Reflux is generally thought to be related to your diet. However, aspects such as weight, pregnancy, connective tissue disorders, stress, smoking, certain body movements like laying down after a meal, bending over and even some medications can also contribute to experiencing this condition. Reflux/GORD primarily results from either an issue with or a relaxed lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS). This is a muscle situated around the bottom of the oesophagus (food pipe) that aids in keeping the stomach contents from rising back up the oesophagus. The LOS can develop some weakness and subsequently cause it to not close properly, hence symptoms like heartburn can then develop.