Heartburn begins as a burning pain that usually occurs in the middle of the chest near the collar bone. This radiating pain can be extremely painful especially if it isn't treated. Heartburn is more prevalent in pregnant women and the elderly. As most are aware, antacids can be used to help subside the pain. Heartburn is caused when the lower sphincter of the esophagus is weakened, therefore it opens when it shouldn't. The acid that is coming from the stomach causes irritation and pain. About 25 million American adults suffer from heartburn every single day.
Approximately 94% of heartburn sufferers find that their heartburn is food specific however it isn't always so easy to avoid to trigger foods. These adults are likely to abuse the seemingly harmless candy-like medication. According to an article I found, the most popular ingredients will often have side effects.
http://www.natural-reflux-cure.com/antacids.html
- Calcium Carbonate – May cause constipation or if over used may actually increase acid reflux instead of reducing it.
- Aluminum Hydroxide – Can cause constipation. Don’t take it if you have kidney problems. May also reduce phosphates in your blood required for energy. Aluminum is also coming under suspicion as a factor contributing to Alzheimer’s disease although this is far from conclusive.
- Magnesium Hydroxide and Magnesium Oxide – Diarrhea is a possible side effect. Don’t take it if you have kidney problems.
- Sodium Bicarbonate – Can change the salts in your blood changing its chemistry.
- Bismuth Salts – May cause Encephalopathy, a disease of the brain commonly called dementia.
By reducing stomach acid by overuse of these medications there are real consequences. It is recommended that you seek medical advice if you find yourself using an antacid everyday for more then two weeks.
