What happens with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is that the opening at the point where the esophagus meets the stomach weakens over time. It is supposed to open when you swallow and then, once the food is in your stomach, close immediately. It’s sort of like a gate or a built-in anti-reflux barrier. But it can be weakened over time, letting stomach contents flow back into your esophagus, burning everything it touches. We weren’t designed for this to happen, so why does it?

More to come.