Do Tums help stomach aches?

Question

They neutralize your stomach acid, but if you have a stomach ache from eating to much, the Tums will prevent you from digesting your food, right?

Answer 1

A gastroenterologist once told me that we don't need acid to digest food, said it was left over from our caveman days to kill bacteria in old or tainted food. Sounded plausible to me because at the time I was on Prilosec which stops almost all acid production.

Answer 2

No, these over the counter medications will just delay it.

The stomach has a valve in it and it won't let food pass through unless it is small enough. The stomach will produce enough acid to digest your food, but it only has a limited amount available so it has to wait until it can regenerate enough hydrochloric acid to do the job. By that time the problems in the stomach are usually less so it can get the job done.

If you are in a competitive eating contest though the idea of using Tums or Rolaids (both work pretty much the same with the same chemical process). Then it won’t help you much, because the food you have in your stomach won’t pass through into the intestines. In that case the stomach has to be stretched so it can accommodate more food in it, which takes training.

Answer 3

Tums is a quick fix for stomach indigestion. Dosages OVER those recommended are NOT ADVISED. If you notice a continuing problem with heartburn, have your doctor test you for acid reflux disorder or GERD; both treatable with prescribed medicine--that should be followed per directions given.

Answer 4

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Answer 5

tums wont prevent you from digesting your food=pain after eating requires pepto bysmol

Answer 6

Gas-X works just fine. And it won't turn to concrete in your intestines. Feel better.