What Is Regurgitation & Why Does It Happen?
Regurgitation occurs when undigested food and gastric juices move backward into the esophagus, throat, and mouth. It’s often associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and acid reflux.
Normally, food follows a one-way route—from the mouth to the stomach via the esophagus. But in some individuals, this process reverses, often leading to a sour or bitter taste in their mouth.
But what’s the definition of regurgitation? Why does it occur? And what can be done about it? Join The Functional Gut Clinic as we answer your questions.
What Is Regurgitation?
Regurgitation refers to the backward flow of undigested food, liquid, or stomach contents into the mouth. Unlike vomiting, it’s a passive process—there’s no forceful retching or nausea beforehand. People are often surprised to find undigested material in their mouths.
The material often tastes sour or bitter due to stomach acid, and it may occur shortly after eating or when lying down.
The symptoms are closely associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR), and motility disorders such as achalasia. Mild regurgitation is more common in children (known as “spitting up”) due to their short esophagus and usually resolves with age.
Symptoms of Regurgitation
In most people, regurgitation is a symptom of GERD or acid reflux. Other associated symptoms include:
Sour or bitter taste in the mouth
Sensation of food or liquid coming back up
Heartburn or chest discomfort
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Chronic cough or throat clearing
Hoarseness or sore throat
Bad breath (halitosis)
Feeling of a lump in the throat
If you notice any blood when regurgitating, seek immediate medical attention. This is a serious symptom. You should also look for dark, discolored stools.
What Causes Regurgitation?
Regurgitation doesn’t occur in most people. The lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which divides the stomach from the esophagus, usually acts as a valve, letting food enter the stomach but preventing it from leaving. The upper esophageal sphincter serves a similar purpose.
Regurgitation often involves a problem with either the LES, UES, or both. This typically presents with GERD, giving rise to acid reflux symptoms.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER), or acid reflux, is the most common cause of regurgitation. Most of the time, people only bring up acid and gastric juices, which irritate and inflame the esophageal lining. This causes heartburn.
If the condition is severe, the person can also regurgitate food as far as the mouth.
GERD is the chronic version of this condition. It involves frequent episodes of acid reflux. Repeated exposure to acid can permanently damage the esophageal lining, leading to strictures, Barrett’s esophagus, and in rare cases, cancer.
Around 80% of people with GERD report regurgitation, although the severity varies. In the mildest cases, a person might notice a slight bitter or sour taste compared to regurgitating undigested food at the other end. In around half of cases, people may also notice difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
Rumination Disorder
Rumination disorder is a rare eating disorder where a person experiences uncontrollable, frequent regurgitation lasting at least one month.
People with this condition will rechew, swallow, or even spit out their regurgitated stomach contents. It’s most common in young children and people with intellectual disabilities – however, it can persist into adolescence and adulthood.
Other Conditions
Overeating isn’t a condition but is a common cause of regurgitation. If the stomach capacity is filled, the food can back up into the esophagus. Similarly, obesity and pregnancy, due to increased pressure on the stomach, can cause regurgitation.
Other medical conditions include:
Achalasia – the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to relax, making it hard for food to enter the stomach.
Hiatal hernias – a condition where part of the stomach moves above the diaphragm, weakening the LES.
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) – a form of silent reflux where stomach contents reach the throat, often without heartburn.
Zenker’s diverticulum – a pouch that forms in the upper esophagus, trapping food. Often causing regurgitation hours after eating.
Esophageal stricture – a narrowing of the esophagus due to scar tissue. Linked to recurrent acid reflux.
Gastroparesis – delayed stomach emptying which occasionally causes regurgitation.
How to Prevent Regurgitation
Preventing regurgitation requiresmeans tackling the underlying cause. For most people, this involves treating GERD.
Follow these tips:
Don’t eat too much – especially before bed
Lose weight if obese or overweight
Sleep with your head 6 to 8 inches above the bed
Stop smoking
Avoid wearing tight clothing
Cut alcohol consumption
Limit certain foods, including spicy or fatty foods
If you’re experiencing regurgitation symptoms, don’t ignore them. Explore the possible causes and find out how our testing options can help you get the answers—and relief – you need.
