Are TUMS Keto Friendly? (All You Need to Know)

Do you know if TUMS are keto friendly? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

Keto enthusiasts have a need for medicines just like the rest of us. TUMS are antacids and are often needed by those taking on a keto diet. TUMS are keto friendly because they don’t have much sugar in them. However, there is sugar in all TUMS varieties except the Sugar-Free TUMS.

When we hear the word keto, we usually only think of food. But what about the other things we ingest. Medicines that help soothe symptoms we’re experiencing often have sugar included.

In this article, we’re specifically looking at TUMS and their sugar content. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about keto and TUMS, as well as some alternatives for treating heartburn.

Table of Contents

Is TUMS Keto Friendly?

Regular TUMS does contain sugar. The regular strength variety has .75 grams of carbs in one tablet. That amount varies based on the strength of the TUMS variety you choose.

The highest level of carbs per tablet is in the TUMS Ultra Strength 1000. These have 1.45 grams of carbs per tablet.

Technically, TUMS are keto friendly because they have very little sugar.

Those on a strict keto diet may want to avoid TUMS, though, since they do contain sugar.

Is There a Sugar-Free TUMS Variety?

You can find sugar-free TUMS. Those who want to adhere closely to the keto lifestyle should opt for the sugar-free variety.

It’s indicated there is .5 net carbs but that’s not from sugar. Customers report the sugar-free variety doesn’t taste quite as good as the other varieties, but they work just as well. That’s what’s most important anyway.

What Makes Something Keto Friendly?

Keto friendly foods, drinks, and medicines are low in carbs. They’re low in sugar but also carbs overall.

When it comes to food, keto foods are typically high in fat and protein but have little to no carbs. The idea is to train your body to burn fat as energy rather than just burning through carbs.

Keto or ketogenic, foods help your body get conditioned in this way.

Reaching the State of Ketosis

The keto diet is targeted toward getting your body to a state of ketosis. Ketosis is the actual process your body uses to produce ketones. Ketones give your body the fuel it needs for all the systems to function efficiently.

Ketones are produced when your body burns fat instead of carbohydrates.

Normally, your body starts with the easiest substance it can use as fuel. Carbs are easy for your body to convert into energy. Sounds good, right?

It sounds good but it’s really not. If your body burns through carbs for energy, it doesn’t get to the fat until later or it doesn’t get there at all. That means the fat you want to burn gets touched last.

Ketosis allows you to burn through fat in your body. You give the body more fat through your diet, so it learns how to efficiently use that fat as fuel.

Then your body starts burning away at the fat surrounding your organs, visceral fat, as well as the fat you can see that lays over your muscles.

Will TUMS Keep Me From Reaching Ketosis?

Realistically, TUMS isn’t going to keep you from reaching ketosis unless you’re eating the whole bottle. If you need TUMS now and then to help settle down your heartburn, it’s not going to hurt you to take a couple.

The real concern, if there is one, is TUMS combined with other things you consume during a normal day.

If you’re not sticking to mostly keto foods, taking the TUMS could have a bigger impact. It may also delay ketosis if you’re just getting started.

You won’t reach ketosis overnight. It takes your body time to get used to using a different source for energy.

So, when you first start a keto diet, it’s highly important to stick to the diet plan. It will help you reach ketosis faster. Your best option for heartburn is Sugar-Free TUMS at the very beginning.

Why Are TUMS Important for Keto?

Any time you make a major change to your diet, your body will likely react. Some reactions are good, but others are uncomfortable. You may experience some temporary side effects while your body gets used to its new normal.

Many who take on the keto lifestyle experience heartburn in the beginning. Thus, they end up seeking out antacids.

That’s ok. It’s just best to be aware that TUMS do have sugar in them. They’ll either slow down your journey toward ketosis or you’ll want to take the Sugar-Free TUMS.

Do TUMS Cause Side Effects?

Though it’s rare, TUMS can cause some side effects. Below are some of the most common.

Constipation and gas – You may experience gas and bloat. Some people have reported burping a lot. This side effect shouldn’t last long. If it continues or worsens after a few days, contact your doctor.
Nausea and vomiting – If you feel sick to your stomach and you vomit, your body may not tolerate an ingredient in the TUMS. You should stop taking them if this occurs.
Mental confusion – This is extremely rare but can occur. Mental confusion is a serious side effect that should be discussed with your doctor.
Bone or muscle pain – If it seems the TUMS are causing you pain anywhere, you should talk to your doctor or the pharmacist.

Is Keto Good for You?

Keto is good for you as long as you make sure to get enough essential nutrients into your diet, too.

You also have to maintain it after you’ve lost the weight you want or reached your goals. It’s also been known to cause low blood pressure and nutritional deficiencies.

Conclusion

TUMS are keto friendly in that they are low in carbs. If you’re following a keto diet and you want to steer clear of as much sugar as possible, you can take the sugar-free variety of TUMS.

These are the best for the keto lifestyle.

References

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-ketosis

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-9574/tums-oral/details