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Is Tums Good For Heartburn

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When To See A Doctor

The Difference Between Heartburn & Indigestion | TUMS

Usually, you can successfully treat occasional bouts of heartburn pain using the home remedies on this page. However, if acid reflux becomes a chronic condition, you should see a doctor. Your doctor can prescribe medication to manage the symptoms of GERD and get rid of the discomfort that it causes.

Dr. Jennifer Robinson on WebMD recommends going to see your doctor for heartburn if you also have one or more of the following symptoms:17

  • You have difficulty swallowing solid food or pills.
  • You also have unexplained weight loss along with acid reflux symptoms.
  • You have a constant feeling of something stuck in your throat.
  • You still have heartburn symptoms for more than 2 weeks after taking natural or OTC antacids.
  • Along with chest pain, you have a feeling of pressure in your chest that spreads to your left arm .
  • You have extreme stomach pain and symptoms of digestive upset.
  • Symptoms of acid reflux become more frequent and severe.

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How Should It Be Used

Take Tums exactly as directed. Do not take more of it or take it more often than recommended by your healthcare provider. When using this medicine as a dietary supplement, take it with food or following meals.

The correct dosage of Tums per day will depend on the product strength, and on your needs. Follow the directions on your prescription or package label carefully, and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly before being swallowed do not swallow them whole. Drink a full glass of water after swallowing. Some liquid forms of calcium carbonate must be shaken well before use.

Do not take Tums as an antacid for more than two weeks without talking to your healthcare provider first.

Learn If This Medication Is Right For You

Tums is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve heartburn, acid reflux, gas, and stomach upset. Learn when you could take this medication, how should it be used, possible side effects, and when your symptoms may suggest that something more serious is going on.

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Soothe Indigestion And Bloating With Over

Sarah is a freelance writer with a focus on health and wellness. She has written for publications like Womens Health, Healthline, and Parents. She taught creative writing for five years, and has a bachelors degree in English from Southern Connecticut State University.

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When heartburn or acid indigestion strikes, you need something that settles your stomach ASAP. Its no fun to walk around feeling like you have your own personal fire-breathing dragon raging in your esophagus, and its even less fun to battle the burn while trying to work, exercise, drive through rush hour traffic, or sleep.

If youre prone to bouts of GI distress, its smart to have a reliable over-the-counter antacid on hand that can provide quick relief. Why? Because these medications can decrease the amount of stomach acid you produce, says University of Missouri Health Care gastroenterologist Yezaz Ghouri, MD.

The stomach normally produces hydrochloric acid to help digest food and kill bacteria or other organisms that may have been ingested along with the food, Dr. Ghouri explains. When there is an overproduction of the acid, it can lead to stomach discomfort.

When To Use Antacids

TUMS Sugar

Antacids are a good treatment for heartburn that occurs once in a while. Take antacids about 1 hour after eating or when you have heartburn. If you are taking them for symptoms at night, do not take them with food.

Antacids cannot treat more serious problems, such as appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, gallstones, or bowel problems. Talk to your provider if you have:

  • Pain or symptoms that do not get better with antacids
  • Symptoms every day or at night
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Bleeding in your bowel movements or darkened bowel movements
  • Bloating or cramping
  • Pain in your lower belly, on your side, or in your back
  • Diarrhea that is severe or does not go away
  • Fever with your belly pain
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Trouble swallowing

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Monitor Your Fiber Intake

We need fiber in our diet to keep the digestive tract working well. But foods that are high in fiber can cause intestinal gas, so talk to your doctor about how you can modify your diet in a healthy way to figure out whether a particular high fiber food is bothering you and causing gas.

Beans, vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, artichokes, and asparagus fruits including pears, peaches, and prunes and grains like whole wheat and bran are all high in fiber. Cutting some of these outor experimenting to figure out if a specific high-fiber food is the culpritcan help give you gas relief.2

Where Should I Keep My Medication

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C . Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Stopping Gas Before It Starts

Gas can be uncomfortable, painful, and embarrassing. Lifestyle changes can help stop gas from getting trapped in your intestines in the first place. Things to try include:

  • Eating slowly. Eating quickly while you eat and drink can result in swallowing air, causing gas and gas pain.
  • Choosing foods wisely. Eliminate foods and drinks that can cause gas. These include carbonated beverages, spicy foods, and fried food. Keep a food diary so you can determine which foods upset your system, and which are easy for you to digest.
  • Eating less. Overeating can cause bloating and gas, especially if youre eating hard-to-digest foods. Reducing portion size may help.
  • Reducing air intake. Increased air intake can also be caused by chewing gum, and drinking through straws.
  • Not smoking. In addition to the many health hazards of smoking and vaping, these habits can cause air to enter the digestive tract, causing gas.

