A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the stomach is above the diaphragm, the muscle wall that separates the stomach from the chest the diaphragm helps the les keep acid from coming up into the esophagus when a hiatal hernia is present, it is easier for the acid to come up in this way, a hiatal hernia can predispose to reflux. Garlic butter acid reflux. Acid reflux garlic butter 7 home remedies (