The Terrible Truth About Antacids
Many people routinely use antacids for relief of heartburn or as a calcium
supplement. The truth is that both of these choices are usually nutritionally
unsound.
The Bottom Line
Stomach acid is required for good digestion. Poor digestion produces heartburn.
People with heartburn take antacids. Antacids reduce stomach acid. OOPS. Stomach
acid is required for good calcium absorption. Calcium carbonate antacids
neutralize the stomach acid needed for their absorption. OOPS. The stomach’s job
is to produce and hold digestive acid and enzymes. When antacids are used
regularly, the stomach senses this and, over time, increases its acid production
rate set point. Taking antacids to reduce acid can lead to the production of
excessive acid. OOPS.
Indigestion
Often, it is a LACK of stomach acid, not an excess that creates symptoms of
indigestion. Naturopathic physicians have found that supplementary digestive
acid and enzyme supplements can improve digestion and thus eliminate symptoms of
indigestion. Lack of stomach acid can also result in food allergies, nausea
after taking supplements and rectal itching. It can be indicated by weak
fingernails, anemia, chronic parasites, fungal infections, and acne.
Heartburn and Gastric Reflux
Most digestive discomfort is a feeling of gaseous bloated fullness. The pain
feels like burning that radiates upward. Heartburn is most often the result of
gastric juices refluxing up into the esophagus above the stomach. The discomfort
of heartburn usually gets worse if you lie down because this makes it easier for
gastric juices to back up. What could make normal stomach digestive fluids flow
up where they don’t belong? Usually overeating or factors such as obesity or
pregnancy act to displace the contents of the stomach. Also smoking, alcohol,
coffee, soft drinks, fried foods, etc., can weaken the sphincter muscle between
the stomach and the esophagus. This muscle normally forms a one-way valve that
prevents gastric reflux.
The Problem of Gastric Ulcers
The stomach contains both hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin which
are required for digestion of proteins. These are both normal and desirable but
are also capable of digesting the stomach, which is made mostly of protein. The
stomach normally produces a mucus coating that lines the inside to protect it
from being digested. The best healing approach is to help the stomach to produce
a healthy protective coating.
What do Antacids do?
Antacids reduce the acidity of the stomach by chemically absorbing or
neutralizing some of the hydrochloric acid. Reducing stomach acid can
temporarily relieve irritation of a weakened or exposed stomach lining. It can
also reduce the acidity of stomach contents which become refluxed into the
esophagus.
What About Antacids as Calcium Supplements to Avoid Osteoporosis?
Some antacids contain calcium carbonate and are advertised as calcium
supplements. Calcium carbonate is an insoluble salt that must be ionized by
stomach acid before it can be absorbed. About 40 percent of post- menopausal
women (who are often concerned about osteoporosis) are severely deficient in
stomach acid and can only absorb about 4% of the calcium in this form. Calcium
carbonate greatly increases the risk of kidney stones, particularly when milk is
also used regularly. Here is one for your "haven’t-got-a-clue" file. Hippocrates
magazine, May/June 1990 recommends: "Take [antacid calcium] supplements with
meals, when there is enough acid in your stomach to aid absorption." There are
MUCH better forms of calcium. Although calcium citrate, for instance, is also an
antacid, it is already in a form that the body can use and is absorbed much more
effectively.
Calcium Carbonate and Acid Rebound
Calcium carbonate is especially fast-acting. Within a few hours, however, the
body will overcompensate by producing an extra surge of acid.
Problems with Sodium Bicarbonate
When used for long periods of time, sodium bicarbonate can cause increased
acidity throughout the body. Highly acidic body chemistries (systemic alkalosis)
are involved in health problems such as arthritis, kidney stones, nausea and
mental confusion.
Aluminum Hydroxide and Bone Loss
Antacids containing aluminum can contribute to phosphate deficiency when used
for long periods of time. This is because the phosphate in food reacts with the
aluminum in the antacid to form a solid material that is simply
passed in the stool. In order to keep enough phosphorus in the blood, the body
will take it out of bones. Bone demineralization is especially a problem for the
older people who tend to use these products regularly.
Aluminum and Impaired Mental Function
Although the FDA and manufacturers say that aluminum in antacids is not
absorbed, studies since 1986 have show that it is; especially in cases of kidney
problems and in the presence of acidic foods such as citrus fruits or soda pop.
There is increasing evidence that aluminum is involved in Alzheimer’s disease,
Parkinson’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s disease and some other nervous system
problems.
Magnesium in Antacids
Magnesium salts such as magnesium-oxide, magnesium-hydroxide and
magnesium-carbonate are often used. Although they are milder antacids, they are
also laxative and can cause diarrhea. They can be a problem for people with poor
kidney function.
Other Side Effects of Antacids
Use of antacids can cause bowel irregularities including constipation, nausea
and diarrhea with occasional vomiting. They can lead to kidney stones,
demineralization of bones, bone pain and muscle weakness with cramping. They can
be counted on to produce malabsorption of nutrients.
Diseases Related to Low Stomach Acid
When food, especially protein, is insufficiently digested into very small
molecules, larger molecules can be absorbed by the body. These "foreign
invaders" trigger the immune system and produce food allergies. When a person
doesn’t get full benefit from their foods, even the best diet can be inadequate.
You can’t assimilate nutrients until they have been adequately broken down by
digestion. The list of diseases that have been associated with low gastric
acidity include, but are not limited to: Anemia, arthritis, asthma, autoimmune
diseases, celiac disease, dermatitis, diabetes, eczema, gallbladder problems,
hepatitis, lupus, osteoporosis, psoriasis and problems with over- and
under-active thyroid glands.
The following are safe digestive aids:
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