This is GERD Awareness Week. According to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, more than 21 million Americans suffer from GERD - Gastroesophogeal Reflux Disease. The week of awareness is designed to educate people about the symptoms and risks of GERD as well as promote lifestyle changes that can help prevent or lessen GERD-related symptoms:

• Keep a food log to track the foods and beverages that make your symptoms worse. Certain foods and beverages can compromise the esophageal sphincter including peppermint, citrus, caffeine and alcohol. Other foods have also been implicated - tomatoes, garlic, dairy products and high-fat meals. Wheat and other grains containing gluten (oats, barley and rye) are problems for some people. Learn what affects you.
• Stop drinking alcohol. Keep alcohol to a minimum if you do drink, and drink only with meals.
• Avoid coffee (including decaf). Coffee is a strong stomach irritant.
• Eat small meals. Large meals increase the upward pressure in the stomach and can cause problems even in people without GERD.
• Use DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice). Slowly chew two tablets or take a half-teaspoon of the powder before or between meals and at bedtime. Taper your dose after your symptoms are under control.
• Check your meds. Many prescription medications can trigger or worsen GERD, especially NSAIDS (aspirin, Motrin, Advil, etc.), birth control pills and some heart medications. Ask your doctor about alternatives.
• Avoid antacids, which only mask the symptoms. If you must use antacids, avoid those containing aluminum.

Getting the Right Vitamins
Too much of anything can be bad - including vitamins. That is why Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor is designed to provide you with the correct recommendation. The formulas available from the Vitamin Advisor complement each other, so whether you take two condition-specific formulas or five, you get the right amount for your age, gender and health history. We take the guesswork out of vitamins and supplements - visit today and get your free recommendation!

Today's Q&A: Is Blocking Stomach-Acid Bad?

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