Can You Use Magnesium to Treat Acid Reflux? (original) (raw)

Magnesium combined with hydroxide or carbonate ions may help neutralize the acid in your stomach. These magnesium-containing products may give you short-term relief from acid reflux symptoms.

Living with acid reflux can be bothersome. Infrequent reflux can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Some of these contain magnesium combined with other ingredients.

• magnesium hydroxide
• magnesium oxide
• magnesium carbonate

Magnesium oxide supplements are commonly used to treat symptoms like acid reflux or heartburn. Other types of magnesium can be used as an ingredient in many treatments for acid reflux.

For example, antacids frequently combine magnesium hydroxide or magnesium carbonate with aluminum hydroxide or calcium carbonate. These mixtures have been found by multiple studies to help neutralize acid and relieve acid reflux.

Magnesium may also be necessary for other reasons. For instance, proton pump inhibitors are often used to reduce the amount of acid your stomach makes. However, they are also known to reduce the magnesium in your body, which can lead to low magnesium. Doctors will often prescribe magnesium supplements to offset this effect.

Although magnesium antacids are generally well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects. Magnesium antacids can cause diarrhea. To combat this, aluminum hydroxide is often included in OTC antacid medications. However, aluminum antacids can cause constipation.

Another drawback is that antacids with aluminum can cause calcium loss, which can lead to osteoporosis. Antacids should only be used to alleviate occasional acid reflux.

Stomach acid is necessary to help absorb magnesium in the stomach. Chronic use of antacids, proton pump inhibitors, and other acid-blocking medications can decrease overall stomach acid and perpetuate poor magnesium absorption.

Excessive magnesium supplementation, or over 350 milligrams (mg) per day, can also result in diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramping.

More adverse reactions are seen in those with compromised kidney function. This is because the kidneys can’t adequately excrete excess magnesium.

Other than taking OTC medications that either block or reduce stomach acid, making adjustments to your lifestyle can have a major impact on your symptoms.

To reduce symptoms, you can:

• Eat smaller meals.
• Exercise regularly.
• Lose weight.
• Sleep with the head of your bed elevated 6 inches.
• Cut out late-night snacking.
• Track foods that cause symptoms and avoid eating them.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing.

There may be alternative therapies you can try to reduce your symptoms as well. These aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and should be taken with caution.

Acid reflux is a common condition. Infrequent episodes of reflux can be treated with medications that contain magnesium and other ingredients. If you’d like to increase your magnesium intake, remember to:

• Talk with your doctor about magnesium supplements.
• Add magnesium-rich foods to your diet. This includes whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
• Only take or consume up to 350 mg per day unless instructed otherwise.

You can also make lifestyle adjustments to decrease your acid reflux symptoms. These may include exercising, eating smaller meals, and avoiding certain foods.

If your symptoms persist, talk with your doctor. They can assess your current treatment plan and determine the best course of action for you.

Your doctor can discuss ways for you to reduce chronic symptoms and may suggest medication or surgery to repair any damage to your esophagus.