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Antacids and constipation

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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starrnr
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2005
Posts : 1782
Posted 1/2/2009 9:48 AM (GMT -8)
I've been having alot of heartburn and acid indigestion over the past couple of months. It comes and goes and it's not a normal thing for me. With that said, I've been "eating" antacids (Maalox tablets or Zantac - not at the same time) when I can no longer stand it.

I'm wondering though, if these things are making my C worse? Holy smokes it's been bad over the past couple of months (around the same time my heartburn/indigestion started actually).

Any thoughts on this? Appreciate any help -- this is just getting ridiculous.

Happy New Year,

~S.
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redee2moov
Regular Member
Joined : Nov 2008
Posts : 68
Posted 1/2/2009 10:54 AM (GMT -8)

Absolutely, antacids can increase constipation. I dealt with that for years (occasional use , Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta, etc. mostly for upset stomach, not as much for heartburn).

It throws off the acid balance in your stomach, which interferes with digestion. Also, they tend to be mostly mineral (ie. calcium) which themselves ard difficult to digest.

If there is truly an excess of acid, it may not affect you as badly. Over the past couple years I have experienced more heartburn and acid reflux, but along the way learned that I was actually deficient in stomach acid. So taking antacids messed me up further.

Constipation can increase acid reflux because if nothing is moving and you keep filling the stomach, stomach fluids have no where to go but up. This is made easier if you have a hiatal hernia, as I do, which is when your stomach protudes through the sphincter muscle meant to close the stomach up.

I control my acid reflux through limiting the quantity of food I eat at one time (my doctor said stop when I think I am two thirds full), and minimize bending over after filling up. I also sleep on a ramped bedded (very good for eliminating overnight reflux). But it helps the most when my bowels are moving properly.

I did go through a healing process for some major internal issues with the help of a professional, with mostly diet changes and supplements. As a result I have not used any antacids for over 14 months and don't anticipate using them again. It may not work for all, but it works for me.

Drink plenty of warm water, try a tablespoon or two sesame oil in your food, of course fiber, and do some abdominal twists and stretches to help things move. Avoid dairy, beef and pork. Take in more liquid, less solids until things are going again.

Good luck!

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softy
Veteran Member
Joined : Jun 2004
Posts : 798
Posted 1/2/2009 7:18 PM (GMT -8)
I googled both Maalox and Zantac and both have constipation listed as a side effect.  Not sure if drinking more fluids would help you or not but worth a try.  Have you been to the dr. for the heartburn/indigestion?
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starrnr
Veteran Member
Joined : Dec 2005
Posts : 1782
Posted 1/3/2009 6:44 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks for the info. I haven't changed one thing about my diet in eons, I'm very cautious about those things I shouldn't have, so I can't figure out why the heartburn and indigestion all of a sudden.

Softy -- I haven't talked to my doctor about this. Really didn't occur to me; think I'll ring him next week.

~S.
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