If you’ve experienced prolonged digestive issues, especially acid reflux and heartburn, then you may be aware of antacids—yes, the medication that you take before your meals. Antacids play a crucial role in neutralising the acid in your stomach to ease gastrointestinal problems like indigestion. But they serve other purposes too.
In a conversation with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Anurag Jindal, Senior Consultant-Medical Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, Patiala, discussed the role of antacids and shared insights on whether or not they are safe to take on a daily basis.
Also Read: If You're Suffering From Acidity, Here's The Right Way To Take Antacids As Per An Expert
What Are Antacids Used For?
Besides treating symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), including heartburn, regurgitation, and problems swallowing food, antacids can also be used to treat acid peptic disease and for H. Pylori eradication.
According to StatPearl Publishing, antacids are a combination of various compounds with various salts of calcium, magnesium, and aluminium as active ingredients, which are usually taken to alleviate pain, relieve pylorospasm, an involuntary muscle contraction in the lower part of the stomach, and avoid digestion and corrosion by acid chyme.
A study, published in the Journal of International Medical Research, suggests an antacid that increases gastric pH from 1.5-3.5 can reduce the concentration of gastric acid by 100-fold.
Is It Safe To Take Antacids Regularly?
Research suggests antacids are ‘self-prescribed’, meaning they are medications that do not require a prescription.
Citing data, Dr Jindal said, “70% people use them without prescription. More than 90% of hospitalised patients and 50- 70% of OPD patients are prescribed antacids.”
However, the doctor emphasised that antacids be used only with prescription and not for long periods of time. A person taking an antacid on a regular basis should also note that it can have certain side effects, including diarrhoea or constipation, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and flatulence.
Health Risks Of Long Term Antacid Use
Long term heavy use of antacids can lead to severe health complications. These include:
- Malabsorption of calcium and magnesium
- Vitamin B12 deficiency and iron deficiency, which can cause anaemia
- Increased risk of infections, especially C. difficile infection and pneumonia,
- Increased risk of dementia
- Acute or chronic kidney disease
Other Alternatives To Help Relieve Digestive Distress
Dr Jindal not only warned against the prolonged use of antacids, but he also stressed the importance of lifestyle and dietary modifications in easing gastrointestinal issues.
“Avoid fatty foods, caffeine, chocolate, spices, fats, carbonated beverages, and peppermint,” he advised, adding that people should stop tobacco usage, quit smoking, avoid alcohol consumption, and other addictions.
In cases of GERD symptoms, people can focus on making certain changes to their daily diet and lifestyle habits, including eating smaller and more frequent meals, keeping their heads elevated while sleeping, and refraining from lying down for at least two hours after a meal. One should also avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes and choose comfortable clothing to avoid acid reflux.