Final answer:
Excessive use of antacids can lead to side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, altered pH levels, and increased risk of kidney stones, hence they should be used responsibly.
Step-by-step explanation:
Avoiding excessive use of antacids is one way of preventing side effects associated with their misuse, such as constipation, diarrhea, altered pH levels, and potential kidney stone formation. Antacids are compounds typically containing aluminum, calcium, or magnesium, used to neutralize excess stomach acid, mainly HCl, thereby relieving symptoms like heartburn and indigestion. However, over-reliance on antacids can lead to health complications. For instance, aluminum and calcium-containing antacids may cause constipation, while magnesium-based antacids could have a laxative effect.
Additionally, excessive calcium can predispose individuals to kidney stones, and high sodium antacids might elevate blood sodium levels, disrupting the body's sodium balance. Moreover, continuously neutralizing stomach acid can affect the body's natural acid-base titration, altering the gastric environment and potentially exacerbating gastrointestinal issues. It is important to use antacids responsibly and seek medical advice for persistent gastric discomfort to avoid such harmful effects.