Dr. Sunil - Is It Bad For You? Approved by Dr. Sunil

Are Tums Bad For You?

Also Known As: tums chewable tablets


Grade

C


Short answer

Unless consumed excessively, Tums should not cause any harm.

Grade

C


Long answer

Tums is a brand name for an antacid tablet made from sugar and calcium carbonate. The tablets are used in treating a variety of stomach problems, such as heartburn, acid indigestion, and / or upset stomach. In addition to relieving stomach problems, Tums tablets are also used to help people replenish low calcium levels in the blood.

Tums tablets have no common side effects, but some people may have an allergic reaction. It should also be noted that Tums contains Yellow 5 (a common food coloring), which is the cause of many of the allergic reactions to Tums.

Taken in excess, Tums can be detrimental. The effects of too much sugar are widely known and include weight gain, higher risk for diabetes, higher risk for heart disease, etc. Also, an overdose of calcium carbonate can lead to hypercalcemia, which can cause anorexia. Other serious side effects of excess calcium carbonate are abdominal pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea. Around 10% of people ingesting calcium carbonate reported constipation as a side-effect.

Other than a few non-life threatening side effects, Tums tablets are safe to use for most people. Still, there are some precautions, included in which are: if you are pregnant, plan to be pregnant, are breastfeeding, have high calcium levels in your blood, or are taking any medications (Tums may react with various medicines). If you fit into any of these categories it is important to talk to your doctor before taking Tums.


Possible short-term side effects

  • constipation
  • allergic reaction
  • nausea (in excess)
  • diarrhea (in excess)
  • abdominal pain (in excess)

Ingredients to be aware of



Benefits

  • treats nausea
  • treats hearburn
  • treats indigestion
  • replenishes blood calcium levels

Healthier alternatives

  • natural remedies:
  • yogurt
  • ginger
  • aloe vera juice
  • papaya



Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016

Thank you for your feedback!

Written by Jeff Volling
Published on: 12-28-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016




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