Heartburn Medicine – Use And Side Effects

When heartburn hits the symptoms can be quit sever, from burning in the chest and throat to trouble swallowing and feeling of choking. Heartburn medication can give some relief from heartburn by reducing the symptoms. It is important to know that it does not cure the heartburn but only removes the symptoms, the cause of the heartburn is still there. Knowing the different kinds of medicine will help you in choosing the right on.

Antacids:

Antacids are over the counter medication, they work by neutralizing the stomach acid. They give fast relief and might seem harmless. If only used once in a while they are more or less harmless but if used on a regular basis they can be quit harmful to your body. Let’s look at the main ingredients in antacids.

1. Aluminum salts: Aluminum salts are known to hinder the absorption of phosphates. This can lead to loss of appetite, constipation, and weak bones. Aluminum salts can cause patients with Alzheimer's disease to become worse, aggravate kidney disease and cause problems for most bone disorders.

2. Calcium salts: Calcium salts if taken in excess can cause headaches, constipation and urinary tract disorders.

3. Sodium bicarbonate: Sodium bicarbonate has a laxative effect. But more important it can affect blood pressure and if taken in excess causes swollen legs and feet.

In addition, antacids are known to interfere with absorption of minerals, vitamins and medication, more specific antibiotics. It is important to remember if you are using antibiotics not to use antacids at the same time.

H2 Blockers or H-2 Receptor Antagonists:

H2 blockers come both as prescription medicine and over the counter. The difference is only in the strength, where the prescribed drug being the stronger. H2 blockers work by blocking the body's ability to produce acid. Their effect lasts longer than antacids and they are often taken only morning and evening. The biggest problem with H2 blockers are that when the stomach is not producing much acid it will have trouble digesting food. The undigested food will literally rot inside the stomach and intestines. Rotten food causes constipation but much, much worse is all the toxins that are released into the body. These toxins can cause:

Chronic fatigue
Adrenal complications
Thyroid problems
Chronic Arthritis pain
Weight gain/weight loss
Memory loss and Alzheimer's-like symptoms
Insomnia

H2 blockers are only a short term solution and should be used with care. Just like antacids they only treat the symptoms of heartburn but they don’t do anything about the real cause of the condition.

Proton Pump Inhibitors:

Proton Pump Inhibitors also work by stopping the stomach producing acid. They are stronger and more effective in reducing the acid in the stomach than H2 blockers. Their side effects are the same as the H2 blockers.

There are of course other alternatives to treating heartburn. You can safely and naturally treat your heartburn and be permanently free from it. This does require some changes in lifestyle and diet. But the rewards are great. A life without worries and pain.

By: Adam P Johnson

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