Are antacids safe for long-term use?

If you have heartburn or chest pain and use antacids more than two or three times a week, it’s time to see your doctor. Frequent use may signal a more serious underlying issue. While antacids may relieve your symptoms, they won’t fix the root of the problem if you have an underlying health condition.

“First and foremost, it is very important for anyone experiencing any type of chest pain to talk with his or her physician prior to self-medicating to ensure symptoms are not a result of heart disease,” says Jay Prakash, M.D., a Piedmont gastroenterologist. “Symptoms of heartburn can be similar in nature to those of a heart attack. Therefore, it is extremely important to be evaluated by your doctor.”

The difference between antacids and acid reducers

Antacids neutralize stomach acid. Stomach acid plays an important role in helping the body break down and digest food. However, an excess of it can lead to uncomfortable symptoms. Depending on which brand you select, different antacid ingredients provide different benefits:

• Alginic acid forms a foam layer on top of the stomach contents. This barrier helps prevent acid from rising into the esophagus.

• Simethicone decreases bubbles of gas in the stomach.

On the other hand, acid reducers decrease – rather than neutralize – the amount of stomach acid the body produces.

Both types of medication can be safe for long-term use. However, consult your physician before taking them for more than two weeks. It’s important to find the root cause of your symptoms to rule out any serious condition. What feels like indigestion could actually be something more serious.

These medications may cause complications for people with liver or kidney issues. They can also contain sodium, which may not be suitable for those on a low-salt diet.

Three ways to prevent heartburn and reflux

After ruling out more serious conditions, Dr. Prakash recommends simple strategies to reduce acid associated with heartburn or reflux. These tips focus on lowering acid levels in the digestive tract.

• Watch your diet. The most common acid-inducing foods include mint, caffeine, onions, garlic, tomatoes, citrus fruits, spicy foods and alcohol. However, people respond differently, so keeping a food journal can help you determine your triggers.

• Do not go to bed within three hours of eating a meal. Stomach acid is produced within about an hour after eating. To prevent discomfort, it’s best to avoid lying down immediately after a meal. Let your body digest your food for two to three hours before lying down.

• Do not wear clothing that constricts the abdomen. Wearing tight clothing around the waist can increase pressure on the stomach. This added pressure may cause acid to flow back up into the esophagus.

“Bottom line, it is okay to take antacids once in a blue moon, but your goal should always be to make sure you are doing well, your esophagus is healing well and there is no underlying heart disease,” Dr. Prakash says.

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