Essay On Antacids

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Recommended: Stomach physiology

“Tummy” aches and heartburn can both be cured by a drug called antacids. Antacids can be used for people who are suffering heartburn or discomfort in the stomach. Antacids help correct the pH balance in your stomach by neutralizing the acid in the stomach. “Tummy” aches, acid reflux, and heartburn occasionally be relieved by antacids. ("How antacids work," )
Antacids reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach. They can help relieve heartburn. There are many different types of nonprescription acid reducers in stores. Different ingredients can have different effects. Sodium bicarbonate antacids ( such as Alka-Seltzer) contain baking soda. People who have high blood pressure or on a salt restricted diet may want to avoid these because sodium bicarbonate antacids contain aspirin which is linked to Reye syndrome. Calcium carbonate antacids can be used as calcium supplements. Aluminum-based antacids are less potent and work slower than other antacids and can cause calcium loss. Antacids with alginic acid ( such as Gaviscon) contain a foaming agent that floated on the top of the stomach which helps keep stomach juices from coming in contact with the esophagus. ("Antacids and acid," 2010). Each antacid is slightly different from the next. Different ingredients can have different effects and defects, such as Gaviscon and Alka-Seltzer.
Antacids can fizz and bubble when you put them in water. This is because of the ingredient sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking powder reacts to the water. The other ingredient that is needed to make it fizz is citric acid. These chemicals when combined create carbonic acid. The carbonic acid then produces water and carbon dioxide. This is similar to soda, they both contain carbon dioxide. The f...

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...lching, eating, and vomiting. The lower esophageal sphincter is a bundle of muscles at the lower end of the esophagus, where the esophagus connects to the stomach. When the lower esophageal sphincter is closed, the risk of stomach acid traveling backwards is decreased. The lower esophageal sphincter muscles are not under voluntary control. Located in the esophagus is the throat or pharynx, the upper esophageal sphincter, the diaphragm the trachea, the lower esophageal sphincter, the trachea, and the esophagus. ("Digestive disorders health," 2009)
In conclusion, antacids are important to everyday lives by relieving some people’s everyday problems. Antacids can reduce the symptoms of “Tummy” aches, heartburn, and acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease. Without antacids many people could be in much pain right now. Antacids are an essential drug for many humans.

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