Antacids are not meant to be a long-term solution. A quick Google search of side effects can explain why. The common misconception about heartburn/acid reflux is that it is caused by the stomach producing too much acid. The true problem is usually a deficiency in stomach acid caused by poor stomach function. When food sits in the stomach without enough digestive juices, it breaks down in unnatural ways. This produces other acids that irritate the stomach and cause indigestion. An effective long-term solution would be to heal and restore the stomach’s function through dietary adjustments and supplementation. Average healing time is 2 to 6 months.