Are Tums Bad For You?
Also Known As: tums chewable tablets
Short answer
Unless consumed excessively, Tums should not cause any harm.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
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
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allergic reaction
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nausea (in excess)
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diarrhea (in excess)
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abdominal pain (in excess)
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- treats nausea
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treats hearburn
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treats indigestion
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replenishes blood calcium levels
Healthier alternatives
- natural remedies:
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yogurt
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ginger
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aloe vera juice
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papaya
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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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