With the introduction of more and more processed foods, the community is rushing to the store to stop acid reflux, reoccurring stomach issues and indigestion. Doctors are handing out prescriptions for acid problems like candy. While others are self medicating with over the counter aids. Are these medications and remedies working to help or hurt your body? Could these antacids be ruining your body?
From a fitness perspective acid imbalances cause gas, bloating, pain and even sleeping problems. Chances are, if you are suffering from any one of these symptoms, you aren’t running to the gym to get in shape! Not feeling your best means that you aren’t spending a lot of time trying to improve, maintain or get in better shape.
The Dangers of Antacids
“Published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the study suggested that seniors who take proton-pump inhibitors such as Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid to fight acid reflux may be at greater risk for bone fractures (source).”
Any imbalance in the stomach acid leads to problems. If you have too much it’s bad and if you have too little you can’t break down food effectively. Antacids may contain calcium carbonate, magnesium, aluminum or sodium bicarbonate.
These ingredients taken in large amounts for frequent problems can have horrible effects on the body.
Calcium Carbonate – Taking too much calcium carbonate may result in nausea, vomiting, depressed appetite, constipation, confusion, delirium, and coma.
Magnesium Hydroxide – An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, flushing, low blood pressure, slow heartbeat, drowsiness and coma. It can also create a laxative affect so you could be running to the bathroom.
Aluminum Hydroxide – Taking large amounts of this can cause confusion, severe constipation, kidney stones, weight loss, mood changes, and decreased urination.
Sodium Bicarbonate – This is use specifically for heart burn and indigestion. This may not be safe for people who have heart issues, kidney problems, liver issues, high blood pressure, swelling or problems with urination. Side effects from nausea, vomiting, headache, mood swings, muscle pain, ankle swelling, depressed appetite, fatigue, constipation, dry mouth or increased urination (source).
Eek! This makes you think twice before you pop something in your mouth to settle your stomach acid, heartburn or acid reflux. SO what do you do instead?? There are several natural ways to counter act acid.
Natural Remedies for Acid Reflux, Heartburn, and indigestion
- Personally, I use Chia Seeds. These can be bought in dry form, then add 1 tablespoon to water or juice. Allow them to grow in size in the water for about 5 minutes. Drink them and wait. The seeds will soak up the excess acid floating around in your stomach. This also creates a base atmosphere.
- Aloe vera and bismuth (the active ingredient in Pepto-Bismol). This is helpful for indigestion and reflux. Drinking a couple gulps of Aloe Vera settles the stomach in a natural soothing way.
- DGL, deglycerrhizinated licorice, acts as a natural anti inflammatory. This was recently featured on Dr. Oz as a great way to settle your stomach naturally.
If antacids are ruining your body through out the years then it’s time you made to switch to something more natural!! Keeping your body balanced is the key to true overall fitness!
“We Love Helping You, One Tip At a Time”
Adria Ali
CPT, BS, CES, PES
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