Heartburn

How do TUMS_® work to provide relief from acid indigestion and heartburn?
Antacids, such as TUMS_®, have a direct and local effect on acid in the esophagus and stomach. TUMS_® reacts upon contact with the acid and neutralizes it. Heartburn pain results from regurgitation of stomach contents into the esophagus. When the acid is neutralized, this important factor causing the irritation is removed and heartburn is relieved.

What are symptoms of heartburn?
Heartburn is a burning feeling rising from the stomach to the chest and up to the neck. Symptoms may include a sense of fullness in the middle of the chest and a bitter taste in the mouth or throat. Sometimes heartburn may bring on chest pain that can be mistaken for the pain of heart disease, but it is important to note that heartburn is not related to the heart at all. If you are concerned about this pain, consult your doctor.

Are certain foods more likely to cause heartburn?
Different foods may cause heartburn for different reasons. Some cause the stomach to produce extra acid and some cause the muscle between the esophagus and the stomach to loosen, allowing stomach acid to enter the esophagus. Consuming fatty, greasy or spicy foods, alcohol, tomato products, peppermint, spearmint, citrus fruits and juices, caffeinated products, chocolate, milk, onion, and pepper can result in heartburn in some people. Some medications can also cause heartburn.

Is heartburn only triggered by eating certain foods?
No, heartburn may be caused by weakness of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Certain conditions can trigger heartburn, such as hiatal hernia, excessive acid production, obesity and pregnancy.