Antacids: What They Are, How They Work, and What You Need to Know

When your chest burns after eating, or you feel that sour taste rising up, antacids, over-the-counter medications that neutralize stomach acid to relieve heartburn and indigestion. Also known as acid neutralizers, they’re one of the most common ways people manage occasional discomfort. You’ve probably seen them on the shelf—chewable tablets, liquids in small bottles, or powders you mix with water. They work fast, usually in minutes, because they don’t try to stop acid production. They just cancel it out where it’s causing trouble.

Most antacids contain a mix of magnesium, aluminum, calcium, or sodium compounds. Magnesium hydroxide, a gentle base that neutralizes acid and can also help with constipation, shows up in many formulas. So does calcium carbonate, the active ingredient in Tums, which not only relieves heartburn but also adds a small amount of calcium to your diet. But not all antacids are the same. Some cause loose stools, others cause constipation. Some work fast but don’t last long. Others take a bit longer to kick in but stick around for hours. It’s not magic—it’s chemistry.

Antacids are great for occasional heartburn after a big meal or spicy food. But if you’re using them every day for weeks, something else might be going on. Chronic acid reflux, or GERD, needs a different approach. Long-term use of certain antacids can interfere with nutrient absorption, affect kidney function, or mask more serious issues like ulcers or even heart problems that feel like heartburn. And while they’re safe for most people, they can interact with other meds—like antibiotics, thyroid drugs, or iron supplements—by changing how your body absorbs them.

That’s why the posts here don’t just tell you which antacid to pick. They show you what’s really inside your medicine, how it affects your gut, and when it’s time to look beyond quick fixes. You’ll find guides on how magnesium hydroxide helps with skin issues too, how some people confuse antacid side effects with something worse, and why switching meds without knowing the ingredients can backfire. You’ll see how stomach acid isn’t always the enemy, and how treating symptoms without understanding the cause can leave you stuck in a cycle.

Whether you’re popping antacids once a month or every day, this collection gives you the real talk—no fluff, no marketing. Just what you need to know to use them safely, recognize when they’re not enough, and make smarter choices for your gut health.