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Why Antacids Will Never Cure Heartburn

Modern medicine is all about chasing symptoms . Most doctors also hold the false belief that excess levels of stomach acid cause heartburn and acid reflux. As a result, the most common treatments for these problems are to reduce stomach acid levels with antacids such as Tums, Rolaids or Alka-Seltzer. Or to use acid suppressors such as Nexium, Prilosec or Zantac. Antacids work by neutralizing existing stomach acid. Suppressants are much more invasive. This is because they prevent the stomach from producing acid. Most conventional medical treatments aim to relieve symptoms but do nothing to address what’s causing them. Conventional treatments for heartburn and acid reflux are even more flawed;…

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 Over-the-counter antacids for heartburn

The following over-the-counter remedies for heartburn neutralize digestive acids in the stomach and esophagus and work well for people with mild, occasional symptoms. While many people find tablets more convenient, liquids can provide faster relief.

Articles of Interest

An expert opinion on antacids: A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy

Antacids are a group of drugs that have been on the market for years. In the 19th century, the popularity of antacids grew, and they were used for the treatment of various gastric disorders. Antacids are a combination of various salts of magnesium, calcium, or aluminum that provide symptomatic relief from hyperacidity as well as other associated conditions by neutralizing the gastric acid directly, thereby, raising the gastric pH, attenuating pepsin activity, restoring acid-base balance, and increasing bicarbonate and prostaglandin secretion.

Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management

The effectiveness of each antacid depends on its neutralizing and buffering capacity. Manufacturers of antacids often reformulate some products to improve their palatability and organoleptic properties for a better consumer experience. Thus, several antacid products are available in the market, each claiming a relative advantage over one another, baffling physicians and the public with choices

Are Tums or Rolaids Good for Heartburn?

Gastroenterologists generally do not prescribe calcium carbonate-containing antacids such as Tums or Rolaids. The reason for this is a phenomenon called acid-rebound. Calcium carbonate-containing antacids, unlike other over-the-counter antacids, stimulate the release of gastrin from the distal stomach and duodenum.

Common Over-the-Counter Products for Acid Reflux

One of the most common relievers of heartburn and acid reflux is antacids. Antacids don’t treat the underlying problem, but they do relieve the pain. They are made of very “basic” chemicals (the opposite of acidic), such as calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, and/or sodium bicarbonate.

Hard to swallow: the problem with taking too many antacids

We eat millions of indigestion tablets every year, which would be perfectly safe if we took them correctly. But we don’t.

How Antacids Relieve Heartburn

Luckily, there are medical drugs, called antacids, which can help relieve heartburn pain. But how do antacids work, and how effective are they?

Study Finds Misuse of Antacids Can Bring Magnesium Poisoning

"Maalox and Mylanta -- people just drink them like water," said Dr. Man C. Fung, lead author of a study of the problem in the August issue of The Archives of Family Medicine. "They don't even think about it."

The Best Antacids to Take When You Have Heartburn

Whether you have GERD or just ate something really spicy, these over-the-counter antacids and acid blockers can provide big relief.

The Dangers and Side Effects of Antacids

Can Taking Antacids Daily Be Harmful? In short, yes. There’s a pretty good reason the bottle says to not continuously pop antacids on a daily basis. Unfortunately, taking some medications too frequently can cause issues within the body. Antacids are particularly concerning because they are technically also a dietary supplement - calcium.

Tums® (Calcium Carbonate) and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Tums® (calcium carbonate) is a medication used to treat high levels of phosphorus in the body. This pamphlet explains why people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) need this medication and how to use it.

Why Antacids Are Flying Off The Shelves Like They're The New Toilet Paper

People suffering from “pandemic stomach” are buying up Tums, Pepcid and other over-the-counter antacids like they’re the new toilet paper.

Resources

7 Surprising Things That Can Happen If You Take Antacids Too Often

Before you pop another one, consider these potential side effects.

StatPearls

Antacids are a group of drugs that have been on the market for many years. They were initially first-line defense against peptic ulcer disease; however, the discovery of proton pump inhibitors revolutionized the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. Currently, antacid use is restricted to relieve mild intermittent gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with associated heartburn.

Gaviscon

The science behind doctor-recommended Gaviscon antacids is simple. In addition to its fast-acting, acid-neutralizing properties, Gaviscon is the only antacid product that provides long-lasting relief.

Maalox

The Maalox line acts quickly against stomach problems.

Mylanta

When you’re looking for fast, powerful relief from heartburn, acid indigestion and gas, choose Mylanta liquid. Mylanta is the liquid antacid/anti-gas that consumers choose...

Tums

TUMS is trusted by millions of people every year to provide fast, heartburn relief. TUMS is a true original. Unlike other antacids, TUMS is not available as a private label. Haleon – the maker of TUMS – does not produce generic store-brand products. That’s what makes TUMS different, and buying store-brand is not the same experience. Accept no imitations – reach for original, fast-acting TUMS as soon as the pain of heartburn strikes.