Antacid Medications Can Be Dangerous

Antacid medications cause an increased risk of hospitalization for low blood magnesium.

Tums and Rolaids are some the most popular over-the-counter antacids on the market. It is used to treat the symptoms of too much stomach acid such as stomach upset, heartburn, and acid indigestion. It is also used to relieve symptoms of extras gas such as belching, bloating, and feeling of pressure and discomfort in the stomach region. Pathetically, Tums states that it contains calcium, which "is good for you." Sadly, it's a marketing technique and the ignorant bought into it, including medical doctors. Millions are spent with advertising these dangerous options for indigestion. And, millions suffer consequences needlessly.
 
More than 50% of Americans are magnesium deficient, and this applies to half the population on proton pump inhibitors. Magnesium plays a key role in more than 350 enzymes and is involved in virtually every metabolic process occurring in the body.

How do you determine if a patient is magnesium deficient? A simple blood test for serum magnesium is not the answer. Serum magnesium represents only 1% of magnesium stores. RBC magnesium is definitely a better indicator and the most accurate test we have. This test can be done by most labs and all functional medicine labs.

There are approximately 145 million prescriptions for PPI dispensed in the US each year for acid-related disorders such as dyspepsia and GERD. Millions more are over-the-counter. These medications are widely regarded as safe, yet many adverse effects have been noted. The theory is that this is caused by impaired intestinal absorption of magnesium. When severe, hypo-magnesemia is dangerous and can be associated with arrhythmias, muscle dysfunction and seizures. I like to call it a "mal-absorption syndrome," which mean you are starving your body. Why? Little to no digestion can occur with an antacid regime.

The side effects of antacids are ominous. The include causing dose-dependent rebound hyper-acidity and milk-alkali syndrome; antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide may cause constipation, aluminum-intoxication, osteomalacia, and hypophosphatemia; antacids that contain magnesium have a laxative effect that may cause diarrhea, and can reduce the ability of the kidneys to eliminate magnesium from the body in the urine.

Proton pump inhibitors may not be the solution. Natural treatments offer a more effective approach than what is provided by proton pump inhibitors.

Some nutritional options to consider that improve digestive function are probiotics and glutamine. In addition, deglycyrrhiizinated licorice (DGL) helps relax the esophageal sphincter; it is soothing and protecting to the gastric mucosa and mucous membranes lining the digestive tract.

These natural solutions offer a more effective approach than what is provided by proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors can induce several nutrient deficiencies in calcium, potassium and magnesium. In addition, they can cause serious neuromuscular and cardiovascular problems and may increase the chance of hip fracture in people over 50 years of age.