I want to raise awareness about a common remedy that many people around the world use: antacids. Far too often, people reach for antacids to quickly relieve heartburn and indigestion. While these over-the-counter medications can provide short-term comfort, they come with significant side effects and are often taken for the wrong reasons. Let’s explore the hidden dangers of antacids and discover healthier alternatives to manage stomach acid imbalance.
Why do so many people use antacids?
Well, heartburn and dyspepsia are typical issues that can be quickly resolved with antacids, which are readily available over-the-counter. In addition, these drugs' aggressive marketing combined with your doctor's statement that "everyone uses it" make them a popular choice for many. But this ease of use hides the long-term risks associated with antacid use.
The side effects of long-term antacid use
There are several side effects associated with long-term antacid use, but I will focus on the most common and dangerous ones.
1. A lack of Vitamin B12
One of the major risks of prolonged antacid use is vitamin B12 deficiency. Stomach acid is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 from food. When you reduce stomach acid with antacids, you impair this absorption process, leading to:
One of the major risks of prolonged antacid use is vitamin B12 deficiency. Stomach acid is essential for the absorption of vitamin B12 from food. When you reduce stomach acid with antacids, you impair this absorption process, leading to:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Nervous system problems: such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet
- Cognitive issues: including memory problems and confusion
If you take antacids on a daily basis, you should check your B12 levels once a year. Despite being a basic medical procedure, it's easily forgotten.
2. Mineral deficiencies
Stomach acid is crucial for absorbing minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron. Long-term use of antacids can lead to deficiencies in these vital nutrients, resulting in health problems such as:
Stomach acid is crucial for absorbing minerals like magnesium, calcium, and iron. Long-term use of antacids can lead to deficiencies in these vital nutrients, resulting in health problems such as:
- Osteoporosis: due to calcium deficiency
- Muscle cramps and spasms: from low magnesium levels
- Anaemia: caused by iron deficiency
3. Increased risk of infections
Stomach acid acts as a barrier against harmful pathogens. Reducing stomach acid with antacids can make you more vulnerable to infections, such as:
Stomach acid acts as a barrier against harmful pathogens. Reducing stomach acid with antacids can make you more vulnerable to infections, such as:
- Pneumonia
- Gastrointestinal infections
4. Digestive issues
While antacids are used to treat heartburn and indigestion, they can also cause digestive issues like constipation or diarrhoea. This counterproductive effect highlights the complexity of managing stomach acid levels.
While antacids are used to treat heartburn and indigestion, they can also cause digestive issues like constipation or diarrhoea. This counterproductive effect highlights the complexity of managing stomach acid levels.
The counterproductive nature of antacids
Many people believe that heartburn and bloating are caused by too much stomach acid. However, these symptoms can actually indicate low stomach acid. Because when stomach acid levels are too low, food isn’t properly broken down, leading to fermentation and gas, which causes bloating and heartburn. In these cases, using an antacid can simply make things worse.
Healthy alternatives to antacids
Instead of reaching for antacids, consider these healthier approaches to managing stomach acid imbalance:
1. Give your food a good chew
Chewing your food well stimulates digestive enzymes and prepares your stomach for digestion, reducing the risk of indigestion and bloating.
Chewing your food well stimulates digestive enzymes and prepares your stomach for digestion, reducing the risk of indigestion and bloating.
2. Incorporate fermented foods
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir contain probiotics that support digestion and increase stomach acid production.
Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir contain probiotics that support digestion and increase stomach acid production.
3. Manage stress
Chronic stress can reduce stomach acid production. Incorporate stress management techniques like meditation, (deep) breathing exercises, and regular exercise to maintain healthy stomach acid levels.
Chronic stress can reduce stomach acid production. Incorporate stress management techniques like meditation, (deep) breathing exercises, and regular exercise to maintain healthy stomach acid levels.
4. Try apple cider vinegar
To improve digestion and elevate stomach acid levels, try consuming a glass of water with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar before meals.
To improve digestion and elevate stomach acid levels, try consuming a glass of water with a spoonful of apple cider vinegar before meals.
5. Use digestive bitters
Digestive bitters or bitter foods taken in small amounts before eating can stimulate digestive juices and enhance digestion.
Digestive bitters or bitter foods taken in small amounts before eating can stimulate digestive juices and enhance digestion.
6. Use fresh ginger
Chewing on fresh ginger, making tea from it, or incorporating it into your meals can provide similar relief to antacids. Research, as well as my patients' experiences, has shown that ginger is effective in soothing digestive discomfort and promoting overall digestive health.
Take action for better digestive health
If you're concerned about stomach acid imbalance and want to explore healthier alternatives to antacids, download my free eBook, "10 signs of stomach acid imbalance & how to fix it." This comprehensive guide provides insights into recognising the signs of low stomach acid and offers practical steps to improve your digestive health.
Understanding the role of stomach acid and making informed choices can significantly improve your overall health. Don’t let the convenience of antacids compromise your long-term well-being. Explore natural ways to balance your stomach acid and promote optimal digestion.
Stay healthy and informed!
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