Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee - an internist at Apollo Hospital, Delhi (India) - said that antacids can reduce acid levels in the stomach, but also disrupt the natural balance of gut bacteria.
The acidic environment in the stomach plays an important role in killing harmful bacteria. When acid levels decrease, bacteria can grow excessively, increasing the risk of infection and diarrhea.
Lack of stomach acid can also lead to digestive problems such as bloating, constipation and slow digestion.
Long-term use of antacids without addressing the underlying cause of acid reflux can cause serious side effects.
Nutrient deficiencies and poor absorption
One of the main concerns when using long-term antacids is the impact on nutrient absorption.
The stomach needs an acidic environment to break down food and absorb nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and vitamin B12.
Regular use of antacids, especially proton pumping inhibitors (PPIs) or H2 drugs, can reduce the absorption of these substances, leading to nutritional deficiencies.
This can increase the risk of osteoporosis (due to calcium deficiency), muscle weakness (due to magnesium deficiency) and neurological problems (due to vitamin B12 deficiency).
Acidity increase recovers
When you take antacids for long periods of time, your body can compensate by producing more acid when you stop taking them. This can lead to more severe heartburn and acid reflux, causing users to fall into a drug dependence cycle.
Increased risk of kidney disease
Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee said that research shows that long-term PPI use may be associated with an increased risk of kidney disease and nephritis. Since kidney disease can progress silently, people who regularly take antacids can unintentionally harm kidney health.
Risk of cardiovascular problems
Dr. Suranjit Chatterjee notes that long-term use of PPI can increase the risk of heart disease and affect blood vessel function, contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Risk of bone fracture
Anti-acid drugs reduce the ability to absorb calcium, causing an increased risk of bone fractures, especially in the elderly. Studies show that long-term users of high PPIs are at higher risk of hip fractures, wrists or spine.
Preventive tips
Natural remedies such as eating small meals, avoiding irritating foods, standing up straight after eating, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce dependence on antacids.
For chronic acid reflux, patients should consult a doctor for appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes.
