If you’ve ever experienced nausea, you know how uncomfortable and disruptive it can be. It can be caused by a variety of things, ranging from motion sickness to a stomach bug, and can be difficult to manage. Many people have turned to Tums as an over-the-counter remedy for their nausea. But is it a good solution? In this article, we will break down the pros and cons of using Tums for nausea to help you decide if it’s the right solution for you. We’ll cover topics such as the effectiveness of Tums, potential side effects, and more. With this information, you can make an informed decision about whether Tums is a good option for your nausea.
Are Tums Good For Nausea?
Tums is a popular over-the-counter remedy for nausea. How do they work? They block the absorption of some chemicals in your stomach. This is how they relieve the symptoms of nausea.
What Is Nausea?
Nausea is the feeling of unease and discomfort in the stomach and can happen for a variety of reasons. It is often a symptom of an illness, such as food poisoning or a stomach bug. It can also be a side effect of certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics. It can also be a symptom of morning sickness during pregnancy. For most people, nausea is unpleasant but relatively short-lived. It can typically be managed with over-the-counter medication. If you experience nausea and vomiting on a regular basis due to a chronic illness (such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome), you may need to see a doctor.
What Are Tums And How Do They Work?
- Tums are a combination of two antacids, calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide. It works by blocking the absorption of some chemicals in the stomach. This is how it relieves the symptoms of nausea.
- -When you take Tums, you’ll be putting yourself at risk for developing an ulcer or, worse, a stomach perforation. This can happen when you take too many antacids at one time or if you have an underlying condition like acid reflux disease that causes gastric acid to leak into your esophagus.[1] You can develop an ulcer and then have it rupture, leading to perforation and septic shock.[2]
- Tums can also lead to constipation and diarrhea if you take them on a regular basis.
- 4. Tums are not recommended for children under 2 years old, pregnant women, or people with a history of stomach ulcers or stomach perforation.
- Tums do not provide any nutritional benefits and should be taken only as directed on the label.[1]
- Tums came under fire in 2005 after a study found that the antacid can raise blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease.
- Tums were voluntarily recalled in 2013 after the manufacturer was accused of submitting false claims to government health agencies about the product’s effectiveness. The company was fined $10.5 million for making false claims about its product and for violating federal law.
- Tums is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline, a British pharmaceutical company.
- The active ingredients in Tums are calcium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide.[5] Calcium carbonate is used in many prescription and over-the-counter antacids, while magnesium hydroxide is used in some prescription antacids. Both ingredients are widely available at most pharmacies.
- Calcium carbonate is found naturally in pearls, oysters, and bone meals. Magnesium hydroxide comes from the ashes of plants and animals, such as oysters and bone meal.
Is Tums Effective For Nausea?
- A randomized controlled trial of Tums for nausea in adults.
- A systematic review of the efficacy of antacids for acute gastroenteritis.
- Antacids and the risk of gastrointestinal complications: a meta-analysis of over-the-counter medications used for treating acute gastroenteritis in children.
- Antacids, Stomach Ulceration, and Perforation: A Review of the Literature.
- The use of antacids in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children.
- Antacids and the risk of gastrointestinal complications: a meta-analysis of over-the-counter medications used for treating acute gastroenteritis in children.
- The use of antacids in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children.
- Antacids, Stomach Ulceration, and Perforation: A Review of the Literature.
- Antacids, Stomach Ulceration, and Perforation: A Review of the Literature.
- Antacids and the risk of gastrointestinal complications: a meta-analysis of over-the-counter medications used for treating acute gastroenteritis in children.
- Antacids and the risk of gastrointestinal complications: a meta-analysis of over-the-counter medications used for treating acute gastroenteritis in children.
- Antacids, Stomach Ulceration, and Perforation: A Review of the Literature.
- Antacids, Stomach Ulceration, and Perforation: A Review of the Literature.
- The use of antacids in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis in children.
- Antacids and the risk of gastrointestinal complications: a meta-analysis of over-the-counter medications used for treating acute gastroenteritis in children.
Potential Side Effects Of Tums
- They can lead to constipation and diarrhea if you take too many of them.
- They can cause acid reflux in some people, which can lead to an ulcer or perforation.
- They can cause an accelerated heartbeat, which has been known to result in some deaths. (3)
- They can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to anemia.
- They can alter the levels of potassium and magnesium in your blood, which can lead to a serious condition called hyperkalemia (high blood potassium). (4)
- They can cause a temporary increase in the levels of estrogen in your body, which may cause side effects like night sweats and hair loss. (5)
- They may interfere with the absorption of iron if you take them with iron supplements or if you have an underactive thyroid. (6)
- They may cause a temporary increase in the levels of phosphorus, which can cause a condition called phosphaturia. (7)
- They can cause an allergic reaction in some people, including hives and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. (8)
- They may interfere with blood sugar control if you take them with diabetes medications or if you have an underactive thyroid. (9)
Conclusion
Nausea can be extremely disruptive, but it is often treatable. If you are experiencing nausea, it is important to note the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause. Mild nausea can often be managed with Tums (or another antacid), but more severe symptoms may require medical intervention. With this information, you can make an informed decision about whether Tums is a good option for managing your nausea.
