Antacids are a class of medicine used to treat heartburn and indigestion. These medications are readily accessible without a prescription, being available over-the-counter (OTC) and are the most often recommended medicine by physicians prescribing antibiotics. The indiscriminate prescription and use of antacids have led to an unseen health risk. I discuss these risks and alternatives below.
Antacids work quickly to reduce the amount of acid in your stomach, addressing the problem symptomatically whilst failing to treat the fundamental underlying causes of heartburn and indigestion.
Antacids, are utilized in the treatment of heartburn and indigestion by rapidly reducing gastric acid production, most are now PPI ( proton pump inhibitors). These agents operate by neutralizing stomach acid, effectively inhibiting an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of food during digestion, known as pepsin. It is essential to understand that this enzymatic inhibition can potentially compromise overall bodily health, as the lack of proper digestion leads to poor nutrient absorption. Consequently, vital nutrients within the ingested food remain unavailable for absorption, resulting in minimal nutritional benefits as the food transits through the digestive system.
What ingredients are in antacids?
Antacids may contain various active ingredients, depending on the specific type and brand. Some common components include: aluminium, calcium, magnesium and salts (sodium), specifically:
Alginate.
Aluminium hydroxide.
Calcium carbonate.
Magnesium carbonate.
Magnesium hydroxide.
Magnesium trisilicate.
Sodium bicarbonate.
Dangers of Dietary Acids in Combination with Aluminium Hydroxide.
It is important to note that citrate or citric acid can enhance the absorption of aluminium hydroxide. This can lead to elevated blood levels of aluminium, which can be particularly concerning for individuals with reduced kidney function, as aluminium is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Excessive aluminium levels can accumulate in various tissues, potentially leading to issues in the bone, brain, heart, liver, muscles, and spleen. Over time, this may result in weak bones, bone pain, fractures, skeletal deformities, brain disorders, and anaemia.
The mechanism of pathogenesis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown. In a study of 200 PD patients and 200 age- and sex-matched controls, a research, Strang noted a marked and statistically significant higher incidence of ulcers (diagnosed by X-ray or surgery) in the PD patients compared to the controls (14% to 4%). These results have been discussed but never explained. Studies have shown increased concentrations of aluminium in the substantia nigra of PD patients compared to controls. Aluminium is thought to be a cellular toxin. The researcher has suggested that aluminium, and in particular aluminium-containing antacids may contribute to the pathogenesis of idiopathic PD - Altschuler E.Med Hypotheses. 1999 Jul;53(1):22-3. doi: 10.1054/mehy.1997.0701.
It is a source of ongoing astonishment that despite the availability of naturally occurring, highly safe antacids, individuals persist on poisoning themselves through reliance on conventional medical practitioners.
Safer Alternatives to Conventional Antacids
DGL ( De-glycyrrhizinated licorice) https://www.amsarveda.com/product-page/dgl has been proven as a safe and effective antacid.
Additionally, a novel patented formula developed by Dr. Pratima Tatke and Dr. Vikram Naharwar containing a popular fruit rind that has undergone extensive clinical trials and safety trials has demonstrated superior effectiveness in comparison to traditional antacids, with a 100% safety profile.