NATS - June 2017 Vocal Health and Wellness Blog

How do singers cope with acid reflux?

NATS Wellness Coordinator Wendy LeBorgne, Ph.D. CCC-SLP, is joined by Marci Rosenberg, M.S. CCC-SLP, singer and licensed speech language pathologist and research investigator at University of Michigan Vocal Health Center. The topic of discussion is acid reflux and the challenges that singers face when trying to manage it. LeBorgne and Rosenberg are co-authors of "The Vocal Athlete," a must-have for the speech pathologist, singing voice specialist, and vocal pedagogue.

Following the filming of the webchat on Reflux with Marci Rosenberg, we were having an ‘off-camera’ discussion about one major supplement that a lot of singers use when sick that has the potential to severely agitate reflux (and potentially make the voice worse). The supplement that we were discussing is Emergen-C. It is both the amount and concentration of ASCORBIC ACID (which is a synthetic form of Vitamin C) and CITRIC ACID that have the potential for increased reflux.

Here is a link to the product information. Click this link (https://www.emergenc.com/products/everyday) , choose the Emergen-C product you use, and then look at the amount of Vitamin C (ASCORBIC ACID – which is a genetically modified version of Vitamin C) by clicking on ‘INGREDIENTS’ and finally look at PAGE 2 where the OTHER INGREDIENTS are – which include CITRIC ACID – but it doesn’t say ‘how much’.

As always, be sure to consult with your medical practitioner regarding your personal health risks and benefits with any medication or supplement.
~Dr. Wendy

 

Share your "Voice for Wellness" comments on Facebook @OfficialNATS