People take antacids because they have an upset stomach, acid reflux and heart burn. The theory behind this is that the stomach is too acidic, so you need an antacid to calm the acid production-to make the stomach more alkaline. In most people, it's just the opposite. In most cases, there's not enough acid to break down the food, so it is the rancid food coming back up. Antacids help with the rancid food, but not digestion of the food itself. In order to break down food, you need an acidic environment in the stomach.
And what about Calcium in your antacid? Well you also need and acidic environment in your stomach to break down and absorb minerals such as Calcium. So if you take an antacid that makes the stomach alkaline, you can't absorb the calcium. Also, what if you're on a stronger antacid that you take daily? Are you absorbing any calcium? Is it any wonder that taking these may increase the risk of bone fractures by 30 percent? Do you know anyone with osteoporosis? Are they also taking prescribed antacids? Not a good combination.
A well known remedy for this issue is organic apple cider vinegar. You can pick it up at any whole foods store. Taking at least one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with meals, will increase the acidity in the stomach, and allow the food to break down easier. If this improves your digestion, you don't have enough acid, if causes burning, you may be the rare case that does have too much acid. Many people need more that 1 tablespoon, so you will have to experiment. A suggestion is to try 1, if there is no change, try 2, and so on until you get to the point where you can feel a little burning. Then back off one tablespoon. So if you get burning at 5 tablespoons, take 4 with each meal. You can mix with water, use as a salad dressing, or any way you can think to take it.
And what about Calcium in your antacid? Well you also need and acidic environment in your stomach to break down and absorb minerals such as Calcium. So if you take an antacid that makes the stomach alkaline, you can't absorb the calcium. Also, what if you're on a stronger antacid that you take daily? Are you absorbing any calcium? Is it any wonder that taking these may increase the risk of bone fractures by 30 percent? Do you know anyone with osteoporosis? Are they also taking prescribed antacids? Not a good combination.
A well known remedy for this issue is organic apple cider vinegar. You can pick it up at any whole foods store. Taking at least one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with meals, will increase the acidity in the stomach, and allow the food to break down easier. If this improves your digestion, you don't have enough acid, if causes burning, you may be the rare case that does have too much acid. Many people need more that 1 tablespoon, so you will have to experiment. A suggestion is to try 1, if there is no change, try 2, and so on until you get to the point where you can feel a little burning. Then back off one tablespoon. So if you get burning at 5 tablespoons, take 4 with each meal. You can mix with water, use as a salad dressing, or any way you can think to take it.