When you’re suffering from heartburn, then it can be difficult to know what to do next. You might be tempted to grin and bear it, or try a natural remedy, but there are lots of medicines available designed to target heartburn directly.
When we’re talking about heartburn relief, it’s important to specify which heartburn medicine we’re talking about. It’s usually sold in either a tablet or liquid form, and different kinds work in different ways. Some work by relieving the symptoms while some block the acid, as heartburn is usually caused by acid escaping the stomach and climbing up the oesophagus.
Let’s take a look at each of these remedies in detail.
ANTACIDS
Antacids are one of the more popular remedies for heartburn. These medications, like Rennie Spearmint**, work to neutralise excess stomach acid, helping to reduce what is actually causing the burning sensation.
Rennie spearmint tablets are composed of two naturally occurring antacids known as calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. These two compounds neutralize and rebalance the acidity of your stomach contents by converting the excess acid into water and other natural substances.
ACID BLOCKERS
Acid blockers, also known as H2 blockers, are another form of heartburn relief. Acid blockers function by reducing the amount of acid that is created by your stomach and are often used to reduce acid reflux and relieve heartburn and indigestion.
Histamine, a chemical made naturally in the body, causes your stomach lining cells to produce more acid. H2 blockers work by blocking the stomach lining cells from responding to histamine, which reduces the amount of acid produced by the stomach and helps to prevent or relieve the symptoms of acid reflux, including heartburn.
PPI’S
Proton-pump inhibitors, or PPIs, are a type of medication which also aids in the management of stomach acid production. PPIs help to keep the stomach from producing more acid than it should be and have been shown to help manage the symptoms of heartburn and indigestion.
PPIs work by blocking your gastric proton pump, the way hydrogen ions (that form the acid) enter the stomach, as an effort to reduce stomach acid production.
WHICH IS RIGHT FOR ME?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to deciding which heartburn medicine is best for you, as the frequency and severity of your symptoms play a huge role in the decision-making process.
There are many different options available, including tablets and liquids, but the best course of action is to always ask your doctor for their opinion on which medicine is best for you.
TIPS & ADVICE
Take a look at our tips and advice on how to have a happier digestive life.
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