Calcium Carbonate
CALCIUM
Overview:
Calcium is a natural mineral that your body needs to stay strong and healthy. It’s best known for keeping your bones and teeth hard and sturdy, but it also plays a big role in muscle movement, heart rhythm, and nerve function.
Classification
Calcium is a dietary supplement and essential mineral.
Uses:
Supports healthy bones and teeth
Helps muscles contract and relax properly
Keeps your heartbeat steady
Helps nerves send signals
Used to prevent or treat calcium deficiency, especially in people with osteoporosis, poor diet, or during pregnancy or growth phases
How It Works:
Calcium gets absorbed from the food you eat or from supplements. Once in your blood, it’s sent to places where it’s needed—mostly bones, teeth, and muscles. It strengthens bones, supports heart and muscle function, and helps nerves carry messages throughout your body.
Dosage:
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side effects
Most people can take calcium without issues, but some might notice:
Stomach upset or bloating
Constipation (trouble going to the bathroom)
Gas
Mild nausea (feeling slightly sick)
Dry mouth or a chalky taste
Kidney stones
High calcium levels in the blood, which may cause confusion, tiredness, or increased thirst
Precautions
Don’t take more than recommended: Too much calcium can build up in the body and cause problems like kidney stones or high blood calcium.
Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have kidney disease, heart problems, or a history of kidney stones.
Let your doctor know if you’re taking other medications: Calcium can interfere with how some drugs work—like antibiotics, thyroid medicine, or iron supplements.
Take it the right way: Some types of calcium work better with food, while others don’t. Follow the label or your doctor’s advice.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps prevent kidney stone risk when taking calcium supplements.
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage
Sodium Alginate
SODIUM ALGINATE
Overview:
Sodium alginate is a natural derivative obtained on brown algae, which people use to treat acid reflux and heartburn. It is effective because this gel-like film floats at the surface of your stomach contents, and it recognizes itself as another barrier. This prevents the splashing of acid back up your food pipe, which makes the burning sensation weaker. It is mild, quick acting and usually administered with antacids so that it bites more easily.
Classification:Alginates(mucosal protectants)
Uses:
Sodium alginate is used in treating acid reflux and heartburn and forms a cover so as to restrict the stomach acid regurgitating back into the throat. It is also known to treat the symptoms of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) and it may also be present as a wound dressing and as a natural stabilizer or thickener in food products.
How it works:
Sodium alginate reacts with the stomach acid forming a gel-like raft that floats on top of the gastric composition. It is a mechanical barrier and this so-called raft protects the acidic contents so they do not reflux back up into the esophagus. It is not like antacids, which inhibit the formation of more acid as the mechanism of action of this drug is to barricade the acid chemically, thus relieving pain associated with heartburn and acid reflux.
Dosage: As prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects:
Bloating
Nausea (rare)
Gas
Constipation or diarrhea
Allergic reactions– such as rash or itching
Precautions:In case you are using sodium alginate medication, inform your doctor whether you are on a low salt diet, because certain groups of this type of medication have an added salt ingredient. You should also discuss it with your doctor when you are pregnant or when you are nursing babies as well just to ensure that it is safe to do so. And remember to tell some details about other medications or supplements that you take, as they also may conflict with it.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Sodium Bicarbonate
SODIUM BICARBONATE
Overview:
Sodium bicarbonate is a medicine and household substance that helps neutralize excess acid in the stomach, making digestion more comfortable. It’s often used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, or upset stomach. It works by keeping stomach acid in check, helping you feel less full, calmer, and more comfortable.
Classification:
Uses:
Sodium Bicarbonate is mainly used to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach by neutralizing excess stomach acid. It is also used in certain medical conditions to help balance the body’s pH levels and make the blood or urine less acidic.
How it works:
Sodium Bicarbonate works by directly neutralizing excess acid in the stomach or bloodstream. When it meets acid, it produces water and carbon dioxide, lowering acidity and easing heartburn or upset stomach. In the blood, it helps restore the normal pH balance, which is important in conditions where the body becomes too acidic.
Dosage:
As prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects:
Mild stomach upset, bloating, or gas.
Nausea or vomiting
Rarely, overuse can cause high sodium levels, swelling, or changes in blood pH.
Long-term or excessive use may affect kidneys or heart in sensitive individuals.
Precautions:
Avoid it if you have heart, kidney, or high blood pressure issues.
Use only as directed; too much can cause swelling, high sodium, or blood problems.
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking other medicines.
Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
