![]() ![]() As long as you’re taking this product, you don’t need another calcium supplement for bone loss. Nevertheless, even something as benign as this supplement increases your risk for rebound reflux when you quit, so taper your dosage gradually or over several weeks. More recent research suggests that it can also improve esophageal movements (peristalsis), clearing more acid. This mineral neutralizes esophageal acid and can prevent reflux. Products that contain calcium carbonate- like Tums, Rolaids, and even Os-Cal -can relieve heartburn within 30 minutes and can work for several hours. Calcium carbonate 500 milligrams once or twice a day Now you can see why shutting down acid production for a long period of time increases the risk of several problems. It’s also critical for breaking down food so your intestines can absorb all the nutrients. One thing to keep in mind is that stomach acid is part of your immune system it kills foreign microorganisms on contact. Some people don’t realize they’re experiencing acid reflux because their symptoms seem unrelated, but a chronic cough, wheezing, and even mild chest pain (especially while lying down at night) can be signs of GERD. In addition to a burning sensation in your chest (heartburn), symptoms also include a sour taste, regurgitated food in the back of your mouth, indigestion, and trouble swallowing. In the United States, approximately 20 percent of the adult population experiences GERD weekly. Regardless, the acid irritates, inflames, and erodes the esophageal lining over time, which can increase your risk of esophageal cancer.Ĭhronic acid reflux, where it occurs several times weekly or starts to interfere with everyday life, is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. It can be caused by weight gain, lifestyle changes, genetics, and medications (antibiotics, antidepressants, cancer treatments, steroid or immune-suppressing drugs, OTC and prescription pain drugs, and long-term antacid use). What Else To Know About Treating Acid Reflux?Īcid reflux occurs when some of the stomach’s acidic contents move up into the esophagus (some people refer to this as heartburn, but that’s only one symptom).In fact, based on multiple studies, 75 percent of users could reduce their dosage or stop taking these pills altogether if they made some heart-healthy lifestyle changes (like losing weight, increasing fiber intake, and reducing stress). In most cases, you should take the lowest dose for the shortest period of time. Some people who quit these drugs after becoming dependent on them develop higher levels of gastric acid, which then requires another prescription and leads to further dependency! I have also personally seen several cases of people taking acid reflux medications long term who have had false positive tests for a rare cancer marker for neuroendocrine/pancreatic tumors.ĭo you get my not-so-subtle drift here? Prescription and over-the-counter acid reducers work very well and are very necessary in some cases, but too many people are becoming reliant on them. They can also reduce the absorption of iron and increase the risk of pneumonia, bone loss, fractures, and a nasty bacterial infection (Clostridium difficile) that can cause terrible diarrhea and lead to hospitalization or worse. ![]() They work so well and so quickly that you can become addicted to them, but you shouldn’t take them long term.Īcid reflux drugs increase the risk of vitamin B12 and magnesium deficiencies, which can (in rare cases) cause muscle spasms and irregular heartbeats. Acid reflux drugs might as well be crack cocaine or heroin. Have you seen those commercials with the funny, slightly corpulent (more on this later) guy with an engaging Southern accent who takes the acid reflux pill daily for “zero heartburn” and wants you to do the same while you ignore the small print at the bottom of the screen? He seems so endearing that you want to give him a hug and invite him over for dinner, beers, football, and arm wrestling.
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