Consume with caution!

Many of us have the habit of taking an antacid to get relief from acidity, bloating, gas, overeating or sometimes even a hangover. In the quest for seeking instant relief, we often take it in a powder, tablet or syrup form. Plus, you don’t need a prescription, as they’re easily available over-the-counter (OTC). 

Their purpose

Antacids are used by people for acid-related complaints, says Dr Rakesh Patel, gastroenterologist, Fortis Hospital, adding “Antacids are aluminum-based, magnesium-based, calcium-based or semithicone (an anti-foaming agent used to reduce bloating, discomfort or pain caused by excessive gas)-based. People pop pills or consume liquid antacids to get relief from heartburn or gases in the body.”

Why people consume it frequently

Luke Coutinho, MD, alternative medicine and holistic nutritionist, says that every one in three people takes antacids. “That’s the rate at which antacids are sold today. This is primarily because most health professionals prescribe it like candy and keep patients unaware of the dangerous side-effects of its prolonged use. It’s popular because it provides quick relief, which is temporary. The sad part is that because of the quick relief it gives, it blinds people from making lifestyle changes, which is actually the root cause of acidity,” he says, adding that another reason why people take antacids so often is because hardly anyone is prescribed vitamin B and probiotic supplement with a necessary medication. Acidity is a common side-effect of most medications (like antibiotics) and that wipes out all the essential bacteria and vitamins from the gut, which causes the body to produce more acid thereby, increasing the need to pop an antacid.

The elderly prone to overuse

Overuse of antacids can complicate problems, especially in the elderly who have other medical issues. This can lead to either constipation or diarrhoea, opines Dr Patel, saying that elderly patients are at an increased risk as they have existing problems like diabetes and hypertension. Those who consume these antacids and who are genetically prone to develop kidney stones, may face a problem due to the calcium content in these antacids.

Side-effects

Coutinho is of the opinion that antacids do irreversible damage to our health starting from digestion issues to low iron and haemoglobin levels to leaky gut, IBS issues and fatty liver. “Its regular consumption neutralises the stomach pH levels, thus, interfering with protein digestion. Due to this, larger/undigested particles of food enter the intestine and poke holes on its walls leading to leaky gut and autoimmunity. The innocent looking pills contain aluminium, which after a prolonged use acts as a toxin to our body linked to Alzheimer’s, decreased kidney function as well as osteoporosis. Antacids also contain magnesium that again target kidneys and can cause diarrhoea,” he says.

Dr Patel says that those patients with underlying heart diseases, who consume antacids frequently are at a risk of heart failure or renal failure as this increases the volume of liquids. However, this stands true only in rare cases. 

“Frequent use of antacids can suppress the symptoms of stomach cancer. If consumed continuously for many years, these antacids can cause serious problems to the lungs, kidneys or heart. Some common group of antacids are proton pump inhibitors (a group of drugs whose main action is a pronounced and long-lasting reduction of gastric acid production) like omeprazole and pantoprazole,” says Dr Roy Patankar, gastroenterologist, Zen Hospital.

Make simple lifestyle changes

The foremost change is eating 80 per cent alkaline and 20 per cent acidic foods, advises Coutinho. He says the problem begins when our diet shifts towards excessive intake of acid forming foods especially processed foods. Sugar, salt, refined flour, trans fats, sodas, alcohol, tea, coffee are major triggers and the lifestyle change is obviously cutting down all of that. Also, adequate hydration helps curb acidity. He recommends specific foods that one could include in the daily nutrition plan:
- Including alkaline foods/drinks: Lemon water, broccoli, bottle gourd, cucumber, apple cider vinegar, barley water, aloe vera juice, wheatgrass juice.
- Chewing fennel/ajwain seeds post meals.
- Eating banana, watermelon, coconut water, yoghurt, buttermilk, basil seed (sabja) that give a nice soothing effect