What are the common causes of acid reflux?

Weak reflux valve: Certain foods increase acid production by the stomach such as tomato-based foods, alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, and spicy foods. Then if a person's natural anti-reflux valve at the top of the stomach is weak or failing, the acid goes up and burns the sensitive esophagus, causing heartburn. Avoiding those foods and acid meds can reduce the gerd episodes. Anti-reflux surgery can cure gerd.