It's just logical that overeating and reflux are closely related. The more overeating, the more acid the stomach secretes to help in digestion, and the more acid there is, the more likely it is that some of it will find its way past the barrier of the LES into the esophagus. Overeating also take somewhat longer for the stomach to process, increasing the duration of the acid secretion as well as the volume. Finally, overeating distend the stomach, which may increase the amount of time the lower esophageal sphincter is relaxed.
The amount of fat in a person's diet is also important, because large amounts of dietary fat leas to obesity (another risk factor for acid reflux) but also because dietary fat is a powerful relaxer of the LES and stimulates the production of stomach acid. Choosing a diet with an emphasis on reduced-fat or fat-free versions of these foods, along with generous servings of whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, is a good way to lower the fat content of your diet. This approach to eating is beneficial not only for its acid reflux improving properties but also for decreasing the risk of heart disease, obesity, and some forms of cancer. We will discuss more about overeating and reflux later on.