im having two serves of tums each day......... i have bad bloting and digestion and im wondering if there are any long term risks that anyone know of? thanks

No, I don't think so.



I have acid reflux disease since age 8 (I'm 19 now), and my GI doctor told me I can take over-the-counter antacids (such as TUMs) whenever I want and that they are safe long-term.



I guess if you take too many (like a bottle a day, for months on end) you could get too low on the natural acid found in your stomach, but if you are having indigestion/heartburn/bloating/etc, then most likely that hasn't happened yet.



I have had months where I've taken half a bottle a day due to heartburn and indigestion, even though I'm on the prescription antacid Aciphex. I've tried a lot of prescription antacids, and none of them work for me that well. My mom likes to tell me I'm probably going to get cancer of the throat when I'm older from all of the heartburn I get. :\\

I don't see why you would because some people use them as a calcium supplement daily.



Your bloating and digestion issues should let up when your body gets used to a normal eating routine.

thanks..... i just wanted to make sure! i only take two tabs twice daily .... and if i dont need them than not even that many!

I don't think it will hurt you to take antacids regularly, but it might be worth going to the doctors to make sure there's no underlying problems. If all is well then they'd maybe give you a course of proton-pump inhibitors, which would most likely clear up your reflux for good.

Just a suggestion :+)

I wouldn't say risk but one major side-effect of antacids is constipation. That's maybe where all the bloating comes from!

It will hurt you. Prolonged use of anti-acids over time will screw up your stomach's acids and eventually make it very hard to absorb nutrients correctly. If you're having problems with bloating/poor digestion, then it needs checked out by your doctors. If you're taking it for the calcium *shudders* then PLEASE get that calcium from food, not from Tums.