You may be wondering if taking Tums everyday is a safe way to get your daily recommended dose of calcium. With so much conflicting information out there, it can be hard to know who or what to trust. Thankfully, this article will answer all your questions and give you the evidence-based facts you need to make an informed decision. So if you’re looking for clarity on the safety of Tums everyday, read on!
Introduction
Tums are a common antacid used to relieve heartburn and indigestion. While they do contain calcium, is it safe to take Tums every day solely as a calcium supplement?
While Tums are a great source of calcium, it is not recommended to take them every day for this purpose. Over-the-counter Tums contain calcium carbonate, which can interact with other medications, impact the absorption of certain nutrients, and lead to negative side effects such as constipation and kidney stones.
Furthermore, consuming too much calcium can lead to hypercalcemia, a condition in which there is too much calcium in the bloodstream. Hypercalcemia can cause fatigue, confusion, and even heart problems.
To safely increase your calcium intake, it is recommended to consume a well-balanced diet rich in calcium-containing foods, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if calcium supplements are necessary for you and, if so, how much you should take.
What is Tums?
Tums is a brand of antacid medication that is used for the temporary relief of heartburn, indigestion, and acid reflux. It contains calcium carbonate, which can also be used to supplement calcium in the diet.
While Tums can provide some calcium, it is not a reliable source for meeting daily calcium requirements, especially if taken every day regularly. Ingesting too much calcium carbonate from Tums can result in calcium buildup in the body, which can lead to health problems, including kidney stones and kidney damage.
It is best to talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate amount of calcium required for you and whether or not it’s safe to take Tums every day as a calcium supplement.
| Pro tip: | Calcium-rich foods and supplements are important for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis. However, it’s best to meet your calcium needs through a balanced diet and supplements, such as Tums, should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. |
What is Calcium?
Calcium is a mineral that plays a crucial role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth, helping muscles and nerves function properly, and aiding the body in carrying out various enzyme and hormone functions.
Tums, a commonly used antacid, may be a source of calcium supplementation, but taking it every day may not be safe for everyone. Here are the reasons why:
While calcium is essential for our health, getting too much of it can lead to various health issues, such as constipation, kidney stones, heart disease, and stroke. Tums may not be a reliable source of calcium for some people, as it does not absorb well in the body.
Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or a qualified health practitioner before taking Tums or any other calcium supplement for extended periods, especially if one has a history of kidney problems, heart disease, or other medical conditions.
Pro Tip- A balanced diet with foods rich in calcium, such as milk, cheese, and leafy greens, can help to maintain healthy calcium levels without relying solely on supplements.
Benefits of Taking Tums Everyday
While Tums are primarily used to relieve heartburn and indigestion, they can also provide a significant source of daily calcium intake. However, taking Tums every day isn’t a good idea as it can lead to some side effects.
Here are some of the benefits of taking Tums in a limited amount:
| Tums are a great source of daily calcium intake, especially for people who don’t consume enough dairy products or other calcium-rich foods. |
| Tums can help prevent osteoporosis and promote bone health. |
| Tums can help maintain healthy pH levels in the stomach and prevent acid reflux and indigestion. |
However, overusing Tums can lead to side effects like constipation, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, it isn’t safe to take Tums every day for calcium as it can do more harm than good to your health.
Pro Tip: Instead of relying on Tums, try to increase your intake of calcium-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. If you’re having digestive issues, consult your doctor instead of taking Tums every day.
Potential Side Effects of Taking Tums Everyday
While Tums are an effective and affordable solution for indigestion and heartburn, taking Tums every day, especially for calcium supplementation, may cause some potential side effects.
| Potential Side Effect | Description |
| Kidney Problems | The overuse of Tums can lead to an increase in calcium excretion through the urine, which can result in kidney stones and other kidney-related problems. |
| Interference with Medications | Tums can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, such as antibiotics, blood pressure drugs, and statins, making them less effective. |
| Gastrointestinal Problems | Excessive use of Tums can lead to constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems. |
Therefore, taking Tums every day for calcium supplementation is not recommended. Instead, consume a balanced diet rich in calcium and take calcium supplements only under medical supervision.
Alternatives to Taking Tums Everyday for Calcium
While taking Tums every day for calcium is generally safe, it may cause some unwanted side effects in the long run, such as constipation, diarrhea, and kidney problems. Moreover, Tums contain high magnesium levels which may interact with certain medications like antibiotics or heart medications, rendering them ineffective.
There are many alternative calcium supplements that you can opt for:
| Calcium citrate | This supplement is easily absorbed and does not cause constipation. It is suitable for people with low stomach acid levels. |
| Calcium carbonate | This supplement is widely available and affordable. It is best taken with food. |
| Calcium phosphate | This supplement is less common but a good option for people with digestive problems. |
| Calcium lactate | This supplement is easily absorbed and a good option for people with low stomach acid levels or lactose intolerance. |
Remember to consult your doctor before switching to any alternative calcium supplement.
Is it safe to take tums everyday for calcium
Tums are a common way to get calcium and treat heartburn. However, taking Tums every day for calcium may come with some risks.
While Tums are safe for most people, it is essential to follow these guidelines to use them safely:
| 1. Check with your doctor before taking Tums if you have kidney disease or are taking other medications. |
| 2. Follow the recommended dosage as taking too many Tums may lead to an overdose of calcium and cause digestive issues like constipation and abdominal pain. |
| 3. Take Tums with plenty of water to help your body absorb calcium and avoid kidney problems. |
| 4. Do not rely on Tums as your only source of calcium, as they may not provide all the calcium your body needs. |
Pro tip: Instead, try to eat a well-balanced diet with calcium-rich foods like dairy products, broccoli, kale, almonds, and sardines.
In conclusion, while Tums can be used to supplement calcium intake, it’s not recommended to take them every day unless instructed by a doctor.
Tums contain calcium carbonate, which can interact with other medications and supplements, leading to potential side effects such as kidney stones, constipation, and abdominal pain. Ingesting too much calcium can also lead to hypercalcemia, a condition where there is an excess of calcium in the blood.
Therefore, it’s crucial to consume calcium through a well-balanced diet that includes dairy products, dark green vegetables, and calcium-fortified foods. If you’re unable to obtain adequate calcium intake from your diet, you should consult with a healthcare professional about the best way to supplement.
Pro tip: Always speak with your healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement to ensure that it will not interfere with any current prescriptions or cause adverse reactions.