Final answer:
Aluminum and magnesium hydroxide are preferred over baking soda for treating heartburn because they don’t significantly increase stomach pH, which prevents excess acid production. Aluminum may cause constipation, while magnesium has a laxative effect, balancing each other when combined in antacids.
Step-by-step explanation:
Advantages of Aluminum and Magnesium Hydroxide Over Baking Soda
Aluminum hydroxide, often used under brand names like Alu-Cap, Aludrox, and Gaviscon, is an effective antacid that helps in treating heartburn by reacting with excess stomach acid to reduce its acidity. It does not dissolve in water and therefore does not significantly raise the stomach's pH above neutral, avoiding the potential for the body to respond by producing even more stomach acid. While aluminum hydroxide can cause constipation, magnesium hydroxide may have a laxative effect. When used in combination, they can balance out these side effects, providing a more comfortable relief from heartburn.
Magnesium hydroxide, as found in products like milk of magnesia, acts as a mild antacid and in suitable doses, can effectively neutralize excess stomach acid without causing additional gas, as some antacids, like those containing sodium bicarbonate, might do.