Here we are discussing whether
magnesium for heartburn can be depended
upon.
Heartburn,
that defines a burning sensation behind the chest
bone, is felt when part of the acidic stomach
contents occasionally reflux back into the
esophagus (tube that carries food and beverages
into the stomach) due to the inappropriate opening
of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Since the
inner lining of the esophagus is not so adequately
reinforced with mucosa like the stomach, it gets
irritated, thus causing the burning sensation in
the chest (mistakenly considered as near the
heart) – this is why it is commonly referred to as
“heartburn”.
As
one of the commonest symptoms of gastroesophageal
reflux disease or GERD, it affects millions of
Americans who turn to anti-acidic formulations for
relief from the burning sensation and the
accompanying discomfort. Since magnesium hydroxide
can readily interact with the acidic fluid, thus
neutralizing it quickly, providing the much needed
relief, magnesium for heartburn have gained
in popularity. Available in emulsified form, it
can be taken neat and being almost tasteless,
creates no problems too.
However,
most of the anti-acidic formulations have certain
basic disadvantages as well as side effects that
are harmful to the body and magnesium salts are no
exception to this rule. Though they can
consistently ‘block’ the secretion of stomach
acids, thus providing quick relief, they also end
up blocking the absorption of nutrients and often
hinder the process of digestion, creating other
more complex problems.
As a
matter of fact, the stomach acid (hydrochloric
acid) is an essential chemical that the body
prepares itself for breaking down the proteins
into amino acids that are used by the body. Any
deviation from this normal practice is liable to
harm the very process of nourishment that is so
very vital for sustenance. Besides, the
anti-acidic property of magnesium for heartburn
can merely suppress the condition but can never
address the basic cause of the digestive problem.
At best (or rather worse) it helps continuing the
cycle of heartburn, acid reflux and more drugs.
Instead, a holistic approach to the problem by way
of changing the lifestyle, selecting the food that
does not prompt acidity and leading a regulated
life brings about a better
solution.
Nevertheless,
magnesium compounds are available in several
formulations including magnesium carbonate,
magnesium trisilicate and magnesium hydroxide,
i.e. the ‘milk of magnesia’ all of which can
reduce the gas in the stomach, alkalize and
neutralize the acids, restrict their over
production and even provide a barrier, controlling
the backflow (reflux) of acidic stomach contents
to the esophagus. But alas, one of the major side
effects of all magnesium for heartburn is
diarrhea.
As
mentioned above, magnesium for heartburn is never
a permanent cure – at best it can provide
temporary relief. For a permanent cure, you have
to turn to holistic remedies. Conventional
medicines can cure only the symptoms of the
disease and tends to ignore its root causes (which
can be many and complicated), and this is why,
even after the symptoms are gone with treatment,
they often return after a while. But holistic
remedies on the other hand reach out to the root
causes of the disease and tries to solve the
problem.
This
is why you must not completely depend on
magnesium for heartburn and instead turn to
holistic remedies.
