Citric acid, aspirin and sodium hydrogen carbonate are the main constituents of alka seltzer. Its main role is to reduce headaches, period pains, migraines, muscular pains and symptoms of colds and flues, as well has curing problems related with an upset stomach.
Aspirin works to reduce pain and swellings; it is an anti- inflammatory drug and belongs to a group of drugs called NSAIDs as it does not contain steroids. The enzyme cyclo-oxygenase which speeds up the production of prostaglandins is blocked by aspirin. Prostaglandins are a type of hormone to deal with injury by causing pain and swelling, therefore after consuming alka seltzer the individual feels less pain.
When water reacts with sodium hydrogen carbonate and citric acid, an antacid