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Do you remember 'Speedy Alka-Seltzer'?

Alka-Seltzer neutralizes stomach acid with two dry ingredients that fizz when plop-plopped into a glass of water.

Alka-Seltzer is a combination of aspirin, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid in a dry tablet.

The aspirin is added to reduce pain, the sodium bicarbonate is a stable alkali when dry, and the citric acid is a stable weak acid when dry.

Alka Seltzer comes as a large tablet which becomes unstable and dissolves quickly when dropped into a glass of water. As the tablets dissolve, the alkali part (bicarbonate) and the acid part (citric acid) react vigorously producing bubbles of carbon dioxide gas.

The 'alka' part of the name came from the 'alkali' - the sodium bicarbonate; the "Seltzer" comes from the effervescent action, the creation of the bubbles, the carbon dioxide gas.

The sodium bicarbonate in liquid form neutralizes the stomach acid quickly when it enters the stomach. This is often followed by a belch, the evacuation of built-up gas inside the stomach. The result is the relief of discomfort from pressure.

Antacids reduce the strength of the stomach acid to a level where the stomach acid no longer works.

It is the combination of simple chemicals that creates a known reaction.

Alka-seltzer seems to be safer than most antacids. The chemistry is straight-forward and understandable, and it is effective when used as directed.

The carbon dioxide gas bubbles that form are harmless to humans.

Bayer, the German company that manufactures Alka-Seltzer, makes none of the false claims that it is a nutritional supplement.

The problem is the same one outlined in the antacids page.

That is, we require normal stomach acid in order to absorb the basic building blocks of life from our food. That includes basic minerals including calcium, which we require to naturally prevent osteoporosis. When we destroy the normal acidic digestive juices by using antacids, we lose all the potential benefits of that meal.

Antacids can become a daily habit, as a result of poor eating habits. Daily use of Alka-Seltzer, as with any antacid product, can cause malnutrition from the interuption of the digestive system. Occasional use will not create this, but daily use may.

Acid indigestion or gastric reflux may be related to a
digestive system that is clogged and doesn't work right.

Some of the known mineral depletions that may occur from sodium bicarbonate include:

• Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency affects calcium and vitamin D levels in the blood and may be associated with muscle cramps, heart irregularities, insomnia, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteopenia and osteoporosis (bone loss).

• Potassium

Symptoms of deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, drowsiness, feelings of apprehension, excessive thirst, irrational behavior, fatigue, muscle pain and weakness (usually of the lower limbs); severe cases may lead to irregular heartbeat.

• Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)

Low levels of folic acid have been linked to anemia, heart disease, and birth defects.

Severe GERD? MUST DO!
Sensitive Digestion Formula
Help your gut begin to function normally,
from the first bite of food to the efficient elimination of waste,
as nature intended.

If you do use these products, remember they are all recommended for short term or occasional use only.

Occasional heartburn is probably best treated with over-the-counter antacids. These products go straight to the esophagus and immediately work to decrease acidity.

However, they should not be used as the sole treatment for heartburn sufferers who either have two or more episodes per week or who suffer for periods of over three weeks."

We recommend a safe, natural approach.

Dr. Martin McIntosh

Here is a great site for some
historic fun with Speedy Alka-Seltzer

Top of Antacids Alka-Seltzer Page

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