There are many medications be they prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter) that cause digestive problems, especially painkillers and steroids.

1000s and 1000s of people take one form or another of antacids for heartburn, acidity, indigestion, all of which can be very painful conditions. For some people these painful problems can spoil their quality of life. There have been instances where the pain has been so bad in the chest area from heart burn, people have been rushed into hospital thinking they were having a heart attack.

There have been situations where the painkillers have caused a digestive problem that is more painful than the pain they were treating with painkillers in the first place.

The draw back to regular use of antacids causes absorption problems – many older people have digestive problems and take antacids far too regularly, causing mal-absorption problems of many nutrients especially of the mineral calcium. As we age generally our digestive systems slow-down a little each decade. Older people (men and women) are already at risk of osteoporosis, which can also be a painful condition.

Prescribed by a doctor or self prescribed over-the-counter antacids, either way they have the same affect they will seriously hinder absorption of vitamins and minerals in general. If you regularly need antacids you need to change aspects of your diet.

Kidney stones have been linked to antacids containing trisilicate. Anyone who has suffered from kidney stones can testify to how excruciatingly painful this condition can be.

Peppermint tea, has help many people as has chamomile tea. You need to buy the teas in loose form – take one heaped teaspoon per mug of hot water, allow to steep for 5 minutes, strain and drink one mug full after meals.