I was going to mention this too, as well as some of the other warnings. I’ll also add that while it’s extraordinarily effective,
1. It can be counterproductive if you’re experiencing acid reflux, particularly if you’re laying down. The acid neutralization produces a lot of gas (you’ll burp a lot), which can flush acid up your esophagus before it can be neutralized. It’s awful and packaging that discusses its antacid usage explicitly recommend against use with reflux and heartburn caused by overeating for a reason.
2. Excessive usage can also be counterproductive. The more you regulate your internal acidity, the more your body will try to find balance, and you risk over-producing digestive acids even without triggers if you use this regularly.
I’m relating both from painful experience. By all means, keep some bicarb handy! Just don’t overdo it.
> Stomach cells that make acid multiply over several weeks of exposure to a PPI in an effort to overcome the drug's effect. When the PPI is stopped, they pour out more acid than ever.
And luckily stepping down reverses the production to "normal" level. PPIs are so potent that you can basically stop the acid production, which is not what you want except for a short period of time.
Tums was invented to cause temporary relief, and requires constant use (the perfect product)...since it actually makes the symptoms return in time. Baking soda will also require constant use, as do prescription meds.
Relief in the stomach requires more acid, not less. A shot of ACV (apple cider vinegar) and half teaspoon of honey will alleviate/cure indigestion in a few minutes. Received this advice from a naturopathist, and on the rare occasion that indigestion occurs, it works perfectly.
I like it too. I do wonder about the health effects; you end up consuming a lot of sodium by drinking baking soda. I see in one of the studies they gave patients 8 grams of baking soda a day, which is more than you'd need to relieve heartburn. But, the study doesn't mention sodium and the effect on blood pressure at all, nor is it a long-term study.
I think that as terrible as chewing chalk is, calcium is better than sodium.
A teaspoon of baking soda has about 1200mg of sodium, which is about half of your daily allowance. If you have heartburn regularly enough that this intake is worrisome, I'd say a prescription would be a better option for you.
I also prefer the baking soda over TUMS because it usually makes me burp, which feels soo good after it works its magic >_<
Back when I used to get heartburn regularly (fortunately, totally recovered now due to diet changes!), the chlorine in tap water was a major trigger... so do this trick with bottled water.
