GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a more serious form of the more common acid reflux. Both acid reflux and GERD occur when the esophageal sphincter either closes improperly or opens when it shouldn't, allowing stomach contents to spill back into the esophagus. Treatment for GERD can involve both lifestyle changes and either prescription or over-the-counter medication. Often, the first medication suggested to treat GERD is the humble antacid, made from the salts of minerals calcium, aluminum and magnesium.
GERD Overview
While simple acid reflux -- caused when digestive acids and food come up through the open sphincter and spill into the esophagus -- is quite common and not necessarily a cause for concern, GERD is more serious. If you regularly experience acid reflux more than twice per week, you may have GERD. Adults with GERD experience frequent heartburn or acid reflux, while children who have GERD generally do not. Instead, children who have GERD may have a persistent cough and difficulty swallowing. Experts cannot explain why people develop GERD. However, smokers, women who are pregnant, and people who are obese are more likely to develop GERD.
Magnesium Antacids for GERD
If your GERD symptoms are not severe, your physician will likely suggest you try to first treat it with antacids. Antacids work to help GERD by neutralizing stomach acid and may even help the stomach's defensive systems by stimulating the production of mucus secretions and increasing levels of bicarbonate. One form of antacid is magnesium salts, sold as magnesium carbonate, magnesium trisilicate and magnesium hydroxide or milk of magnesia. While effective at neutralizing acid, magnesium salts can cause diarrhea. Products like Maalox and Mylanta include aluminum with the magnesium salts to help to balance the laxative effect.
Other GERD Treatments
If magnesium salt or calcium carbonate antacids to not adequately address your GERD symptoms, your physician may recommend a different type of treatment. According to the National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse, other commonly prescribed medications for GERD include: foaming agents that prevent reflux by filling your stomach with foam, H2 blockers that work to slow your stomach's acid production, proton pump inhibitors which also work to help heal your esophagus; prokinetics, which help to improve the function of your sphincter and the digestive muscles in your stomach; or a combination of several therapies. Talk with your health-care provider about which treatment approach is best for you.
Magnesium Contraindications
While magnesium is a mineral and may therefore seem "safe," you should consider it a drug, like any other treatment, and take appropriate cautions. Magnesium in doses under 350 mg is considered "likely safe" for most people, including pregnant women, by the National Institutes of Health. However, there are some situations in which you should avoid magnesium or take it with caution. If you have a heart block or kidney disease, you should not take any forms of magnesium because they could be harmful to your health. You should exercise caution taking magnesium if you are taking some antibiotics: aminoglycosides, quinolones and tetracycline antibiotics can all be impacted by magnesium. Muscle relaxants, calcium channel blockers and bisphosphates also shouldn't be taken with magnesium. Consult with your physician about possible drug or herbal remedy interactions before you begin any treatment regimen.
