The Hidden Dangers of Frequent Antacid Use: A Warning from Doctors

Antacids have become a go-to remedy for everything from heartburn and bloating to vague stomach discomfort. Cheap, widely available and marketed as harmless, they promise quick relief. But doctors warn that frequent, unsupervised use may be masking deeper problems while quietly affecting digestion, immunity and vitamin absorption.“Recurring acidity is not normal, but many people treat it as a minor inconvenience,” says Dr Leelamohan PVR, Consultant Physician, Rainbow & Motherhood Hospitals, Bengaluru, who also consults at Practo, noting a growing number of patients dependent on daily antacids.Why antacid use is risingExperts point to convenience and self-diagnosis. “Anything and everything happening in the abdomen — and sometimes even headaches or chest discomfort — gets labelled as ‘acidity’ by patients,” explains Dr Geeta Billa, director of gastroenterology & hepatology at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai.Modern lifestyles compound the problem. Irregular meals, processed foods, excess tea, coffee, alcohol and tobacco, along with stress and late-night eating, increase acid production and reflux. “Instead of addressing root causes, people reach for quick symptomatic relief,” Dr Billa says.Aggressive marketing and lack of time for medical consultations have normalised casual antacid use, often delaying diagnosis of underlying conditions.Also ReadExplained: Why govt wants to replace MGNREGA with VB-G RAM G after 20 yearsNo plans to phase out or retrofit of E20 non-compliant vehicles: GadkariDelhi's air drove 200,000 respiratory illness cases in 3 yrs: Govt dataSupreme Court rules resignation ends pension rights under CCS RulesGlobal politics in 2025: Protests, peace deals and shifting alliancesAntacids are meant for occasional relief, not daily dependence. Needing them repeatedly over weeks or months is a warning sign. “Frequent reliance often points to chronic gastritis or gastroesophageal reflux disease,” Dr Leelamohan says.What happens when stomach acid is suppressedStomach acid plays a key role in breaking down food and killing harmful bacteria. While antacids neutralise acid temporarily, overuse can disturb this balance.“Altered stomach pH can impair protein digestion and cause bloating, gas and gut imbalance,” says Dr Billa. Over time, this can create dependency, where stopping the drug leads to worsening symptoms due to rebound acid overproduction.Long-term acid suppression can also weaken the stomach’s natural antimicrobial barrier, increasing susceptibility to infections.Impact on vitamins and mineralsContrary to popular belief, stomach acid is essential. “It helps absorb key nutrients,” Dr Leelamohan explains.Chronic antacid or proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use can reduce absorption of:Vitamin B12, leading to fatigue, anaemia, nerve problems and cognitive changesIron, raising the risk of anaemia, especially in menstruating women and vegetariansMagnesium, which can cause muscle cramps, heart rhythm issues and seizuresCalcium, potentially weakening bones and increasing fracture risk in older adults“By repeatedly suppressing acid, we compromise the body’s ability to absorb what it needs to function properly,” he says.Complications doctors are seeingPhysicians report a rise in gut infections, rebound acidity and kidney-related concerns linked to prolonged use.“Serious infections such as those caused by Clostridium difficile and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth are more common when stomach acid remains low,” Dr Billa says. Rebound acidity affects a significant share of patients who stop PPIs abruptly, making supervised tapering important.Some antacids can also affect kidney health, particularly in vulnerable groups, highlighting the need for medical oversight.Who is most at riskHigher-risk groups include:Older adultsPeople with obesityChronic painkiller usersThose who self-medicate frequentlyWarning signs include needing higher doses, rapid return of symptoms, persistent throat burning, bloating, fatigue or bone pain. Red flags such as unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, black stools, anaemia or new symptoms after age 50 require immediate evaluation.Reducing dependence safelyDoctors say lifestyle changes can significantly reduce symptoms:Eat smaller, regular meals and avoid late-night dinnersLimit spicy, oily foods, caffeine, alcohol and fizzy drinksMaintain a two- to three-hour gap between dinner and sleepManage weight and stress through physical activity, yoga or meditation“Acidity medicines are like any other drugs — they need a diagnosis,” Dr Billa says. “Acid is made for a reason. Used correctly, these medicines help. Used casually and long-term, they carry real health risks.”Also Read:Is your heartburn pill safe? Panel recommends banning ranitidine in IndiaFor more health updates, follow#HealthwithBSThis report is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.