Genes, as well as food and drink, are an influence in acid reflux disease.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is one of the most common digestive disorders in the developed world. It is characterized by heartburn and acid regurgitation. It is linked to an increased risk of oesophageal cancer and risk factors include smoking, alcohol and overweight.

But there is also a genetic aspect to GORD, according to researchers who studied 2000 pairs of identical and non-identical twins. This revealed that the identical twin pairs were more likely to each have GORD than non-identical twins. This points to a genetic influence as identical twins have the same genetic make-up.

The researchers conclude that nearly half of your chance of getting GORD is attributable to genes. The rest is down to an unwise diet, smoking and, no doubt, stress.

Source

Gut August 2003