Could antacids be making me fat? While I was pregnant, my doctor said I could take an aTe antacid for my heartburn. My son is now 8 months old and I still need the meds, even though my doctor told me the heartburn should end after giving birth. Also, I’m constipated and haven’t shed an ounce of baby weight despite walking four days a week. What’s wrong?
Many women who use antacids during pregnancy find that their heartburn continues long after giving birth. The reason: Antacids can cause levels of the stomach acid hydrochloric acid (HCL) to fall too low. Without enough HCL, food isn’t completely digested. This leads to further heartburn, plus constipation that causes fat-trapping waste to build up in the colon. Low HCL also slows production of fat metabolizing bile, so consumed fat is stored instead of used for energy. The remedy: Mix 2 tsp. of apple cider vinegar into water and sip before meals and protein-rich snacks. (Protein is the toughest nutrient to digest.) The vinegar’s acetic acid optimizes stomach acidity, plus stimulates the production of bile and enzymes that break down food, melt fat and relieve constipation.
