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You may or may not have known the truth about all these problems that acid reflux can cause when left unchecked.

Another very surprising fact that most sufferers of acid reflux don’t understand is how to go about curing or treating this disease.  Many people use home remedies or over-the-counter remedies - and then wonder why they are not getting any relief.

What can also be surprising is that the constant use of antacids and other such remedies may actually be doing more harm than good.  How so?

How antacids really work.

Antacids work by raising the pH of stomach acids, which neutralizes the acidic content of stomach and digestive juices.  Antacids typically contain aluminum hydroxide, sodium, calcium, magnesium hydroxide, carbonate, or any combination of these elements, all of which work as acid neutralizers but all of which can be very harsh and damaging to the stomach.

Reducing stomach acid.

There are some consequences to reducing stomach acid on a long-term basis.You could possibly develop an impaired ability to take in a range of different nutrients, which will include vitamin B and iron.

Stomach acid also helps to reduce the proliferation of certain hazardous organisms in the system such as bacteria.  When you reduce stomach acids on a long-term basis, the body’s immune system can be compromised and sometimes seriously.

Interfering with the body's digestive process can also interfere with your bowel health.  Many who use antacids for longer periods of time report problems with elimination, from constipation to gas, extended belly, cramps, pain in the stomach, diarrhea, and many other such problems.

Antacids also typically cause dehydration as they require a lot of moisture to be absorbed into the system.This will help to pull some juices from other parts of the body.  Many who use antacids repeatedly and consistently report being very dehydrated and have cases of dry mouth, dry skin, and stomach cramps that come with being dehydrated.

Acid rebound.

When you reduce the stomach acids in such an unnatural way, the stomach may actually produce more acid in response.This is called acid rebound and it is not taht uncommon in those who take antacids for long periods of time.

This is one of the many reasons why most people will who are using antacids repeatedly and excessively will often report a lack of relief from their use.  They are temporarily neutralizing the acid in their stomach at the moment, but causing their stomach to react in such a way that it produces more acid over the long-term.

Long term effects.

Because antacids are actually unnatural chemicals that you are introducing into your body, there are actually some dangers to long-term use with them:

  • Aluminum hydroxide may accumulate in the system and lead to renal insufficiency (kidney disease).Over use of this ingredient may also lead to chronic constipation.
  • Magnesium hydroxide may cause chronic diarrhea and renal failure and cardiovascular problems.
  • Carbonate can cause kidney stones and carbon dioxide gas, which is poisonous to the system and can cause gastric distension.
  • Calcium content can cause kidney stones and bad constipation.
  • Sodium may cause hypertension, heart failure, and kidney failure.It is not a recommendation that people who need to reduce their intake of salt for reasons of cardiovascular health.