A Comprehensive Review of Antacid and Its Side Effects

Before we elaborate about side effects of antacids it's imperative to know about what they are and what they can do. 

Antacids - A Description and How They Work

Antacids are a classification of drugs used to treat conditions brought on due to the acid that is generated by the stomach. The stomach normally secretes an acid called hydrochloric acid that aids in the breaking down of proteins. This acid makes the contents of the stomach to be acidic in nature, with a pH level of 2 or 3 when acid secretion is active. (pH levels are a gauge of acidity in the stomach: a lower number means, a greater acidity.)

The stomach, duodenum, and esophagus remain safe from acid through many protective mechanisms. When there is excessive acid or protective mechanisms are

deficient, the lining of the stomach, duodenum or esophagus may become damaged by the acid, leading to inflammation and ulcerations; and their range of gastrointestinal symptoms, for example, nausea, abdominal pain, and heartburn (because of gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD).

Antacids decrease acidity by neutralizing the acid, decreasing the acidity in the stomach, and decreasing the amount of acid that is refluxed into the esophagus or purged into the duodenum. Antacids additionally work by repressing the activity of pepsin, a digestive enzyme generated in the stomach that is active only in an acid environment, and like acid is known to be harmful to the lining of the stomach, duodenum, and esophagus.

It is significant to keep in mind that when antacids are taken on an empty stomach they cause acid decrease for 20 to 40 minutes simply because the antacid is quickly unloaded into the duodenum. When taken following a meal, (around 1 hour afterward) antacids decrease acid for no less than three hours because food from the meal slows the emptying of the antacid (and food) from the stomach.

It is crucial to discuss the usage of antacids with a doctor, particularly if used together with other prescriptions in order to avoid drug interactions. 

The Conditions Antacids are Used

Antacids are utilized typically for symptoms, like, heartburn, abdominal pain (in some cases described as the acrid stomach) and nausea caused due to various conditions, for example, inflammation or acid-peptic ulcers of the esophagus (esophagitis), stomach (gastritis), and duodenum (duodenitis).

Aluminum carbonate antacids can be utilized to treat and control hyperphosphatemia (unnaturally high levels of phosphate in the blood); as they bind phosphate in the intestine and don’t allow it to be absorbed into the body. Due to this ability to bind phosphate in the intestine, aluminum carbonate antacids additionally can be utilized with a low phosphate diet to thwart the creation of kidney stones; as kidney stones are formed from different elements including phosphates.

Now let’s discuss Antacid side effects.

Negative Effects of Acid-Suppressing

The suppressing of acid can lead to various health complications. Incidentally, stomach acid does more than prepare food for digestion. It has an important function of aiding the absorption of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Like, vitamin B12 should be absorbed in the stomach. Without acid, this can cause the malabsorption of B12 and numerous other nutrients. Nutrient B12 is required for the body's metabolism and also maintaining the functions of the central nervous system (CNN).

Stomach acid furthermore eliminates any bacteria present inside the food we eat. Of course, with lower levels of acid the risk of food poisoning and bacterial infections, for example, E-coli increase.

Negative Effects on the Digestive System 

The most dangerous Antacid side effect is that its abuse can upset the micro bacterial balance of the digestive system. The key element, that assures the health of your digestive system and your entire body, is the good bacteria or microflora that lines the walls of your intestines. There are actually billions of these microscopic bacteria. They act as a defensive wall that prevents diseases causing bacteria and toxins from overrunning your body. They furthermore aid in the functions of absorption and removal. And if that wasn't sufficient they additionally bolster your body's immune system.

However, the important point is, these bacteria can be easily destroyed by the abuse of antacids and antibiotics. Once this happens the bad bacteria and the fungal infections, like, Candida has a free hand to spread and cause destruction in your digestive system. Once these bad bacteria etc., assume control there starts a steady breakdown of the body's digestive health starting with indigestion, bloating gas, loose bowels, and constipation. This over time progresses to more chronic conditions of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. 

Conclusion

The most important point to note is to use the Antacids as a temporary measure.