Antacids: What They Are, How They Work, and What to Watch For

When your chest burns after eating, or your throat feels like it’s on fire, antacids, over-the-counter medications that neutralize excess stomach acid to relieve heartburn and indigestion. Also known as acid neutralizers, they’re one of the most common remedies people reach for—quick, cheap, and easy to find. But antacids aren’t magic. They don’t heal the root cause of acid reflux, and using them too often can hide bigger problems.

Antacids work by directly countering the acid your stomach produces. They contain ingredients like calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide—chemicals that act like sponges for acid. You feel relief fast, often in under 30 minutes. But that relief is temporary. If you’re taking antacids more than twice a week, you’re likely treating a symptom, not the problem. Conditions like GERD, hiatal hernias, or even stomach ulcers need more than just acid neutralization. And here’s the catch: long-term use of some antacids can mess with nutrient absorption. Aluminum-based ones might cause constipation. Magnesium-based ones can lead to diarrhea. And if you’re on other meds—like antibiotics or thyroid drugs—antacids can interfere with how well they’re absorbed.

That’s why so many of the posts below focus on what happens when acid reflux isn’t just a one-off. You’ll find real talk about how acid reflux, a chronic condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort is often mistaken for simple indigestion. Others dig into how gastrointestinal health, the overall function and balance of the digestive system, including the stomach, esophagus, and intestines ties into everything from diet to stress. Some posts even warn about the hidden risks of mixing antacids with other drugs—like how they can spike or drop levels of critical medications, especially for people managing chronic conditions.

What you won’t find here is a one-size-fits-all fix. Antacids have their place, but they’re not the whole story. The posts below give you the full picture: when to use them, when to skip them, and what to do next if your heartburn won’t quit. Whether you’re trying to cut back, switch to safer options, or just understand why your stomach keeps acting up, you’ll find real advice—not just marketing.