Can Taking Too Much Antacids Cause Health Problems?
Many times, when you suffer from heartburn or acid reflux, do you pop a heartburn pill to stop the comfort? It is only a short-term solution to your problem, not a long term solution.
Is taking too much antacids harmful to health?
According to Dr. Anish Sheth, a gastroenterologist and assistant professor of medicine at Yale University, says antacid overdose is seldom a problem for most Americans.
“The main concern is developing electrolyte abnormalities like hypercalcemia from ingesting too much calcium,” Sheth told FoxNews.com.
Hypercalcemia, or an overabundance of calcium in your blood, can cause constipation, abdominal pain, excessive thirst and nausea, according to the Mayo Clinic web site. These symptoms typically occur in severe cases only.
Over-the-counter antacids come in pills, chewable tablets, powders, liquid and chewing gum that neutralize acid in the esophagus. They are the safest way to subdue symptoms of heartburn; just pay close attention to the directions and dosage on the label, Sheth said.
“They are good because they work quickly and are OK for people who have infrequent symptoms, like after a big meal or drinking binge,” Sheth said.
If you’re not into popping antacid pills all day, there are other lifestyle changes that can lessen the frequency of heartburn. Diet plays a big role in the frequency and severity of heartburn. Avoiding certain foods like tomato products, caffeine, chocolate and alcohol can help. Losing weight may also benefit a patient suffering from acid reflux.
But for some people, over-the-counter medications and changes in lifestyle don’t provide enough relief.
“For people who have symptoms more than 2-3 times per week, stronger medications, which decrease the acidity of stomach juices, are better,” Sheth said. “Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prevacid and Prilosec are the strongest medications and resolve symptoms in a majority of patients.”
Acid reflux can be a particularly bothersome medical condition because it often tends to be chronic, affecting some people on a daily basis. But at what point do heartburn sufferers need to see a gastroenterologist about their condition?
“If you have worsening symptoms despite taking medications, are older than 50, or a family history of esophageal cancer, you should see your doctor,” he said.
Other red flag symptoms include trouble swallowing, weight loss or irregular bleeding.
[Source: FoxNews]
My view: Taking medication is not a long time solution. As a short-term relief, it is all right. Still, it is always better to use natural therapy to cure your heartburn acid reflux problem. Long-term medication can cause side effects.
If you are interested to cure your heartburn naturally without taking any medication, you will like to check this out:
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