What is better than antacids?

If your acid reflux symptoms aren't improving after trying antacids and H2 blockers, your healthcare provider may recommend a PPI. PPIs work inside the cells of the stomach lining. They block an enzyme — H+/K+ ATPase — that produces stomach acid.
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What can I take instead of antacids?

Natural Remedies
  • Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): baking soda is alkaline, and is generally safe to consume, which makes it a good candidate for neutralizing acidity. ...
  • Acids: this is an odd remedy, and typically involves consuming either apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to quell heartburn.
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What is stronger than antacids?

H2 blockers and PPIs block the production of acid in your stomach, so they provide longer relief than antacids.
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What is the best antacid for long term use?

Omeprazole: Best OTC Heartburn Medication

According to Dr. Ghouri, Prilosec OTC “is usually sufficient in controlling symptoms in a majority of [heartburn] cases” and has been the #1 Doctor Recommended frequent heartburn relief medicine for 14 years.
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Why is my antacid not working?

That may be because you don't actually have acid reflux, your diet is causing heartburn, or you're taking your PPIs incorrectly.
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Too many antacids can lead to health problems



What happens if antacid doesn't help heartburn?

Then it starts—the burning in the chest, the lump in your throat, and the pain of acid reflux that won't go away without medicine. Chronic heartburn that doesn't go away despite popping several Tums or Rolaids could indicate that you've got GERD.
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Why is medicine not helping my acid reflux?

One of the most common reasons that patients with GERD do not respond to PPI therapy is that they are not compliant with the medication. Several studies have shown that at the end of 1 month, only approximately 50% of patients are taking their PPIs appropriately.
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What happens if you take antacids everyday?

But overuse or misuse can sometimes cause unwanted and even serious side effects. In rare cases, you could experience constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. One potential downside of long-term heavy use is that the medication could put you at an increased risk for osteoporosis.
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Is it OK to take antacids everyday?

Don't take antacids frequently. If you experience symptoms of heartburn or indigestion daily, reach out to your healthcare provider to look into the cause of your symptoms.
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Can you take antacids permanently?

They can quickly relieve your symptoms for a few hours. But they do not treat the underlying cause and long-term use is not recommended. Speak to a GP if you find you need to take antacids regularly.
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What is the safest antacid to take daily?

FDA declares Pepcid, Nexium and others free of NDMA.
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What is healthier than Tums?

Our experts have gathered together five natural alternatives to antacids that you can use to prevent and treat indigestion effectively.
  • Digestive enzymes. ...
  • Probiotics. ...
  • Chamomile tea. ...
  • Ginger. ...
  • Rest and relaxation.
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Which is better antacid or omeprazole?

It works differently. Omeprazole is a PPI that can treat many digestive conditions that antacids can't. For example, omeprazole treats conditions like GERD, stomach ulcers, and erosive esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus). Antacids should only be used to treat mild symptoms of acid reflux.
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What is a safe natural antacid?

Baking soda is inexpensive and totally natural. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of water. The baking soda will help neutralize acid.
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How can I reduce my stomach acid without medication?

View Protect yourself from the damage of chronic inflammation.
  1. Eat sparingly and slowly. ...
  2. Avoid certain foods. ...
  3. Don't drink carbonated beverages. ...
  4. Stay up after eating. ...
  5. Don't move too fast. ...
  6. Sleep on an incline. ...
  7. Lose weight if it's advised. ...
  8. If you smoke, quit.
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What are the long-term effects of antacids?

Long-term use of calcium-containing antacids such as Rolaids and Tums can lead to high blood calcium levels, especially if you also take calcium supplementation. Though rare, chronic use of these calcium-containing antacids can lead to kidney stones and kidney failure.
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How do you treat acid reflux long-term?

Try to:
  1. Maintain a healthy weight. ...
  2. Stop smoking. ...
  3. Elevate the head of your bed. ...
  4. Start on your left side. ...
  5. Don't lie down after a meal. ...
  6. Eat food slowly and chew thoroughly. ...
  7. Avoid foods and drinks that trigger reflux. ...
  8. Avoid tight-fitting clothing.
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Can antacids make gastritis worse?

H2-receptor antagonists and antacids have an aggravating effect on Helicobacter pylori gastritis in duodenal ulcer patients.
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Is it OK to take Pepcid every day?

Use PEPCID® as directed on the product label. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours. If you find that you need to use PEPCID® for more than 14 days, stop use and consult a doctor.
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Can antacids make you worse?

How Do Antacids Make This Condition Worse? Malabsorption of carbohydrates leads to bacterial overgrowth, resulting in increased Intra-Abdominal Pressure which drives reflux. Low stomach acid, as caused by your antacids, can contribute to both bacterial overgrowth and carbohydrate malabsorption.
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Why does water not help with heartburn?

Water has a pH that, at 7, is neutral. This dilutes the more acidic stomach fluids, bringing relief. But when you have had a meal that is too large, drinking water at the same time or immediately after can make GERD symptoms worse.
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What is the best immediate heartburn relief?

Antacids, such as TUMS, Rolaids, and Maalox, neutralize the acid that has already been produced in your stomach. They act fast, usually within 5 minutes, but they only last for 30 to 60 minutes, says Dr. Zhou, so they are best for immediate relief when you're experiencing mild heartburn after a meal.
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Is it better to take Tums or Prilosec?

Tums (Calcium carbonate) gives quick relief for heartburn, but does not last all day. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other medicines if you need additional relief. Prilosec (omeprazole) lasts longer (up to 72 hours) than other classes of acid reducers (like Zantac, Pepcid, or Tums).
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Does omeprazole get rid of all stomach acid?

Omeprazole reduces the amount of acid your stomach makes. It's widely used to treat indigestion and heartburn, and acid reflux. It's also taken to prevent and treat stomach ulcers.
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