Antacids are a medicine that relieves heartburn and indigestion by reducing the amount of acid in our stomach. Antacids neutralize the acid (hydrochloric acid) in our stomach by stopping an enzyme that creates acid to break down food for digestion (pepsin). Antacids relieve symptoms that cause heartburn and indigestion which includes burning sensation in our chest or stomach, especially after eating, an acidic or sour taste in our mouth, feeling full or bloated, mild pain in our chest and stomach. A mild case refers to heartburn that happens occasionally or every once in a while rather than every day. The Food and Drug Administration approved antacids for treating mild cases of heartburn and indigestion may be consumed consulting a chemist but if the condition persists and continues for a longer period of time we need to consult doctors without further delay. Antacids also help to combat symptoms of acid reflux (GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease), stomach lining inflammation (gastritis), stomach ulcers. Antacids work quickly to relieve symptoms for a few hours. Antacids don't treat underlying medical conditions that cause symptoms. Though we may use antacids to relieve from GERD related problems but we have to be very careful if our dear ones are on a low-sodium diet, pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, is taking other medicines, under 12 years old, has heart disease, high blood pressure and experiencing liver or kidney diseases.
The active ingredients in antacids can vary depending on the type and brand. Some common ingredients are aluminum, calcium, magnesium in the form of hydroxides and carbonates, specifically Aluminum hydroxide, Calcium carbonate, Magnesium carbonate, Magnesium hydroxide, Magnesium Sodium bicarbonate. Along with these ingredients, methylpolysiloxane (MPS) is also added in some quality bands of antacids. Methylpolysiloxane (MPS) is an antiflatulent agent. It works by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles in the stomach, allowing them to combine and form larger bubbles. This makes it easier for the gas to be expelled from the digestive system, providing relief from bloating and gas discomfort.
Complications after taking an antacid mostly affect infants or people over the age of 65. Side effects could include constipation or diarrhea, gas (flatulence), headache, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps or pain in the abdomen. In addition, serious side effects could include a) Acid rebound: Antacids may cause our body to produce more acid, which worsens symptoms b) Neurotoxicity: An antacid changes the function of our nervous system by lowering sodium and potassium ions and thereby creating problems in sending nerve signals to our brain to act normally c) Microcytic anemia: Iron deficiency which may create many kinds of problems in our body d) Osteopenia: Weakened bones e) Hypercalcemia: Too much calcium in your blood.
So, we shouldn’t take antacids frequently. If we experience symptoms of heartburn or indigestion in a regular basis, we need to reach out to our doctor or healthcare provider to look into the cause of our symptoms. There are several types of other medicines which can treat heartburn or indigestion but they are not antacids because the ingredients work in different ways than those of antacids. Common medicines that are not antacids include a) Esomeprazole: Treats acid reflux and ulcers b) Famotidine: Treats stomach ulcers, esophagitis, GERD c) Omeprazole: Treats stomach and esophagus problems d)
Pantoprazole: Treats stomach and esophagus problems and GERD e) Simethicone: Treats gas and bloating.
Recent research study suggests that B vitamins [B1 (thiamine); B2 (riboflavin); B3 (niacin); B5 (pantothenic acid); B6; B7 (biotin); B12; Folic acid] may be beneficial to treat acid reflux. In fact, one study in UCL,UK found that increased intake of several B vitamins is associated with a lower risk of reflux esophagitis, a condition characterized by inflammation in the esophagus often caused by acid reflux.
B-vitamin sources Various company bands antacids tablets
Research study also suggests greater intakes of folate and vitamin B6 were linked to a lower risk of esophagus cancer and a condition called Barrett’s esophagus, both of which are potential complications of long-term GERD. Recently conducted research recommends after 40 days of treatment with B vitamins, 100% of those who took the supplement experienced complete relief from heartburn symptoms, compared with just 65% of those who took the antacids treatment. Some research has found that supplementing with probiotics may help decrease symptoms of acid reflux.
Now comes the most important point of interest why do we experience acidity & flatulence problems?
Research studies based on various medicinal journals reports the actual cause of acidity and flatulence. We all know our stomach secrets hydrochloric acid and pancreas secrets pepsin in regular intervals. The hydrochloric acid and pepsin plays fundamental role in digestion and their secretion depends upon individuals food habits and time of intervals between the foods to be taken. If an individual maintains it properly followed by adequate sleep there is no reason for feeling acidity or flatulence.
Usually, we should have different foods according to our choices in our daily routine in addition to main courses of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also there should not be a time gap of of more than 3-3.5 hours interval between the foods taken earlier and present. This process regulates proper hydrochloric acid and pepsin secretion in our digestive system we feel comfortable. Once, this routine fails for a period of time, we feel hungry due to excess secretion of hydrochloric acid and pepsin and if it continues for a longer period, hydrochloric acids starts effecting stomach walls and similarly pancreas by pepsin. Slowly this leads to “Acute acidity, flatulence, vomiting” syndromes and finally develops stomach and pancreatic “Ulcers” which in the long run may lead to the development of “Cancer” if not diagnosed timely using “Endoscopy” & “CT-Scan” techniques along with few blood tests.
So, as a responsible person one should not avoid taking timely foods in maintain proper intervals. Proper maintaining of consuming foods never creates “Acidity & Flatulence” problems and any individual can lead a healthy life without use of “Antacids”!
What are common food items to be consumed in interval times?
Puffed rice (murai) is the best “interval food” between main courses because of its many wonderful benefits. It helps to eliminate abdominal gas and in turn helps in treating a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders like abdominal distension, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, flatulence, peptic ulcer and gaseous cramps.
Puffed rice (murai/muri)
Various B-vitamin fruits are also best sources which we may use as “interval foods” depending upon our choices. Ginger containing snacks are rich in antioxidants and phenolic compounds. These may as good “interval foods” as well. Zinger itself if consumed in small amounts daily may provide health benefits, such as reducing inflammation associated with acid reflux. Also ginger's anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce the production of stomach acid. This may help relieve symptoms of acid reflux. Therefore, message is very clear, if an individual is following good regular routine of taking foods with adequate sleep, there is no question of development of acidity or flatulence problems. Also one should be very careful about drinking water. One individual (male/female) should drink 3 to 4 litres of pure water/day while children (below 12 years) should drink 3 litres/day. So even if you are very busy in your daily life and often skip your lunch you are advised to take small food items with proper time intervals to keep yoursel healthy.
Medical professionals with good clinical eyes always prefer and advice for “intermediate” food items depending upon individual’s choices rather than prescribing common antacids in order avoid the side effects.