeine
Chocolate is a high-fat food that lowers the esophageal muscle, increasing the risk of reflux. Chocolate is packed full of substances that increase the risk of suffering an AR attack.
Cocoa in chocolate contains the serotonin hormone, which relaxes the sphincter, and it also contains theobromine and caffeine, which produces the same effect.
Also, studies have shown that sweet or white chocolate (with milk) is more likely to trigger heartburn compared to dark chocolate.
Studies have shown a link between caffeine and acid reflux in some persons. However, drinking coffee or any caffeinated drink may not trigger heartburn in some GERD patients. Caffeine can stimulate the stomach to produce more acids, so if you experience heartburn after drinking coffee, you can opt for decaffeinated (decaf) coffee.
Also, studies have shown that carbonated drinks (soda) or beverages often cause heartburn.