Beyond the medical condition reasons for heartburn (see What is heartburn?), the most common causes of heartburn are eating certain foods, overeating, eating late at night, drinking beverages with high acid levels like orange juice, and work-related stress. Foods most likely to lead to heartburn include spicy foods (most types of peppers), tomato-based foods, citrus (high acid levels), mints, chocolate, coffee, fried and fatty foods, and onions.

Other contributing factors can include taking other medications, drinking alcohol, pregnancy, smoking and over exertion during physical activity. Simple factors such as lying down after a meal, or bending over can further increase symptom levels.