As we age, our bodies undergo a range of changes—some more frustrating than others. One common and often uncomfortable issue that tends to become more frequent with age is heartburn. Foods that once caused no problem may now require an antacid afterward.
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While heartburn can affect people of any age, gastroenterologists confirm that it becomes more common with aging. According to a report by HuffPost, understanding the causes behind age-related heartburn is the first step toward reducing its frequency.
What Is Heartburn, Exactly?
Heartburn occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus—the tube connecting your mouth to your stomach. This is typically due to a weakening or relaxing of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), a muscle ring that normally acts as a valve to keep acid in the stomach.
Dr. Vivek Lal, a microbiome scientist and founder of ResBiotic, explains that when this valve fails to function properly, acid reflux happens, causing the characteristic burning sensation in the chest—hence the name heartburn.
3 Reasons Heartburn Becomes More Common With Age
1. Weaker Esophageal Muscles
Dr. Mikhail Yakubov, a gastroenterologist, notes that one major reason heartburn is more prevalent in older adults is that esophageal muscles naturally weaken over time. This includes the LES, making it easier for acid to escape into the esophagus.
Additionally, the digestive system slows down with age, allowing more time for acid to move in the wrong direction—further increasing the chances of heartburn.
2. Medications
As people age, the likelihood of developing conditions like high blood pressure increases. According to the CDC, over 70% of adults aged 60+ have high blood pressure.
Dr. Ali Kazemi explains that some medications for high blood pressure, especially nitrates and calcium channel blockers, can relax the LES, increasing the risk of heartburn.
Other drugs—including opioids, certain antibiotics, and over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin—can also irritate the stomach lining and contribute to heartburn.
3. Weight Gain
It’s common to gain some weight with age. Studies show that between the ages of 40 and 66, both men and women typically gain about half a pound to a pound per year.
Kazemi and other doctors note that weight gain, especially around the waist, can increase intra-abdominal pressure, pushing stomach acid upward and worsening reflux.
Additionally, slower digestion associated with obesity increases the time acid stays in the stomach—another trigger for heartburn.
GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic and Mounjaro) used for diabetes and weight loss have also been linked to reflux symptoms due to their delayed gastric emptying effect.
What Can You Do If You Have Frequent Heartburn?
The good news: you can manage heartburn, regardless of age, by adjusting a few habits:
Talk to your doctor if you suspect your medication may be contributing to heartburn. Alternatives may be available.
Maintain a healthy weight, especially around the midsection.
Eat smaller meals, avoid lying down right after eating, and limit trigger foods (like spicy, fatty, or acidic items).
Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake—both can worsen heartburn.
If symptoms persist, a healthcare provider may recommend prescription treatments or further testing to rule out more serious conditions like GERD.
