We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is an Acid Reducer?

Nicole Madison
By
Updated: Feb 06, 2024
Views: 19,208
Share

An acid reducer is a substance used to either neutralize stomach acid production or decrease the amount of stomach acid that is produced overall. People with heartburn use acid reducers to stop or prevent heartburn symptoms, which can include burning sensations in the chest and throat, strange-tasting fluid at the back of the throat, difficulty swallowing, sore throat and coughing. Acid reducers are available in both over-the-counter and prescription-strength formulas. There are even some natural remedies a person may use to manage heartburn.

Many people use antacids, which start to neutralize stomach acid just a few minutes after consumption, to treat heartburn symptoms. These medications are usually taken right after a person eats and a couple of hours before he plans to go to sleep. Antacids are usually safe for consumption but can cause temporary side effects, such as constipation or diarrhea. They may also stop certain medications from working properly. As such, it’s best to consult a doctor before taking this type of acid reducer along with prescription drugs.

There’s another type of acid reducer called an H2 blocker. This type of acid reducer doesn’t work to stop symptoms. Instead, it works to prevent them altogether by blocking a substance the body produces called histamine and decreasing stomach acid production. These medications don’t provide the quick relief a person can expect from an antacid, but they work for a longer period of time. In fact, some H2 blockers control acid production for 12 hours, and some of them begin working in as little as one hour after consumption.

A proton pump inhibitor is another type of acid reducer. It stops the work of a person’s proton pump, a molecule responsible for pumping digestive acids. Proton pump inhibitors do not offer quick relief of heartburn symptoms. In fact, they typically take even longer than H2 blockers to work. They last longer, however, providing relief for up to three days at a time.

Many people start off taking over-the-counter acid reducers. Antacids, H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors are available as over-the-counter or prescription medications. If over-the-counter remedies fail to work, they may move on to prescription medications for relief. Some people try to prevent symptoms naturally by avoiding foods known to cause heartburn, such as garlic and chocolate, and staying upright for a significant period of time after eating. Some heartburn suffers also try natural remedies such as aloe vera juice and slippery elm to treat symptoms.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Nicole Madison
By Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. Her passion for knowledge is evident in the well-researched and informative articles she authors. As a mother of four, Nicole balances work with quality family time activities such as reading, camping, and beach trips.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By cupcake15 — On May 11, 2011

@GreenWeaver- I heard that the Spanish root vegetable malanga is great when you have digestive problems. It is one of the best natural stomach acid reducers because it is easy on the stomach and you can digest it well and it neutralizes the acid.

It sort of tastes like a potato and has a dark brown consistency and it appears a little hairy. You can boil it or microwave it after you peel it and it is wonderful.

By GreenWeaver — On May 10, 2011

I hate when I have acid indigestion. I try to avoid foods with red sauce or that have a lot of acid at dinner time. I also try not to lay down right after I eat because this tends to cause an acid stomach and give me heart burn.

I read that if you have repeated acid indigestion that it could burn the walls of your esophagus and burn the lining of your stomach. This can also lead to esophageal cancer. That is why I try to avoid things that would give me heart burn and acid indigestion.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison's love for learning inspires her work as a WiseGeek writer, where she focuses on topics like...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wise-geek.com/what-is-an-acid-reducer.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.