Antacids: How Do They Really Work? The Science Behind It

Heartburn can be very uncomfortable, particularly if someone has gone through it before. That burning sensation which rises from the stomach into the chest is more often than not due to acid reflux-a condition whereby stomach acid travels upwards to the esophagus. When this happens, many people reach for a quick remedy-antacids. But how exactly do these over-the-counter remedies work? In this blog, we look closer at the science of antacids and help explain why they serve immediate symptomatic relief from acid reflux and heartburn so well.

 1. What Causes Heartburn and Acid Reflux?

To understand how antacids work in our body, it is helpful first to know what causes heartburn and acid reflux. The stomach produces hydrochloric acid in order to digest food. While this acid is very important in the digestion of food, it is highly corrosive, and thus the inside of the stomach is protected from it.

This sometimes means that a small amount of the acid manages to go into the esophagus, where there is no such protection. The resultant acid reflux of the chest, which in common terminology is termed a burning sensation or what's more colloquially referred to as heartburn, occurs as a consequence of that action. Such triggers include overeating, spicy or fatty foods, and lying down right after eating, which may cause acid reflux.

 

 2. What Are Antacids?

Antacids are medications designed to counteract or neutralize stomach acid and, therefore, provide fast symptomatic relief from heartburn. They come in various forms-tablets, chewable tablets, liquids, and powders-and are one of the most common over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for mild acid reflux.

There are a few different types of antacids, each containing different active ingredients. Some of the most common include:

- Calcium carbonate

- Magnesium hydroxide

- Aluminum hydroxide

- Sodium bicarbonate

Each of these ingredients works a little differently, but they fulfill the same purpose: neutralizing stomach acid.

 

 3. Chemistry Behind Antacids

But how do antacids exactly neutralize stomach acid? It is actually quite a simple chemical reaction.

Stomach acid is mostly “hydrochloric acid (HCl)”, which has an extremely low pH, meaning that it is highly acidic. If you take an antacid, usually a weak base, it is reacting with the hydrochloric acid in your stomach. This neutralizes the acid, forming water and a neutral salt in the process.

Here is an example of the reaction using calcium carbonate common ingredient in antacids:

                                                         CaCO₃ + 2HCl → CaCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂

This reaction neutralizes the acid, hence decreasing the acidity inside the stomach and relieving the burning sensation.

 

4. How Do Antacids Provide Relief?

Once the acid is neutralized, the burning sensation that occurs with acid reflux disappears. This is because the acidic environment of the stomach is temporarily lowered, so if the stomach contents back up into the esophagus, it will cause less irritation.

However, with all the quick relief that antacids bring into play, it has to be put in mind that they do nothing to actually cure the cause of acid reflux itself. Antacids only neutralize stomach acid for temporary relief. Chronic acid reflux or more serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may need other treatments like H2 blockers or PPIs.

 

 5. Types of Antacids and Their Specific Actions

Not all antacids are the same. Here is a quick breakdown of the most common kinds:

- Calcium Carbonate: Fast-acting and long-acting, this is one of the most common types of antacids. It does a great job neutralizing acid but can cause constipation in some people.

-Magnesium Hydroxide: Fast-acting, it has a laxative effect, which, if taken in too large of a dose, may give one diarrhea.

- Aluminum Hydroxide: Slower-acting than some of the other antacids, yet it is fairly gentle to the stomach. It does, however have the side effect of causing constipation.

 - Sodium Bicarbonate: Also known as baking soda, this ingredient works extremely fast in products. Side effects of this ingredient may include bloating due to gas production (carbon dioxide).

Each one of these types of antacids carries its own share of advantages and disadvantages. What is important is that you pick out one which suits you best according to your needs.

6. Side Effects and Considerations

Though generally safe if consumed in the proper manner, antacids bring with themselves a string of potential side effects-especially when overused:

Diarrhea or Constipation: Others types of antacids have different movements in the bowel. Electrolyte Imbalance: Antacids, which mainly contain calcium, magnesium, or aluminum, if taken for more extended periods than their recommendations, can easily affect the level of different electrolytes present in your system and leads to problems related to kidney stones or weakened bones.

Interactions with other medications: Antacids inhibit the absorption of some drugs like antibiotics and iron supplements. Always consult your doctor if you are taking other medications.

People with kidney disease and those with hypertension need to be much more careful about the use of an antacid, especially a sodium-containing one.

 

 7. When to Use Antacids and When to Seek Further Help

Antacids are just great for that occasional heartburn or indigestion, especially after meals or if particular foods set off acid reflux. If you find yourself taking antacids on a regular basis or experience heartburn more than twice a week, it may be a sign of something serious, such as GERD or even a stomach ulcer.

All these cases, due importance needs to be given to a healthcare professional. While antacids can give temporary relief, they fail to address more serious issues that might require the use of other types of medication or changes in lifestyle.

 

Antacids represent a simple, yet effective method of neutralizing stomach acid and thus easing the discomfort of heartburn and acid reflux. Understanding how they work will, therefore, enable their more effective and safe use. However, in people who frequently experience acid reflux or very severe forms of it, medical advice is invaluable to ensure long-term management.

 

Next time you reach for an antacid, you'll know exactly how it's working to bring you that much-needed relief!

 

If you find your need to deal with heartburn quite frequently, do not just use antacids, but rather see a healthcare professional to uncover its cause and consider other treatment alternatives that may offer you long-term relief.