Is it OK to take Tums every day?

Antacids are an effective way to treat heartburn and indigestion. But they're not meant for long-term daily use.

Can long-term use of Tums be harmful?

Tums rarely have serious side effects. But they're possible. These include kidney problems, like kidney stones, and heart problems. If you have certain health conditions, like kidney disease or heart failure, you may be at a higher risk for side effects of Tums.

How often is too often to take Tums?

If you experience heartburn or chest pain and find yourself popping antacids more than two or three times a week, it is time to see your doctor. While antacids may relieve your symptoms, they won't fix the root of the problem if you have an underlying health condition.

What is the safest antacid for long-term use?

Results of numerous clinical trials indicate that oral pantoprazole is safe and well tolerated for short-term treatment of GERD and for longer term maintenance therapy in patients with healed erosive esophagitis.

What can I use as a natural antacid?

Baking soda is inexpensive and totally natural. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda into a cup of water. The baking soda will help neutralize acid.

Is It Harmful to Take Antacids Every Day?

What can I use as a substitute for Tums?

Try Baking Soda or Apple Cider Vinegar

Dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in eight fluid ounces of water and sip slowly for temporary relief (note, though, that this is not a long-term solution or suitable if you are pregnant).

What acid reducer can you take daily?

The recommended adult dose of ranitidine ranges from 150 mg daily to 150 mg twice daily or 300 mg once daily depending on the condition being treated. Ranitidine may be taken with or without food.

Why should you not take antacids daily?

Some people with acid reflux get into the habit of taking over-the-counter antacids daily to prevent symptoms, but this can be harmful in the long run. Long-term use of antacids leads to an increased risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures, gastrointestinal infections and pneumonia.

What is better than antacids?

Proton pump inhibitors — when H2 blockers don't help. If your acid reflux symptoms aren't improving after trying antacids and H2 blockers, your healthcare provider may recommend a PPI. PPIs work inside the cells of the stomach lining. They block an enzyme — H+/K+ ATPase — that produces stomach acid.

How many days in a row can you take Tums?

Do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks except under the supervision of a doctor. TUMS Naturals: Do not take more than 5 tablets in 24 hours.

What happens if you overuse Tums?

Calcium carbonate is not very poisonous. Few people die from an antacid overdose, and recovery is quite likely. However, high calcium levels can cause serious heart rhythm disturbances, as well as kidney stones and damage to kidney function. Long-term overuse is often more serious than a single overdose.

How do you treat acid reflux long-term?

Can you take Tums for years?

Long-term use of calcium-containing antacids such as Rolaids and Tums can lead to high blood calcium levels, especially if you also take calcium supplementation. Though rare, chronic use of these calcium-containing antacids can lead to kidney stones and kidney failure.

Can you take Tums everyday as a calcium supplement?

If you can't meet your calcium needs through diet, Jasonides says, calcium supplements are acceptable. “You are right that TUMS—or calcium carbonate—is hard to absorb,” she notes, “but it is still an acceptable source.

Do antacids cause liver damage?

It was found that stomach acid suppression altered the gut bacteria in such a way as to increase likelihood of damage to the liver and to promote three types of chronic liver disease.

Can your body become dependent on antacids?

No, antacids aren't addictive. If you're taking antacids regularly to treat your symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider. Antacids aren't a cure for any underlying conditions that cause your symptoms.

Which is better Tums or Rolaids?

Rolaids (Calcium Carbonate / Magnesium Hydroxide) gives quick relief for heartburn, but don't expect it to last all day. Tums (Calcium carbonate) is an effective, first-line medication for hearburn. Tums (Calcium carbonate) starts working in seconds. Has minimal side effects.

Can eating too many Tums cause kidney stones?

Some antacids contain calcium (such as Tums and Rolaids), which can increase your risk of kidney stones. Don't take them between meals or in doses greater than 1,200 mg per day. A single antacid tablet usually contains 650 mg to 1,250 mg of calcium.

What is the safest over-the-counter medicine for acid reflux?

You may only have heartburn every now and then—such as after a big, spicy meal. This may be uncomfortable, but it is not serious. You can usually get relief from an antacid, like Rolaids or Tums, or an H2 blocker, such as Pepcid AC or Zantac.

How do you permanently treat GERD naturally?

What are the long-term side effects of antacids?

Recent studies show that overuse of PPIs can be harmful to your health and should not be used long-term. Side effects of proton pump inhibitors include infections, bone fractures and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Research has even connecting extended PPI drug use to increased risk of stomach cancer.

What is healthier than TUMS?

What not to drink after taking TUMS?

Ideally, you would not drink alcohol before or after using Tums, especially if alcohol is the main trigger of your acid reflux.

Who should avoid TUMS?