Tums are an antacid medication primarily made of calcium carbonate. They work by neutralizing excess stomach acid, which helps relieve symptoms such as heartburn, indigestion, sour stomach, and upset stomach caused by too much acid
. How Tums work:
- Tums neutralize gastric acid in the stomach and esophagus, reducing acidity and alleviating the burning sensation of heartburn
- The calcium carbonate in Tums increases the pH in the stomach and duodenum, inhibiting the activity of pepsin, an enzyme that can irritate the stomach lining when acid is excessive
- Calcium also helps increase the tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and promotes esophageal peristalsis, pushing acid back into the stomach and reducing reflux
Uses of Tums:
- Relief of heartburn and acid indigestion symptoms
- Treatment of upset stomach related to excess stomach acid
- Prevention or treatment of calcium deficiency (due to the calcium content)
In summary, Tums quickly relieve discomfort from excess stomach acid by neutralizing the acid and protecting the esophagus and stomach lining from irritation
