Hi I am new to this forum . I reading these postings I totally agree with Dr. Norm's opinion of the carb theory and acid reflux. I do know that acid reflux or GERD is aggravated by pastries and breads or high fat or fried and sugary foods. Breads and or flour based foods are highly acidic and high in carbs, so when your upper GI system is over acidic then BAM!!! you get over production of hydrochloric acid from your tiny proton pumps in your stomach! Also it is highly probable that your LES (lower esophageal sphincter) is relaxed and not closing all the way which can allow the gastric acid to reflux back into the esophagus. I would estimate that about 85-90% of people with GERD or acid reflux have Hiatal Hernias which can causes a myriad of symptomatic problems including: tightness in the chest or sternum area, feeling like there is a lump in the throat , burning in the back of the throat, lump in the chest under the sternum, and those are the mild symptoms. The worst symptoms can be vaso-vagal responses that can cause pvc's or pac's (premature ventricular contractions, premature arterial contractions) and other arrhythmias in the heart (which you should be seen immediately by a doctor if you experience these symptoms) that are triggered by irritation to the vagal nerve (10th cranial nerve) that runs from the scull down the side of the esophagus all the way down past the stomach and can be irritated by over acidity from the aforementioned foods. This over stimulation of the vagal nerve is a result of the erosion in the esophagus and or pressure on the nerve from a full stomach and twisting or protrusion of the stomach through the diaphragm due to a hiatal hernia or a problem with LES not closing properly which over a period of time allow the natural hydrochloric acid in your stomach to erode the thin lining in the esophagus exposing the vagal nerve and other various symptoms, the list goes on!.