vegan antacid?

[mum2sarah]

I'm at that heartburn stage that seems to begin with the third trimester. Is there a vegan antacid out there? It's so hard for me to sleep at night, and yes, I've tried all the other tactics: papaya enzyme, not eating for two hours before bed, elevating my torso (heck, I've been sleeping pretty much sitting up). Nothing seems to work all the time; sometimes I just really need an antacid, but I have none in the house because I don't know which are vegan...

[Erin Pavlina]

To be honest, when I hit my third trimester my heartburn was so bad I just got the generic version of Tums. I believe the active ingredient was just sodium bicarbonate or something like that. It's the inactive ingredients that tend to be more artificial and of concern.

Technically, any medication that is sold over the counter has been tested on animals so in that respect, none of them are going to be vegan. Do what you can where you can to the best of your ability, and if you need a medication to help you, just take it. The vegan police won't come and haul you away. ;)

[mum2sarah]

Thanks Erin. I think my problem is purely my size. I'm only 5'1" and so there's just no room for my stomach with a growing baby in my uterus. Therefore any tiny amount of acid I have comes shooting up.

I was under the impression that Tums had some milk ingredients.; maybe I' wrong..:confused: I don't like to buy products from companies that test on animals, but I definitely don't want to be eating milk products.

[Erin Pavlina]

I don't think so. But I buy the generic brand so maybe it''s different.

[sophie]

Mum2sarah- I didn't have much heartburn in pregnancy, but when I did I was able to relieve it by chewing almonds- a tip I got from my midwife. It really worked!

[annie7]

Sophie's right! I overheard a similar conversation in a healthfood store!

[mum2sarah]

Yep, my midwife suggested the almonds, too... Tried them... Sometimes works, but not any more effectively than any of the other suggestions. :(

[chelseamorning15]

Veganessentials.com sells a calcium supplement (chewable) that also works like an antacid. They're similar to Tums. they have a bit of a funky taste, but it's not that bad:)

[mum2sarah]

Thanks chelseamorning; I actually happened to order some of those last night, because I suddenly remembered my sister having ordered them a while ago... Hope they help!

[capersmama]

In my simple living group it was suggested to eat a spoonful of raw oatmeal flakes for heartburn. I havent tried it as I rarely have heartburn..but its worth a shot.