Antacids offer quick relief but daily use creates 'vicious cycle', nutritionist says

Reaching for an antacid after every bout of bloating or acidity may feel harmless, but a nutritionist is warning that the habit could be quietly undermining the very digestive system it is meant to help — and potentially making symptoms worse over time.

Holistic health nutritionist and wellness content creator Khushi Chhabra raised the concern in an Instagram video posted on 9 June, as reported by Hindustan Times. "Popping an antacid every time you feel bloated or experience acidity? You might be making things worse," she warned.

How common antacids actually work

Medicines such as Digene, Eno, and Pan-D have become household staples across India, offering fast relief from burning sensations and discomfort. Chhabra explains that while they deliver temporary relief, the mechanisms behind them differ — and both carry risks when used excessively.

"Antacids like Digene and Eno contain magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and sodium bicarbonate," she explained. "They chemically neutralise your stomach for temporary relief, so your burning reduces and acidity settles. When you take Pan-D, it doesn't neutralise your stomach acid; it blocks the production of stomach acid itself. These block the proton pumps in your stomach cells from where acid is released, leading to less acid, less burning, and more comfort."

Why stomach acid matters more than you think

The core problem, Chhabra says, is that stomach acid is not the enemy — it is essential. It breaks down proteins, supports the absorption of key vitamins and minerals, and triggers the release of digestive enzymes. When acid levels fall too low, digestion becomes inefficient, and symptoms such as gas, bloating, and persistent acidity can actually intensify.

"We need stomach acid to digest protein, absorb minerals like calcium, absorb vitamin B12, and activate digestive enzymes," she said. "So why are these medicines making stomach acid a problem? When you take these medicines daily, your natural stomach acid production reduces. This leads to more acidity and gas because your food isn't being digested properly without that acid. This creates a vicious cycle: food doesn't digest, more gas forms, acidity occurs, and then you have to take these medicines again."

The case for treating the root cause

Chhabra's central argument is that antacids address symptoms rather than causes, and that long-term reliance on them may contribute to the very problems people are trying to resolve. She urged a shift in approach towards habits that support digestion naturally rather than suppressing it chemically.

"True gut health isn't about masking the symptoms with temporary fixes; it's about treating the cause," she said. "Shift your focus toward building sustainable habits that support your digestion naturally."

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. Claims have not been independently verified.