Antacids

An antacid is a medication taken by mouth for the purpose of relieving pain associated with acid indigestion, ulcers, and heartburn. The name “anti-acid” literally means “opposite acid”; with respect to the pH scale (which will be discussed later), the opposite of an acid is a base, so it is not surprising to learn that commercially sold antacids are basic, or alkaline. They work by neutralizing excess stomach acids created during the digestive process. Although …

…blood pressure. Before using an antacid, examine your behavior. Keep in mind that cigarettes and alcohol will increase your stomach’s secretion of gastric acid, and they can also perpetuate ulcers. Antacids are wonderful drugs; they can reduce or completely eliminate the pain associated with a multitude of stomach problems. However, antacids are still drugs, and they only help the symptoms of a problem, not the cause. Antacids should be considered, at best, temporary relief.