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Heartburn, Baking Soda and Antacids - What You Must Know

By: Natalie Beech Baking soda from your kitchen cupboard in a glass of water could be just what you need to calm the burning sensation of heartburn or acid reflux. But wait! There are things that you must know about using baking soda or any antacid as a heartburn remedy.

How Heartburn Happens and What Baking Soda Does

Some people suffer heartburn after eating too quickly or eating particular foods. Heartburn arises from stomach acid squirting up into your esophagus (the tube that leads down from your mouth to your stomach). This ‘acid reflux’ irritates the lining of the esophagus and creates pain. As the pain was felt in the chest, it was referred to as heartburn although it has nothing to do with the heart. It is important, however, to find the causes of the acid reflux and eliminate the symptoms of heartburn as they can often mask the more serious symptoms of heart disease.

For the occasional, mild heartburn, sipping a little water can help dilute the acid and cool the burning sensation. Saliva produced in the mouth is naturally alkaline and so can neutralize the acid. Chewing gum is a good way to increase the saliva for swallowing.

Baking soda for heartburn is such an effective remedy because it is alkaline and neutralizes the stomach acid in the esophagus. One teaspoon in a glass of water, sipped slowly until the discomfort subsides, should be adequate to bring relief. The great thing about baking soda, compared to over-the-counter antacids, is that it is cheap, readily available and you do not need a prescription. And you can use it for baking cookies!

Why Not To Over-Use Baking Soda and Antacids

However, if you take too much baking soda, or any antacid medication, then the stomach acid itself can be neutralized. The result is that the stomach cells produces more acid to compensate. You then end up taking more baking soda or antacid to neutralize the excess acid. Eventually you can exhaust the stomach cells and the level of stomach acid can decline. Great for your heartburn perhaps, but not so good for your digestion. The level of stomach acid can fall so much that it impairs digestion and food cannot be broken down properly. The result of this can be allergies and inflammation in other areas of the body.

You also do not want the excess sodium, from baking soda or some antacids, if you suffer from high blood pressure. If you have to use over-the-counter antacids, then make sure that they do not contain aluminum salts, as aluminum has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. Also, be aware that antacids containing calcium and magnesium can cause mineral imbalances in the body if used long-term. You should also note that some medical conditions can weaken the esophageal sphincter and cause acid reflux, as can some medicines. Consult your doctor if you have frequent heartburn or if you think that the following medications may be a side-effect: prescription pain killers, calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure, antihistamines, asthma medication, or nitrates.

Baking soda, like any antacid medication, is not a long term solution to your heartburn. Your priority should be to find out the causes of heartburn. Often the causes are the opposite to those you might expect for acid reflux. You also need to look for permanent solutions. Some of these may surprise you. For your long term health, you need to find out a cure for your heartburn.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Natalie Beech can tell you more about the solutions to your long term health. Find out more at: The Heartburn Relief Website
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