Everyone experiences bloating and gassiness every now and then. Those uncomfortable feelings can happen after eating certain types of foods, swallowing too much air, or just because the digestive system is a little off-kilter. No matter what the reason might be, you probably want to get rid of those tight, swollen, crampy feelings as quickly as possible.
Many people have Tums on hand. It’s a common, inexpensive, and effective antacid, and it’s available almost anywhere you might shop. If you already have this medicine, you may be wondering do tums help with gas as well as they work for heartburn. In truth, the answer is a little mixed here. Read on to learn more about this antacid and find the answer to your question.
What Are Tums For?
Tums can provide relief for certain types of digestive discomfort. They’re meant to neutralize stomach acid, so they help with heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. They can even alleviate mild nausea in some cases. If your misery is caused by excess stomach acid, Tums can certainly make a difference.
Tums contain calcium carbonate. That chemical reacts with the acid in your stomach and reduces it. It only takes a few minutes for the reaction to take place, which is why Tums work so quickly for heartburn and indigestion. Because of the way they work, they can also relieve some of the pressure and bloating that come from stomach-related digestive issues. That’s not directly related to gas specifically, though.
What Causes Gas?
Gas happens when there’s a buildup of air in the intestines. As is the case with indigestion, this can happen due to swallowing too much air. It can also come from drinking carbonated beverages. Eating foods like beans and broccoli can cause gas as well. The body can’t digest some of the components in those foods, so they ferment in the intestines and produce gas in the process.
So, Do Tums Work for Gas?
The bottom line here is that Tums don’t directly help with gas. They work in the stomach, and gas is produced in the intestines. Though Tums can help with bloating from issues caused by stomach acid and indigestion, they’re not effective by the time they reach the intestines. If you’re suffering solely from gas bubbles in the intestines, Tums won’t provide any relief.
What Does Work for Gas?
If you’re dealing with gas, there are over-the-counter medications that can combat it. Those that contain simethicone are among the most effective. They’re specifically designed to break up gas bubbles in the intestines. There are also medications that work against gas before it forms. Those with alpha-galactosidase enzymes help the body break down food components that are hard to digest so gas doesn’t form to begin with.
Additionally, if you frequently suffer from gas, there are other measures you can take to alleviate it. Eating more slowly, cutting back on carbonated drinks, and avoiding foods that are known to cause it can make a major difference. Taking short walks after meals can also release trapped gas bubbles so they don’t cause you pain.
Alleviating Gas Pain and Pressure
Tums are a fantastic remedy for heartburn, acid indigestion, and sour stomach. They can also alleviate a certain amount of bloating in the stomach. They don’t work for gas, though. If you’re dealing with gas, there are medications and preventative measures you can take to relieve and even prevent it.
