Side Effects of Eno
Eno is a popular over-the-counter antacid that helps provide relief from gastric acidity and heartburn. It does not require a prescription. But what are the side effects of eno? You should know them before consuming the antacid.
The following are some of the most common side effects of eno powder.
1. Increases Blood Pressure
One of the most common side effects of consuming eno daily is high blood pressure or hypertension. Eno contains sodium bicarbonate that can increase blood pressure. According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders, people with high blood pressure should avoid sodium bicarbonate as excess sodium can further increase blood pressure. Moreover, excess bicarbonate can also disrupt the body's normal pH level.
2. Allergic Reactions
Another common side-effect of eno is that it can cause allergic reactions. According to research, antacids can aggravate or trigger allergic reactions in your body. Antacids can weaken immune function. It increases the risk of bacterial infections and allergic reactions. Another animal study suggests that suppressing gastric energy can stimulate allergic reactions. Research also suggests that antacid medication can also cause food allergies in children. Since eno is a strong antacid, it can trigger allergic reactions in the body.
3. Kidney Diseases
Another of the most concerning side effects of eno is kidney issues. In worst cases, antacids like eno can also cause renal failure. According to research, small amounts of antacids taken occasionally may not have major side effects. However, prolonged consumption of antacids can cause renal failure and other chronic diseases.
4. Alkalosis
It is a medical condition in which body fluids get alkaline. Alkalosis can cause nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness and metabolic disorders. According to research, antacids with sodium bicarbonate can cause metabolic alkalosis and fluid retention in the body. Therefore, you should avoid regular consumption of eno for acidity or heartburn.
5. Muscle Spasms
Research suggests that sodium bicarbonate can also have side effects like heart failure, muscle spasms, and low calcium levels. Also, according to research, sodium bicarbonate can impact body metabolism and muscle physiology.
6. Heart Diseases
Antacids can also cause heart diseases. According to research, antacids containing sodium carbonate and bicarbonate can increase blood pressure. This increases the risk of a heart attack.
Also read: Eno During Pregnancy | Bodywise
Is It Good to Take Eno Daily?
Even though eno is a powerful antacid, it is not an effective solution for treating heartburn or acidity. Since antacids like eno have several side effects, so, no, it is not good to take eno daily, you should definitely avoid that. It is best to consult a doctor to get prescribed medicines if you have acidity or other gastric issues.
Also, according to the National Health Service, UK, pregnant or breastfeeding women, children below the age of 12, people who have been recommended salt restriction, and those with a kidney, liver or heart disease should avoid using antacid medicines. Therefore, it is best to consult your doctor before taking eno daily to avoid the side effects of eno.
References
- Blake H. Salisbury; Jamie M. Terrell, August 2021; Antacids - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526049/
- Karen Demuth, May 2013; Relationship between treatment with antacid medication and the prevalence of food allergy in children - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236911335
- Jason C. Siegler, Paul W. M. Marshall, December 2016; Mechanistic Insights into the Efficacy of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation to Improve Athletic Performance - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC5059234/