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.
(Methyl poly siloxane)
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.
