About Heartburn

First of all, heartburn has nothing to do with your heart. At the bottom of your esophagus there is a circular band of muscles, known as the lower esophageal sphincter, which acts as a valve to the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter muscle (LES) allows food to enter the stomach and prevents stomach acids from coming back up into the esophagus. In some people the LES muscle doesn’t open and close properly. When stomach acid refluxes back into the esophagus it can cause a burning sensation in the chest. Since the the esophagus doesn’t have the same protective lining as the stomach, the acid can irritate sensitive tissues, which causes the pain known as heartburn.

What foods can cause heartburn?

Although the actual cause of heartburn is physical, certain types of food tend to trigger heartburn. For example, chocolate contains compounds that could relax the LES muscle and allow the acid to enter the esophagus. Other foods, like spicy food and tomato-based foods, directly irritate the esophagus. Some of the foods that can trigger heartburn are shown above.

What behaviors can trigger heartburn for some people?

There are certain behaviors that can cause heartburn. Making a few minor adjustments in your eating habits could help. Here are four habits that could put pressure on your stomach that you should try to avoid if you want to reduce your chances of triggering heartburn:

– Eating too fast.

– Eating a large meal.

– Lying down after a meal.

– Exercising after eating.

What can TUMS do to help?

TUMS antacid, America’s #1 antacid*, goes to work in seconds. Many other heartburn medications are absorbed into the bloodstream and can take hours or days to fully work. TUMS antacid travels directly to the source of the heartburn. Once there, it neutralizes acid on contact for fast relief. And TUMS antacid tastes great too, giving you more flavor options that anyone else.

Are TUMS products kosher?

TUMS products (with the exception of Chewy Bites and Chewy Delights) are Kosher Pareve. Chewy Delights are Kosher Dairy. TUMS products receive a Kosher Certificate from Diamond K Supervision. See front label to determine the Kosher status of the product you have selected.

*IRI; 52 weeks ending 6/6/17.

Can TUMS antacid be taken by people who cannot tolerate dairy?

Yes, with a few exceptions. TUMS Chewy Delights all contain milk products. TUMS Chewy Bites are manufactured in a plant that processes products that contain milk.

Are TUMS antacid bottles recyclable?

TUMS bottles are recyclable.

What is the maximum dosage of TUMS antacids for pregnant women?