Do Tums Work For Acid Reflux?

Tums are an antacid that works to relieve many gastrointestinal issues, including acid reflux. The main ingredient, calcium carbonate, works to neutralize excess stomach acid and stops acid reflux symptoms from occurring. It’s mainly used as a temporary solution for acid reflux, however, if you have more frequent or severe episodes, it’s best to speak to a doctor to find an effective treatment.

Antacids for acid reflux relief

Acid reflux is a common illness with many sufferers across the world. The condition is caused by digestive acid moving from the stomach into the esophagus which can then cause a burning sensation in the throat and chest.

One of the main treatments for acid reflux are antacids. Antacids are a group of medications that work by neutralizing stomach acid. They normally come in tablet form but can also be administered as a liquid.

Antacids offer quick relief from the symptoms of acid reflux and have few side effects when taken at the suggested dosage.

How do Tums work?

One of the biggest brands of antacids is Tums manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Tums are a fruit flavored antacid made from sugar and calcium carbonate, a known compound for the relief of acid reflux symptoms.

Tums are basic, whereas stomach acid is extremely acidic. The calcium carbonate in Tums neutralizes acid in the esophagus and stomach to bring quick relief of acid reflux symptoms. 

How to use Tums correctly

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. 

Alternative ways to treat your acid reflux 

There are number of different ways to treat acid reflux, including:

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and intensity of acid reflux occurrences.

• Losing weight, if you’re overweight, or keeping your weight down puts less pressure on your stomach and can help prevent acid from travelling up into the esophagus. Eating less is also a great way to prevent overfilling your stomach which may lead to an overabundance of acid.
• The time of day you eat can also be important. Don’t eat late in the evening before you go to bed as your stomach has little time to digest the food before you lie down for the night.
• If you smoke, stop. Smoking damages the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscle that keeps the contents of your stomach where it should be) and can prevent it from working properly.
• Cut down the amount of alcohol you consume. Alcohol is known to irritate the stomach lining and can lead to an overabundance of acid that can cause acid reflux.

Dietary changes

One of the main causes of acid reflux are certain foods and drinks we consume. Things like spicy, fatty, or foods high in acid cause the stomach to become irritated or produce too much acid. Choosing a diet that consists of vegetables, whole grains, non-acidic fruits, and lean meats greatly reduces the chances of experiencing an acid reflux episode. 

Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) 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 medications—at 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 doctor’s appointment, today.

Get help for your acid reflux, today!

Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.

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