Chemistry and Health: Neutralizing Excess Stomach Acid

• Your stomach normally contains acids that are involved in food digestion.

• Antacids are over-the-counter medicines that work by reacting with and neutralizing stomach acid.

• Antacids contain bases such as Mg(OH)2, Al(OH)3, and NaHCO3.

• The base in an antacid neutralizes excess stomach acid, relieving heartburn and acid stomach.