Is Tums Good For An Upset Stomach

Sweet Relief From Heartburn | TUMS Sugar-Free

Tums is an affordable, effective option for treating an upset stomach. Chewable Tums tablets start working within five minutes and can be taken as needed. Tums should only be used for mild, occasional heartburn and indigestion. If youre needing to use Tums consistently for more than 14 days, consult a healthcare provider.

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Alternatives To Taking Medication

Most people experience mild heartburn from time to time. If you dont have Tums on hand, or youd prefer to address your heartburn without medication, you may want to try the following natural remedies:

  • Stand up. Sitting or lying down after eating can increase your risk of heartburn. Stand up to let gravity do the work of keeping acid in your stomach.
  • Chew gum. Popping a stick of gum after a meal triggers the production of saliva, which may help reduce acid in your esophagus.
  • Avoid coffee. Some people enjoy drinking coffee after a meal, but this may contribute to excess acid.
  • Try baking soda. Like Tums, baking soda is a basic compound that can help neutralize stomach acid. Dissolve a teaspoon in a glass of water and drink it slowly.
  • Avoid cigarettes. Smoking can cause heartburn. If youre a smoker experiencing heartburn, try to avoid having another cigarette. If heartburn is a common occurrence, you may want to talk to your doctor about how to quit smoking.

Other lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, can also help to reduce heartburn in the long-term. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out more.

Tums Vs Other Calcium Supplements

TUMS provide a high amount of calcium per pill, at 40 percent, meaning fewer pills are needed in the long run. This can help keep supplement costs down. Additionally, in order for the calcium in TUMS to be absorbed properly, they should be consumed with food, which can make remembering to take them easier.

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Side Effects Of Antacids

Antacids do not usually have many side effects if they’re only taken occasionally and at the recommended dose.

But sometimes they can cause:

  • feeling sick or vomiting

These should pass once you stop taking the medicine.

Speak to a pharmacist or a GP if side effects do not improve or are troublesome. You may need to switch to another medicine.

Taking Heartburn Medicine 3+ Times A Week May Cause Harm

TUMS Smoothies Assorted Fruit Extra StrengthAntacid Chewable Tablets ...

Are you taking medicine three or more times a week for heartburn? If so, read the warning label. Not all heartburn medicines are meant to be used that often, and it could be harming your health.

Antacid Tablets

Antacids like Tums and Rolaids contain calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide to help neutralize the acid in your stomach. They can provide fast, short-term relief and do not have lasting harmful side effects if taken as directed. Follow dosage recommendations though because high levels of calcium carbonate in the body can cause constipation, nausea, mood changes or even heart rate changes. But acid neutralizers are considered safe when taken properly and are often used for calcium supplementation as well as heartburn relief.

H-2 Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors

H-2 blockers like Zantac, Tagamet and Pepcid reduce the production of stomach acid. They are effective in treating peptic ulcers and reflux in people who have heartburn a few times per month but are not intended for everyday use. Some research suggests that overuse of H-2 blockers can cause headaches, constipation and nausea, but their long-term use has not been extensively studied.

Proton-pump inhibitors like Prevacid, Prilosec or Nexium are stronger than H-2 blockers and work by blocking acid-producing cells in the lining of the stomach. They provide lasting relief from symptoms of GERD and are available without a prescription.

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Why Omeprazole Is Your Best Treatment Option For Acid Reflux

With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!

Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.

The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medicationsat a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.

Schedule a virtual doctors appointment, today.

Otc Products That Provide Relief

Gas has multiple causes, including the foods and beverages you eat and drink. In some instances, the root cause of gas may determine the treatments that will be most beneficial.

For example, if you are lactose intolerant, treating the underlying cause with lactose restrictions and taking an OTC medication that contains lactase may help. Lactase is a natural enzyme that reduces gas and bloating by making milk sugars easier to digest.

If you have trouble digesting complex carbohydrates such as grains, nuts, legumes, and cruciferous vegetables, alpha-galactosidase may help.

Alpha-galactosidase is a digestiveenzyme commonly sold under the brand name Beano. It works by breaking down hard-to-digest carbohydrates into simple sugars.

Other products that may help alleviate gas and bloating include OTC products containing simethicone. These include Mylanta Gas and Gas-X.

You can also try activated charcoal supplements. Activated charcoal is a porous substance that traps and absorbs gas, eliminating it. You can buy activated charcoal in powder form or as a supplement in capsule form.

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Gut Health Foods: How To Keep Your Gut Happy

Believe it or not, our guts have trillions of small bacteria that help keep our digestive tracts healthy and flourishing. What foods you eat and how you care for your digestive system can affect several parts of your bodyfrom your skin to your urinary tract.

While thinking about trillions of bacteria in your body can sound alarming, theres research to suggest that these bacteria can have significant positive impacts on your overall health or even pre-existing conditions. Lets unpack some of the important nutrients for gut health, gut health foods, and more.

