An Antacid A Day

If not some 50% of our population, it is sure that near about this percentage- people are taking Antacids in regularity and for some of us it has become so regular and usual that this seems to be a routine. Is it really so? Are these Antacids good? Are there any side-effects of these simple looking pills? Isn’t there any other way to get rid of the problem of the Hyperacidity? These are simple questions about the Antacids but our physicians have no time to explain the “cause & effect” theory about these “cooling-pills”. You ask and they tell you- keep on taking these and once you are trapped then you have no choice left.

antacid

Let’s have a critical look and analyze the Antacids from modern point of view. This is not because the author or website are related to Ayurveda and we just want to condemn the modern medicines, there are certain things which a common man should know about, this is the effort for the same.

What are the Antacids?

The drugs which neutralize the acidity of the Stomach are known as Antacids!

It sounds simple, yes it is simple and very easy to understand because we know and have read the relation between Acid & Alkali. Once these two- acid and alkali comes together- these neutralize each other and leave a different effect on the body. But in this process- these antacids change the natural activity and decorum of the body.

The acid, what is oozed by some chief cells of the Stomach is not bad always. This Hydrochloric Acid is meant for the digestion of the food easily in the body but anyhow when this HCL attacks the stomach, duodenum or esophagus- it makes scars on these and none can bear that pain, easily. The first option we seek for is an Antacids and we thank to the government of the country that these Antacids are now just over the counter products so there will be no pain to buy these.

Before we use something to neutralize this Acid inside the body, we should have a look on the usefulness of this acid. This is important too, otherwise why body will produce it.

Common Symptoms of Low Hydrochloric Acid

• Bloating or belching, especially after eating
• Burning in the stomach, especially after eating
• Fullness or heaviness in the stomach after eating
• Nausea after eating or taking supplements
• Intestinal gas
• Indigestion
• Bad breath
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Food allergies
• Itching around the rectum
• Weak or cracked fingernails
• Dilated blood vessels in the cheeks or nose (in non-alcoholics)
• Skin break-outs or acne
• Iron deficiency
• Chronic intestinal parasites
• Undigested food in the stool
• Chronic Candida infection

Diseases Associated With Low Hydrochloric Acid

• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Osteoporosis
• Arthritis
• Hepatitis
• Eczema
• Acne rosacea
• Psoriasis
• Gallbladder disease
• Herpes
• Hives
• Hyperthyroid
• Hypothyroid
• Thyrotoxicosis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Lupus erythematosus
• Myasthenia gravis
• Pernicious anemia
• Celiac disease
• Sjogren ’s Syndrome

So reducing this secretion of the HCl is never healthy for the body and Ayurveda suggests the same, according to Ayurveda, the main purpose of the treatment should be the normalization of the natural processes of the body. So next time when you are buying an antacid, seek for better alternative for yourself.  Your theory for an antacid a day might drag you to innumerous diseases, so this is your choice now, what are you planning for.  For maintenance of your health you should be serious enough about the use of these so called over the counter medicines. You better plan for health of years, not for quick and temporary relief. This is the truth that “momentary” things never last long. What lasts long is the health, because health is eternal and universal.

I know your question is what should you do get rid of the excessive production of the HCl from your stomach. For this main thing is the Dietary Regulations, what you should follow, because in most of the cases this is the irregularity in taking the meals and secondly taking the wrong food materials for use. Once you can command on these two, you will be back to normalcy of the acid level in your stomach. Ayurvedic Diet Plan according to Doshas can help you better for this condition.

Second big cause for this is stress and stress related uses of the tobacco and alcohol. Find out the stress busters around you and find out the way to solve the condition, properly. Escapism and skipping are never the solutions and good options for anyone. In some cases this is the weakness of the mucosal lining of the Stomach, which gives us the signs and symptoms of the pain and acidity and we always think that the main culprit is the HCl, which is causing the problem. For this you should find the root cause of the disease, only then treatment of the hyperacidity will be possible.

Ayurveda has its own solutions for the hyperacidity. Ayurvedic Treatment of Hyperacidity is very simple and clear- Ayurveda says to train the stomach, naturally for better health and this approach is far better for the treatment of the condition, instead of suppression of the condition by using some of the Antacids.

Better avoid: An Antacid a Day!