Are Antacids the New Wonder Drug?

Doctors are increasingly appreciating the effect of having a healthy digestive system on the overall health of a person. They have become more aware of how stress causes more acids to be produced in one’s stomach, which brings about a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Since it is related to heartburn and other stomach-related ailments, antacids have become the most commonly used medication around the world. Many patients, though it is not scientifically proven, have found relief in taking antacids regularly.
What are antacids and are they as beneficial as they seem to be? Simply put, this chalky pill is usually taken to ease one’s suffering from heartburn, acidity, or acid reflux. Within a short period of time, you probably feel some relief. Antacids are used both by adults and children, and both have reported relief.
Antacids can be divided into three types based on their components. These are magnesium antacids, calcium antacids, and sodium antacids. They are typically bases or basic salts that assist the patient to maintain the right balance of pH in his body. Acidity or heartburn happens when acids in the body are too much compared to bases, resulting in a pH imbalance. What happens when an antacid is taken is that the base balances the acid-base ratio, so the person winds up feeling better.
Other people report that taking antacids has helped them lose weight, leading to the thought that antacids could be a wonder drug. But what really happens is that the person who eats too much might be suffering from high levels of acidity, or what cartoons typically portray as a grumbling tummy. Many people mistake that sensation to mean that they are hungry, and they quickly gobble some food to make sure they are not undergoing hypoglycemia. In reality, what they are feeling is a stomach acid buildup. You get some relief when you eat something because it triggers your stomach to empty itself, expelling the acid in the process. This is why taking antacids can help tremendously in dealing with the grumbling sensation!
Although antacids have been known to give quick relief, this ease has also been known to be temporary. As a cure for heartburn or acid reflux, wherein acid from the stomach reaches the esophagus, antacids do give relief, but they are usually short-term. This is perhaps due to antacids being over-the-counter drugs and therefore made in low doses. This means they cannot be strong enough to handle chronic conditions.
You may think that because antacids are available without a prescription, you can take them daily just like vitamin supplements. Certainly, most antacids do not have any adverse side effects. But some actually experience symptoms like headache, upset stomach, or diarrhea, when high doses of antacids are taken for typically long periods. Also, the long term use of antacids in strong doses has been known to lead to a weakening of one’s bones.
This is also perhaps why antacids, when taken in limited amounts, can be safe for a pregnant woman to take. But you should remember that these medications can interfere with the effects of other medicines, which means that you should consult your doctor before taking any antacids.
As an alternative to synthetic antacids, perhaps you will benefit from learning what natural foods actually serve as antacids, or help your body balance your pH. Among these is cold milk; this is perhaps the reason why many people find it easier to sleep after taking a glass, as what happens is that the acidity in your stomach is greatly reduced. You can also opt for yogurt, coconut water, or a banana. Science has also shown that having enough fiber in your diet will also effectively prevent acidity, since fibers help to bind acid in a person’s body.
Now that you know the benefits and the risks of taking antacids, you can safely take them within boundaries and enjoy the relief they give you while steering clear of possible side effects. If anything, you can opt to alternate taking synthetic antacids with the natural food sources, or if you can actually keep your stress levels to a minimum, you will find that your need for antacids will also greatly diminish!