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What is an antacid?
An antacid is an agent that neutralizes excess acidity, especially in the stomach. A number of substances are
classified as acid neutralizing agents. Some require a doctor’s prescription but many are available on the shelves of
your local pharmacy. Antacids are used to alleviate heartburn, or indigestion, which occurs when acid moves from its
natural place in the stomach up into the esophagus, causing burning pains under the sternum or at the base of the
esophagus. Other symptoms include general discomfort and an unpleasant sensation of fullness. All these symptoms can
interfere with everyday activities, so for speedy relief sufferers often reach for an antacid.
How do antacids work?
After you eat or drink, your stomach produces acid to assist digestion. But certain habits such as overeating, eating too fast, consuming spicy or fatty foods, or using alcohol and tobacco can cause the stomach to produce an excess amount of acid. The result may be sour stomach or acid indigestion (heartburn), a burning sensation that starts in the stomach and moves upward through the chest into the throat. In many cases, incidences of upset stomach and heartburn can be reduced in frequency or stopped altogether by simple changes in diet and lifestyle. However, the use of antacids or acid controllers has become a common quick remedy for this problem. Antacids work by neutralizing acid in the stomach, though depending on brand and type they differ greatly in their reaction time and neutralizing capacity Americans currently spend nearly $1 billion per year on these popular over-the-counter preparations. But these convenient products may not always be necessary, and they have their dark side if used improperly -- which means taking too much of an antacid over a short period, relying on antacids habitually over a long period, or using them if certain physical disorders exist.
What are the possible negative effects of antacids?
Adverse reactions to antacids are known to include bowel changes, as evidenced by such problems as flatulence, diarrhea, or constipation. Frequent and prolonged use of antacids can have more serious consequences, including irreparable harm to the heart, kidneys, or bones. Regular use can also cause an electrolyte imbalance, possibly affecting the muscles, heart, and other organs. Further, protracted use of antacids may cause a persistently low level of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which over time leads to depletion of the body's store of chloride. And in the long term chloride loss can only aggravate the very condition these products are designed to alleviate in the short term. This produces a vicious cycle of dependency, or addiction, which over time can only worsen the chloride deficiency.
Even if used only occasionally and in moderation, antacids can aggravate certain medical conditions, such as renal or cardiac disorders. Also, food cannot be digested properly if stomach acid is excessively neutralized, and this can lead to digestive problems and poor nutrient absorption that in turn impact overall health.
Finally, as stated by Hugo Gallo-Torres, M.D., who works with the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, "If you do take an antacid, remember that what you're taking is a drug." He further advises, “Ideally, though, it's always better to try dealing with heartburn and indigestion--at least initially--without taking any medications at all, or by avoiding trouble in the first place."
For those who experience occasional heartburn, Cell Tech is pleased to offer Contain, a new, low antacid product designed to bring relief naturally. Unlike common antacids, Contain acts only mildly to neutralize stomach acid—rather, by forming a protective buffer to help keep stomach acid where it belongs, it gently relieves symptoms of occasional heartburn.* Besides being formulated with enzymes to help reduce indigestion at the outset, Contain also includes Omega Sun® algae for added nutritional value.* All in all, Contain provides an ideal combination of beneficial, natural ingredients that can help alleviate the stressful effects of occasional heartburn.*
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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