Gastrointestinal issues are a common fixture in Indian homes, where the sight of someone self-medicating with an antacid for occasional relief has become almost second nature. However, experts have cautioned against this behaviour.
Dr Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, took to X to warn that this common habit is a serious health concern, labelling it a 'silent health crisis' unfolding across the country.
"That daily antacid you pop for 'gas' or heartburn might be doing more than just stopping the burn," he said in the post. Kumar also pointed out that he had witnessed the long-term effects of consuming such antacids.
The fact that antacids are available over the counter in India without a prescription increases the likelihood of their misuse by the general public.
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Dr Kumar drew attention to the risks involving long-term use of Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), a group of medicines that decrease stomach acid production.
🧵 The "Acidity Pill" Trap: A Silent Health Crisis?
— Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (@hyderabaddoctor) March 7, 2026
That daily antacid you pop for "gas" or heartburn might be doing more than just stopping the burn. As a neurologist, I see the long-term fallout of over-the-counter (OTC) drug misuse every day.
Let's talk about the hidden risks…
Dr Kumar notes that PPIs are among the most over-prescribed and over-consumed drugs worldwide. Although designed for short-term treatment—typically four to eight weeks for ulcers or severe GERD—millions of people continue to take them for years to manage minor indigestion.
There is a serious cost involved with the habit, and it is a person’s long-term health that pays the bill. This includes the following:
1. Damage to the kidneys
Dr Kumar noted that the chronic use of PPI has been strongly linked to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
2. Nutrient theft
In the case of digestion, stomach acid has an important role to play. PPIs suppress the formation of stomach acid, and therefore block the absorption of essential nutrients such as Magnesium and calcium, Vitamin B12, and Iron.
3. Disruption of the gut-brain axis
“There is an ongoing debate regarding PPIs and dementia,” stated Dr Kumar. “While the link may be correlational, we know that chronic B12 deficiency and a disrupted gut microbiome, both caused by long-term PPI use, are major players in cognitive decline.”
Therefore, protecting stomach acid can be crucial to protecting the brain.
4. Breaking the first line of defence
Beyond its digestive function, stomach acid serves as a critical first line of defence, neutralising harmful bacteria ingested with food. By suppressing this acid, long-term PPI use can leave the body vulnerable to serious infections, including:
*Clostridium difficile: A severe and painful diarrheal infection.
*Pneumonia: Occurs when gut bacteria migrate toward the respiratory system.
*SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth): An imbalance caused by bacteria proliferating in the small intestine.
Dr Kumar also noted that if any person is using PPI medication for more than eight weeks without a clear medical reason, they should consult with their doctor about the medication.
Long-term digestive health depends on habit rather than medication. Key practices include staying upright for three hours post-meals, identifying food triggers like caffeine, and managing weight to lower gastric pressure. The core message is clear: stomach acid serves a vital biological purpose and should only be suppressed when medically necessary."
