Current:Home > StocksAlka-Seltzer is the most commonly recommended medication for heartburn. Here's why. -EverVision Finance
Alka-Seltzer is the most commonly recommended medication for heartburn. Here's why.
View
Date:2025-04-12 11:54:04
Heartburn is one of the most common ailments people deal with regularly. According to a National Institutes of Health report, about 60 million Americans experience heartburn at least once a month, while some 15 million feel some measure of it daily.
Though its name suggests an issue with one's heart, heartburn is actually a symptom of acid reflux − the burning sensation of acid refluxing up from one's stomach and into the esophagus. While several conditions contribute to heartburn, one of its most commonly recommended treatments is Alka-Seltzer − an antacid known for "decreasing the amount of acid in the stomach," says Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, an adjunct professor of nutrition at New York University and author of "Finally Full, Finally Slim."
What is Alka-Seltzer?
In addition to decreasing one's amount of stomach acid, the over-the-counter medication also "helps to buffer or neutralize stomach acid," says Jamie Bering, MD, a gastroenterologist at Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Each Alka-Seltzer tablet dissolves quickly in water and contains three active ingredients. These include:
- Aspirin - known for its minor pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and fever-reducing effects.
- Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda - "which is what helps neutralize stomach acid," says Jen Messer, a nutrition consultant and registered dietitian at Jen Messer Nutrition.
- Citric acid - important because it "reacts with water and the sodium bicarbonate to give the effervescence or fizzy effect," Messer explains.
What does Alka-Seltzer do?
While each ingredient provides these individual benefits, the three-part combination of the medication is what makes Alka-Seltzer ideal for "relieving symptoms of heartburn or indigestion," says Bering.
In addition to its usefulness against heartburn, Alka-Seltzer is also marketed to provide relief for a number of other conditions and ailments. These include "everything from minor aches and pains to fever, inflammation and even hangovers," says Messer.
When should you not use Alka-Seltzer?
Despite its usefulness with some such conditions or symptoms, Alka-Seltzer is not for everyone. Though rare, the antacid can cause a severe allergic reaction in some users. Individuals who experience hives, wheezing or face swelling after taking Alka-Seltzer should seek the care of a physician right away.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also advises against pregnant women taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) at 20 weeks or later of pregnancy, which would include Alka-Seltzer because the aspirin found therein is a type of NSAID. NSAIDs taken during pregnancy can cause rare but serious kidney problems in fetuses and can lead to low levels of amniotic fluid, per Mayo Clinic. Alka-Seltzer should also not be taken by anyone taking any other type of NSAID. These include other medications containing aspirin, plus ibuprofen, naproxen and Celebrex.
It's also important to note that even when taken as directed, "Alka-Seltzer may provide only temporary relief" against certain conditions or symptoms, says Messer. "If symptoms persist or worsen after taking it," she suggests, "it's advisable to seek medical attention."
What to know to stay safe:Popular heartburn medicine may increase dementia risk by 33%.
veryGood! (7627)
Related
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Who plays on Sunday Night Football? Breaking down Week 5 matchup
- Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers turn up in Game 1 win vs. rival Padres: Highlights
- Jamie Foxx's Daughter Corinne Foxx Says She Celebrated Engagement in Dad's Rehab Room Amid Health Crisis
- 'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
- Vanderbilt takes down No. 1 Alabama 40-35 in historic college football victory
- Four Downs: A Saturday of complete college football chaos leaves SEC race up for grabs
- Georgia football coach Kirby Smart's new 10-year, $130 million deal: More contract details
- Arkansas State Police probe death of woman found after officer
- 'That '90s Show' canceled by Netflix, show's star Kurtwood Smith announces on Instagram
Ranking
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- NASCAR 2024 playoffs at Talladega: Start time, TV, live stream, lineup for YellaWood 500
- Don’t fall for fake dentists offering veneers and other dental work on social media
- Will Lionel Messi play vs. Toronto Saturday? Here's the latest update on Inter Miami star
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- A week after Helene hit, thousands still without water struggle to find enough
- Retired New Jersey State Police trooper who stormed Capitol is sentenced to probation
- Shaboozey Reveals How Mispronunciation of His Real Name Inspired His Stage Name
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Keanu Reeves crashes at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in pro auto racing debut
MIami, Mississippi on upset alert? Bold predictions for Week 6 in college football
Yankees' newest October hero Luke Weaver delivers in crazy ALDS opener
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Bighorn sheep habitat to remain untouched as Vail agrees to new spot for workforce housing
Joe Musgrove injury: Padres lose pitcher to Tommy John surgery before NLDS vs. Dodgers
Ken Paxton sues TikTok for violating new Texas social media law