by Elizabeth Smoots, M.D.
Almost everyone has indigestion occasionally - especially during the holidays when overeating is at an all-time high. It's probably okay to pop an antacid pill now and then; but many health authorities warn that taking antacids regularly may not be wise. Here's why.
Antacids neutralize stomach acid, which can ease discomfort. And, since ulcers may be caused by excess stomach acid, short-term use of antacids for them may make some sense. But most indigestion comes from faulty digestion, including lack of sufficient digestive juices and stomach acid. So the solution for chronic heartburn or indigestion is not continued use of antacids but finding the cause with the help of your health care provider.
Besides possibly aggravating your indigestion, popular antacid substances can have adverse effects:
? Magnesium hydroxide - diarrhea; reduced absorption of vitamins and minerals.
? Aluminum hydroxide-constipation; reduced phosphate levels leading to fatigue, poor appetite and bone loss; the presence of aluminum, which has been linked to Alzheimer's disease.
? Calcium carbonate acid rebound (when the antacid wears off, stomach acid suddenly shoots up); constipation; a potential disturbance in the body's calcium and phosphate levels called milk-alkali syndrome, which may lead to nausea, headache, weakness and kidney problems.
All antacids may reduce absorption of certain medications such as iron, digitalis and tetracycline; always check with your pharmacist. Many antacids contain lots of salt, which can elevate blood pressure. In addition, calcium carbonate antacids may not be an appropriate calcium source for some people. We need acid to absorb calcium, and since antacids neutralize some of the acid, they potentially reduce calcium absorption.
via: Words of Wellness, Dec. 2000,
via Re-Route (Evansville - www.ostomy. evansville. netimenunews. htm)
via Regina Ostomy News Mar-Apr 2001 |
