The NYU researchers sequenced bacteria DNA samples from the throats of 12 healthy people, 12 with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) and 10 with Barrett's.

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Soda is also associated with symptoms of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, when the contents of the stomach leak back up and cause a burning sensation in the esophagus.

CNN: Is drinking soda really that bad for you?

The goal is to tighten up or otherwise improve the faulty valve, called the esophageal sphincter, that lets acid reflux back into the esophagus.

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