How can antacids be harmful

Depending on which brand you select, different antacid ingredients provide different benefits: Alginic acid creates a foaming effect in the top of the stomach that helps prevent stomach acid from reaching the esophagus. Simethicone decreases bubbles of gas in the stomach. Three ways to prevent heartburn and reflux Once you have been diagnosed with heartburn or acid reflux and not something more serious, Dr. Related Stories. How football star Steve Bartkowski beat colon cancer.

Why are so many people going gluten-free? What is celiac disease? View all related stories. Share this story. Speak to a GP if you find you need to take antacids regularly.

Common types of antacids Many different types of antacid are available. Ingredients to look for include: aluminium hydroxide magnesium carbonate magnesium trisilicate magnesium hydroxide calcium carbonate sodium bicarbonate Some antacids also contain other medicines, such as an alginate which coats your gullet with a protective layer and simeticone which reduces flatulence. How and when to take antacids Check the instructions on the packet or leaflet to see how much antacid to take and how often.

Remember that doses for children may be lower than for adults. Taking antacids with food, alcohol and other medicines It's best to take antacids with food or soon after eating because this is when you're most likely to get indigestion or heartburn. The effect of the medicine may also last longer if taken with food. Side effects of antacids Antacids do not usually have many side effects if they're only taken occasionally and at the recommended dose.

Be proactive and discuss with your doctor when and why you find yourself popping antacids, so she can give you a concrete diagnosis and recommend the best solution. By Dr. Roshini Raj Updated December 21, These 8 diseases have fatigue as the main symptom.

Excessive use of antacids containing calcium carbonate may lead to hypercalcemia, or a condition known as milk-alkali syndrome. And that could be dangerous: Accumulation of calcium in the kidneys, GI tract, and the lungs—especially in blood vessels—may impair organ functionality due to poor blood flow and even lead to organ failure, he explains.

Luckily, this syndrome is reversible by stopping antacid use. Antacids containing calcium may also increase the excretion of calcium in the urine, which in turn can lead to the formation of kidney stones , says Glatter.

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