Heartburn Gerd And Acid Reflux During Pregnancy

What Causes Heartburn? | TUMS

Pregnancy can put extra pressure on the muscles in the stomach and frequently cause symptoms of acid reflux while pregnant. Also, the same foods that cause heartburn in any person affect pregnant women just as much.

According to Dr. John Cunha on MedicineNet, some ways to alleviate heartburn symptoms during pregnancy include some of the following:16

  • Raise the head end of your bed by 6 to 8 inches. This helps to take the pressure off your stomach and prevents heartburn in the morning.
  • Lay on your left side while sleeping as this makes it harder for stomach juices to escape into your esophagus.
  • Dont bend over after eating.
  • Avoid foods that increase heartburn symptoms and consume more foods that prevent excess stomach acid.
  • Chewing gum can help relieve heartburn symptoms during pregnancy.

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Common Types Of Antacids

Many different types of antacid are available. Some are sold under a brand name and others are named after their main ingredient. Brands include Gaviscon and Pepto-Bismol .

Ingredients to look for include:

  • aluminium hydroxide
  • calcium carbonate
  • sodium bicarbonate

Some antacids also contain other medicines, such as an alginate and simeticone .

What Triggers Heartburn

Heartburn can be triggered by a lot of things, but eating is the main culprit. It can be caused by the specific foods you eatwe’re looking at you, greasy fries and hot wingsas well as by eating too much, or simply eating a big, heavy meal close to bedtime.

Carbonated and alcoholic beverages can also give you heartburn. People who are overweight often suffer from heartburn. Even a few extra pounds can put pressure on your stomach, causing acid to back up into your esophagus.

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How Serious Is Gerd

When your esophagus or throat are regularly exposed to stomach acid for a prolonged period of time it can cause pain, inflammation of the esophagus, and tissue abnormalities. This could affect your quality of life, ability to swallow, breathe, and even speak. Unmanaged, this damage could increase your risk of developing certain types of cancers.

How To Take Antacids

Tums Ultra Strength 1000mg Antacid for Heartburn Relief

Most commercial antacids come with some instructions. It is important to heed the contraindications and not exceed the recommended daily dose.

The need for these antacids is highly individual and regular use should only be as directed by a physician. A common recommendation is to take the antacids after meals and at bedtime. In practice, most users learn to take the antacid when they have symptoms, e.g., heartburn. A useful technique is to anticipate the timing of symptoms, such as after spicy foods or at bedtime, and take the antacid before.

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What Is This Medication

CALCIUM CARBONATE treats heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, or other conditions caused by too much stomach acid. It works by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach. It belongs to a group of medications called antacids. It may also be used to increase calcium levels in your body. Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in building strong bones and maintaining heart health.

This medicine may be used for other purposes ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME: Alka-Mints, Alka-Seltzer, Alka-Seltzer Heartburn Relief, Alkets, Antacid Fast Dissolve, Cal-Gest, Calcium Antacid, Maalox, Maalox Antacid Barrier, Maalox Quick Dissolve, Mylanta, Pepto-Bismol, Rolaids Extra Strength, Titralac, Tums, Tums Chewy Bites, Tums Cool Relief, Tums E-X, Tums Freshers, Tums Kids, Tums Lasting Effects, Tums Smooth Dissolve, Tums Smoothies, Tums Ultra

Why Do People Take Antacids

Linstedt: For relief from indigestion, upset stomach or acid reflux. People can experience these conditions for many reasons. It could be caused by another condition or medication. It could also be a response to something you ate or drank, how close to bedtime you eat or how large your meals are.

But the root cause for all these conditions is stomach acid. And antacids help by neutralizing that acid.

Related reading: How to tell the difference between an ulcer and GERD.

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Treating Heartburn And Gerd

Heartburn is a feeling of burning pain in your lower chest, behind the breastbone. It comes from acid backing up from your stomach to your throat. You may have seen ads for heartburn drugs, such as Nexium, Prilosec or Prevacid. These drugs are called PPIs . They keep the stomach from making too much acid. They have been shown to heal irritation of the tube between the throat and the stomach .

In most cases, you dont need a PPI for heartburn. You can get relief from a less powerful drug. And when you do need a PPI, you should take the lowest dose for as short a time as possible. Heres why:

How To Use Tums Correctly

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Like all medication, you should follow the instructions provided.

Generally, to relieve the symptoms of acid reflux you would take 2 tablets every 4 hours. The tablets should be chewed thoroughly or allowed to dissolve on the tongue.

You should avoid taking more than 10 tablets in any 24-hour period and the medication should be administered as soon as symptoms present.

If you regularly suffer from acid reflux, you can take a dose of Tums 1 hour after eating to keep symptoms at bay.

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