Gastro Esophageal | Smart Food NOW

Erita Habtom

Clinical Pharmacist at Southlake Regional Health Centre

Pharmacist

Newmarket, ON

Ms. Cristina Alarcon

BSc. (Pharm)

Pharmacist

West Vancouver, BC

Dr. Alan Low

BSC (Pharm), PharmD, ACPR, FCSHP, CCD, RPh

Pharmacist

Vancouver, BC

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of your esophagus. GERD is caused by frequent acid reflux. When you swallow, a circular band of muscle around the bottom of your esophagus (lower esophageal sphincter) relaxes to allow food and liquid to flow into your stomach.

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<p> Registered Dietician, discusses gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).</p>

Registered Dietician, discusses gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Knowledge is Power.

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True/False - Quiz: Do You Understand Supplements & Vitamins?

Quiz: Do You Understand Supplements & Vitamins?

Test your knowledge by answering the following questions:

Questions

True

False

Vitamins don't require a prescription, but supplements do.

Explanation:

Vitamins and supplements don't require a prescription. They generally come in the form of a pill, powder or liquid.

A vitamin B1 deficiency may affect your mental health.

Explanation:

The brain uses vitamin B1 to help convert glucose into energy. A vitamin B1 deficiency can affect brain function, and has been associated with anxiety, depression, memory loss and insomnia.

You don't need to consult your physician or pharmacist before taking vitamins or supplements.

Explanation:

Some vitamins and supplements interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Others may not be safe to take if you have certain medical conditions. Consult your health care provider before starting a new vitamin or supplement.

Supplements and vitamins are never substitutes for a balanced diet.

Explanation:

It's essential to get as many vitamins and nutrients as possible from healthy food sources. However, some people need to take supplements to fill in a gap in their diet. For example, a vegan may need to take vitamin B12, as it's only found naturally in foods from animal sources.

Women over 50 and men over 70 need more calcium than younger people.

Explanation:

As we age, we lose more calcium than our body can absorb, which can weaken bones and lead to osteoporosis. Older adults often benefit from a calcium supplement to promote healthy bones.

Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) - Acid Reflux and Diet

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is when your lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly, meaning that often times, contents from your stomach can go back up into your esophagus.

Common food triggers of GERD include spicy foods, high fat foods, alcohol, caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits and juices, as well as mint flavorings.