A Comprehensive Guide to Acid Reducers and Optimal Digestive Health

Finding Relief: Understanding Acid Reducers and Managing Digestive Health

Posted June 13, 2023 in Acid Reflux 729 0 0

Stomach acid is crucial in numerous stomach disorders, including gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastrointestinal reflux disease. Although a normal level of stomach acid is present in people with these disorders, reducing the amount of acid in the stomach is necessary to treat the damage to the stomach and intestines and relieve symptoms. So how to reduce stomach acid? Well, dietary changes and the use of acid-reducer pills can help control acid reflux disease.

Sometimes patients get confused about the uric acid and acid reducer used for stomach acid. Here, it is important to note that high uric acid levels are caused by certain health conditions, genetics, and diet. Now the question arises how to reduce uric acid? Limiting certain foods, avoiding alcohol, and using uric acid reducers can help reduce uric acid. Reducing uric acid helps control gout and pain during a gout attack.

On the other hand, a high level of stomach acid occurs when there is too much backflow of stomach acid content into the oesophagus. The condition is often referred to as acid reflux. How to reduce acid reflux? Various acid reducers are available to ease heartburn and other associated symptoms. These medications include:

1. Proton pump inhibitors

The proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) are the name for the chemical process by which the stomach produces acid. These medicines are widely known to reduce acid production. PPIs promote the healing of ulcers in more people within a short period than histamine blockers and thus are typically prescribed to treat ulcers. These drugs treat severe forms of gastritis where bleeding occurs and severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). PPIs help treat conditions that contribute to excessive stomach acid production, such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Generally, these drugs are well tolerated but may contribute to cause headaches, constipation, and diarrhoea. Long-term usage may cause reduced absorption of iron, B12, calcium, and magnesium.

2. Histamine-2 blockers

Histamine is a naturally produced chemical in the body that performs several functions in the body. It is the main cause of allergic reactions, which is why antihistamines are prescribed to people allergic to something. As histamine helps signals the body to release stomach acid, the antihistamine is given to reduce stomach acid. Thus, these antihistamines are prescribed for many of the same disorders as PPIs.

3. Antacids

Antacids work to neutralize the stomach acid that has already been produced, thereby increasing the stomach’s pH level. It can be used alone for treating mild symptoms caused by stomach acid. But antacids are inadequate for serious acid-related conditions, such as severe gastritis (when bleeding occurs) and ulcers. Patients with such severe conditions are advised to take antacids in addition to PPIs or antihistamines to provide relief from the symptoms in the early stage of treatment. The effectiveness of these drugs varies with the amount of medicine and acid an individual produces. Antacids can be taken without a doctor’s prescription. However, antacids can affect the working of many different medications, so it is best to consult a doctor about possible drug interactions.

Path to improved health

To determine if acid reducers suit you, speak to your doctor. They can let you know of the benefits and risks. Acid reducers and antacids rarely contribute to side effects. If they do, the adverse effects are usually minor and resolve independently. These may include nausea, headaches, constipation, or diarrhoea. Speak to your doctor before taking antacids if you have renal impairment. You should avoid using an antacid that contains calcium, aluminium, and magnesium carbonate unless recommended by your doctor.

Speak to your doctor before using an acid reducer if:

You are elderly or have a weak immune system. Acid reducers, including proton pump inhibitors, can increase your risk of pneumonia.
You have been treated for a gastrointestinal infection such as Clostridium difficle infection. Acid reducers may increase the risk that your infection returns.
You are a postmenopausal woman because proton pump inhibitors reduce calcium absorption and increase your risk of osteoporosis.

If you are over 55 and require long-term treatment, your doctor may refer you for an endoscopy of the oesophagus, which examines the lining of the oesophagus, supper small intestine, and stomach.

Takeaway!

Digestive problems involve gastrointestinal symptoms that cause heartburn, discomfort, pain under the ribs and in the upper abdomen, and difficulties digesting food. You may have dyspepsia or stomach upset if you deal with these symptoms. Indigestion is a common stomach problem, including a burning sensation, discomfort, or pain in the abdomen. The digestive problem may occur occasionally or regularly, or chronic symptoms occur without a specific cause.

Medications, including antacids, can completely resolve the symptoms of reflux disease that interfere with your life. Do not use more than one acid reducer at a time unless your doctor advises you. Use acid reducers under a doctor’s supervision to reduce uric acid complications such as gout.

Also Read: Find how acid reducers can help treating heartburn