Question

Milk of magnesia used as a medicine for treating indigestion is a substance that (1) helps in disintegration of food products leading to their metabolism (2) combines with gastric hydrochloric acid thereby enhancing the latter's efficiency (3) improves the enzymatic activities inside the stomach (4) neutralizes excess acidity, providing a buffered medium inside the stomach

Short answer

Option 4: Neutralizes excess acidity, providing a buffered medium inside the stomach.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

Determine the main function of milk of magnesia in relation to stomach acidity and indigestion.

Analyze Option 1

Option 1 states that milk of magnesia helps in the disintegration of food products leading to their metabolism. This is not the primary function of milk of magnesia.

Analyze Option 2

Option 2 claims that milk of magnesia combines with gastric hydrochloric acid, thereby enhancing its efficiency. This is incorrect as milk of magnesia does not enhance the efficiency of hydrochloric acid.

Analyze Option 3

Option 3 suggests that milk of magnesia improves the enzymatic activities inside the stomach. This is incorrect because milk of magnesia does not enhance enzymatic activity.

Analyze Option4

Option 4 states that milk of magnesia neutralizes excess acidity, providing a buffered medium inside the stomach. This is correct because milk of magnesia is used to neutralize excess stomach acid.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, option 4 is the correct answer as it accurately describes the primary function of milk of magnesia in treating indigestion.

Key concepts

Indigestion Treatment

Milk of magnesia is a popular remedy for treating indigestion. Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a condition that causes discomfort or pain in the stomach area, often after eating. The symptoms can include bloating, heartburn, and nausea. Milk of magnesia helps to alleviate these symptoms by addressing the underlying issue of excess stomach acid. When you take milk of magnesia, it works quickly to neutralize the acid in your stomach, offering fast relief from indigestion. This makes it a reliable and accessible treatment for those suffering from this common digestive problem.

Since indigestion can be caused by various factors like eating too quickly, consuming spicy or fatty foods, or stress, it is important to manage these lifestyle aspects as well. However, for immediate relief, milk of magnesia can be very effective.

Acid Neutralization

The main active ingredient in milk of magnesia is magnesium hydroxide, which plays a critical role in acid neutralization. When you consume milk of magnesia, the magnesium hydroxide reacts with the hydrochloric acid (HCl) in your stomach. This reaction neutralizes the excess acid and increases the pH level of the stomach contents. The chemical reaction can be represented as follows:
\[ \text{Mg(OH)}_2 + 2 \text{HCl} \rightarrow \text{MgCl}_2 + 2 \text{H}_2\text{O} \] Neutralizing stomach acid can relieve symptoms like heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. This process also prevents the acid from harming the lining of the stomach and other parts of the digestive system.

It's important to follow recommended dosages when using milk of magnesia, as overuse can lead to side effects like diarrhea. The balance achieved by neutralizing the acid without overdoing it demonstrates the importance of understanding the correct usage of such treatments.

Buffered Medium

A buffered medium is an environment that maintains a stable pH level even when acids or bases are introduced. In the context of milk of magnesia, the buffered medium created in the stomach helps to maintain an optimal pH level. This stability is essential for efficient digestion and overall stomach health. By neutralizing the excess acid, milk of magnesia ensures that the stomach environment is not too acidic, which can lead to damage of the stomach lining and discomfort.

Maintaining a buffered medium is particularly crucial because:

• It protects the stomach lining from being eroded by strong acids.
• It supports the proper function of digestive enzymes, which operate best within specific pH ranges.
• It helps to prevent conditions like gastritis or peptic ulcers that can result from prolonged exposure to high acidity.

The buffering action of milk of magnesia contributes significantly to its effectiveness in treating indigestion and promoting a healthier digestive system.

Ensuring a well-buffered stomach can help you avoid various digestive problems and maintain overall gastrointestinal health.