Acid reflux is one of the most common digestive complaints in America, and that makes it a regular cause for visits to a gastroenterologist. As familiar as the condition is, however, there remains a lot of confusion about who gets it, how it’s triggered, and what the best treatment is. From outdated home remedies to misunderstandings about the causes, the various myths surrounding acid reflux often persist because of well-meaning advice from family, friends, or questionable online sources. Some of these myths can even make the symptoms worse or generally prevent people from seeking the treatment that can actually bring relief.

What Is the Truth Behind Acid Reflux?

At its most basic level, acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus through the lower esophageal sphincter. Under normal circumstances, this muscular ring acts as a one-way valve, opening to allow food into the stomach and then closing to prevent stomach contents from coming back up. But when the sphincter muscle weakens or relaxes unexpectedly, stomach acid and other contents can move into the esophagus and cause irritation in the esophageal lining.

This irritation in the esophagus typically manifests as a burning sensation in the center of the chest known as heartburn. Since the esophagus doesn’t have the same kind of protective lining as the stomach, the acid exposure can also cause other symptoms like regurgitation of food or sour liquid, difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, or sore throat. Some people experience chest pain that can be mistaken for heart problems, while others develop hoarseness or feel like they have a lump in their throat.

When acid reflux happens regularly, the diagnosis shifts to a chronic condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The repeated exposure to stomach acid can gradually damage the esophageal lining over time, and this can potentially lead to more serious complications like inflammation, scarring, or in rare cases, changes to the tissue that may increase cancer risk. People with GERD often find that their symptoms interfere with daily activities, disrupt sleep, or don't respond well to occasional use of over-the-counter antacids.1

Common Myths About Acid Reflux

Given how widespread acid reflux is, it’s not surprising that misconceptions about the condition are equally common. These myths often sound reasonable on the surface, which helps explain why they persist despite being inaccurate. Here are some of the most frequently believed myths about acid reflux and what the evidence actually shows:

  1. Myth - Acid reflux only affects older people: While acid reflux does become more common with age, it can affect people of all ages, including children and young adults. Pregnancy, obesity, certain medications, and lifestyle factors like diet and smoking can trigger acid reflux regardless of age. Many people experience their first symptoms in their 20s or 30s, and some infants are born with conditions that cause reflux.
  2. Myth - Drinking milk helps neutralize stomach acid: This is one of the most persistent myths about acid reflux treatment. While milk may provide temporary relief by coating the esophagus, it actually stimulates the stomach to produce more acid within an hour or two. The calcium and protein in milk trigger increased acid production, often making symptoms worse in the long run.
  3. Myth - You have to avoid all spicy foods forever: While spicy foods can trigger symptoms in some people, triggers vary greatly from person to person. Some people with acid reflux can tolerate moderate amounts of spicy food without problems, while others may need to avoid them completely. The key is identifying your individual triggers through careful attention to symptoms rather than eliminating entire food categories unnecessarily.
  4. Myth - Acid reflux means you produce too much stomach acid: Most people with acid reflux actually produce normal amounts of stomach acid. The problem isn’t overproduction but rather the acid ending up in the wrong place due to a weakened or malfunctioning lower esophageal sphincter. This is why treatments focus on strengthening the sphincter or reducing acid’s ability to cause damage.
  5. Myth - GERD will go away on its own without treatment: While occasional acid reflux might resolve with lifestyle changes, GERD is a chronic condition that typically requires ongoing management. Left untreated, GERD can lead to serious complications including esophageal damage, scarring, and increased risk of esophageal cancer. Early treatment helps prevent these complications and improves quality of life.
  6. Myth - Over-the-counter antacids are all you need for treatment: While antacids can provide temporary relief for mild, occasional symptoms, they’re not sufficient for managing GERD. Frequent use of antacids can actually mask symptoms of a more serious condition that needs proper medical treatment. People with persistent symptoms often need stronger medications like H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors.
  7. Myth - Acid reflux is just heartburn and isn’t serious: This misconception can prevent people from seeking necessary treatment. While heartburn is the most common symptom, acid reflux can cause many other problems including chronic cough, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and dental problems. Long-term untreated GERD can lead to serious complications.
  8. Myth - You can’t exercise if you have GERD: While certain types of exercise might trigger symptoms in some people, regular physical activity actually helps with acid reflux management by promoting healthy weight maintenance and improving digestion. The key is choosing appropriate exercises and timing them properly in relation to meals.
  9. Myth - Stress doesn't affect acid reflux: Many people don’t realize the connection between stress and digestive symptoms. Stress can actually worsen acid reflux by increasing acid production, slowing digestion, and affecting the lower esophageal sphincter. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, or other methods can be an important part of acid reflux treatment.
  10. Myth - All acidic foods trigger symptoms equally: People often assume that all acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and vinegar will automatically cause problems. In reality, individual tolerance varies significantly. Some people can eat oranges without issue but have problems with tomatoes, while others experience the opposite. Food triggers are highly individual and require personal experimentation to identify.

Managing Acid Reflux Effectively

In order to effectively treat or prevent acid reflux, doctors generally recommend a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication when necessary. Dietary changes are usually the foundation for symptom relief, though individual trigger foods vary significantly from person to person. Common culprits include citrus fruits, tomatoes, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, and fatty or fried foods. Beyond avoiding specific foods, eating smaller meals more frequently, stopping food intake at least three hours before bedtime, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.

When lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient, medications can provide effective control. Over-the-counter antacids work for occasional symptoms, while H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) offer longer-lasting relief for more persistent cases. However, people with frequent or severe symptoms benefit from working with a gastroenterologist who can ensure proper diagnosis, prescribe appropriate medications, and monitor for potential complications that require ongoing medical management.2

Request an Appointment at Cary Gastro

While the myths may be pervasive, the board-certified physicians at Cary Gastro are here to provide accurate information and a treatment plan that can help you find relief. If you’re experiencing frequent heartburn, regurgitation, or other symptoms that interfere with your daily life, it may be time to talk with a gastroenterologist. Whether you need help identifying your specific triggers, adjusting medications, or managing complications from long-term GERD, our team is here to help you find lasting relief. Contact our office today to request an appointment and take control of your digestive health.




1https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults
2https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn