Heartburn, which is also referred to as indigestion, and in chronic cases, gastroesophageal reflex disease, is characterized by an uncomfortable burning in the chest and/or stomach, behind the breast bone. It is sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as gas, bloating, nausea, shortness of breath and a sour taste in the mouth or throat. Calcium and magnesium are two essential minerals that have an alkalizing effect on the stomach and may help to prevent and treat heartburn. As with any nutritional supplement, you should talk to your health care practitioner before taking calcium or magnesium.
Heartburn Information
Heartburn is a common disorder and approximately 60 million Americans suffer from it. It is often caused when hydrochloric acid -- the acid in your stomach that is used to digest food -- backs up into the esophagus and causes sensitive tissues to become irritated. Antacids are the conventional treatment for heartburn and they usually consist of calcium carbonate, magnesium and aluminum salts.
The Problem with Antacid Drugs
Antacids are considered safe when taken for short periods of time. However, according to the June 1999 issue of the journal "Drugs," large doses of antacids taken for long periods of time can cause significant adverse effects due to the aluminum in them. They also can reduce the effectiveness of many medications. Both calcium and magnesium have been found to be helpful for the management of heartburn; taking them individually, as opposed to in combination with aluminum, may produce fewer adverse effects.
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium is a trace mineral; oral magnesium preparations help to reduce acid levels in the stomach and symptoms of heartburn. Several varieties of magnesium supplements are available; however, "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database" states that magnesium carbonate, hydroxide and trisilicate salts are the most commonly used for the treatment of heartburn. Magnesium hydroxide has the benefit of exhibiting the fastest onset of action. Magnesium trisilicate has the slowest onset of action, but it has the benefit of relieving symptoms for the longest duration. The recommended dose of magnesium is 150 to 200 mg, taken twice daily.
Calcium Carbonate
According to "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database," calcium carbonate is a potent acid-reducing agent. It interacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach and helps to neutralize it. It thereby helps to provide fast-acting, short-term relief of occasional heartburn, indigestion and gas, states Drugs.com. Calcium carbonate supplements are sold in liquid, chewable tablets and lozenge form and the recommended dose is 300 mg, twice daily. For the best results, Phyllis Balch and James Balch, M.D. recommend in their book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," taking calcium and magnesium supplement together in between meals.
References
- "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database"; Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2011
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, MD; 2003.
- Drugs.com: Calcium Carbonate
- "Drugs"; Antacids Revisited: A Review of Their Clinical Pharmacology and Recommended Therapeutic Use; Maton PN; June, 1999
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