What Happens To Your Body When You Take Tums
On average, 6 million Americans take Tums or other anti-acids to prevent stomach discomfort caused by heartburn. For people not suffering from an underlying condition, these over-the-counter medications can be quite useful for relieving heartburn that occurs only every once in a while. They work by changing the heartburn-causing acids in the stomach. They are not a cure or treatment for heartburn, however. They mask the symptoms instead of correct them. All antacids work relatively well, especially if taken 1 hour after eating or when heartburn initially sets in. Alternately, if they are being taken for symptoms that occur at night, they should not be consumed with food. They are not successful for treating more serious conditions, such as gallstones, appendicitis, stomach ulcers, or bowel problems.
What Happens To Your Body When You Take Tums
To understand how antacids work, it is important to know that they drastically interfere with digestion. They work by neutralizing the acid in the stomach, which in turns blocks the extraction of nutrients from food, including the absorption of magnesium, and enables the pancreas to produce pancreatic enzyme secretion. Antacids containing high amounts of salt are one of the worst offenders, as the salt is known to be toxic to the brain. High levels of this salt are linked to poor mental functioning and the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease.
When you take a Tums-1 hour after eating or at the onset of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms-it travels directly to the source of your heartburn to buffer and neutralize the acid immediately upon contact. As it dissolves, the antacid’s calcium carbonate properties continue to neutralize extra acid within the stomach and coat the stomach with a protective layer.
RELATED ARTICLE: How to Cure Indigestion and Heartburn Naturally
Side Effects
Because antacids impede the natural functioning digestion process, it is possible to experience some side effects with these medications. All antacids are made with the same 3 basic ingredients, so if you experience unpleasant side effects from one, try another brand and see if it works better for you.
Common side effects include:
Brands containing magnesium have been known to cause diarrhea.
Brands containing calcium or aluminum could cause constipation.
In rare circumstances, calcium-rich brands can lead to kidney stones and other health problems.
Long-term use of high amounts of antacids can lead to eventual calcium loss, which is a predecessor to weakened bones (osteoporosis).
Natural Remedies
One particularly effective natural remedy alternative to taking Tums or other antacids can be found in the aloe vera plant. In people suffering from heart burn, just 2 ounces of aloe vera juice instead of an antacid can relieve symptoms fast, without the possibility of disagreeable side effects.
Tums and other antacids can be a fast, affordable, and effective way to treat heartburn-related symptoms. They are an ideal option for people who experience heartburn discomforts only occasionally. In people suffering from long-term heartburn and other symptoms, we advise you to consult with a physician immediately as there could be a more serious underlying issue. Long-term use of these antacids can actually spur a chain-reaction inside the body which results in the production of more stomach acid, which is the exact symptom they are supposed to alleviate. Clearly, short-term, occasional use of these medicines is the best way to ensure positive results!
