Is Potassium Helpful For Heartburn?

Heartburn occurs when gastric juices from the stomach flow up into the esophagus (tube connecting the mouth to the stomach).

Food travels down the esophagus to the stomach. The opening between the esophagus and stomach opens to let food enter the stomach. Normally it closes as soon as the food enters the stomach. With heartburn, the opening does not close tightly. Stomach acid flows into the esophagus (called acid reflux), causing the burning sensation. Other causes include diseases that interfere with food passing through the esophagus or cause excess acid production.

Certain medications, including anticholinergics, calcium channel blocking agents, theophylline, NSAIDs, quinidine, tetracycline, anti-osteoporosis agent alendronate are thought to be risk factors in getting heartburn. Interestingly, although potassium is often thought to be helpful for heartburn, potassium and iron supplements are also included in the list of risk factors.

You will find that some information states that Potassium Bicarbonate, when used with other chemicals, can act to maintain the pH level in the body, like an antacid. However, experts in treating heartburn do not tend to go along with using potassium to actually treat heartburn, as it has been shown to actually contribute to the condition.

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