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Is one allowed to take medicine on shabbas to help prevent something? Can one for example take tums before eating a meal because he knows he will get heartburn after?

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Article of interest on מאכל בריאים. – Fred Jan 15 at 3:10
Why do you think otherwise? Is there any other sort of medicine that is not allowed? (Yes, I know there is, but others don't, so writing about it in your question would help your question make more sense to a general audience.) – msh210♦ Jan 15 at 3:21
   
It's not at all clear that you'd be allowed to take an antacid even after getting heartburn, unless the symptoms were really severe. But the general question is a very good one in cases where it is relevant. – Dave Jan 15 at 3:42

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The topic of preventative medicine on Shabbos is explained in "The 39 Melochos Book" by Rabbi Dovid Ribiat (vol. 2 pg. 483). He explains that the reason the Sages forbade medicine on Shabbos is because of the concern that the anxiety due to his situation may lead him to desecrate Shabbos. This therefore only applies when one is presently suffering from an ailment. Preventative therapy however is permitted in general on Shabbos even with the use of medication. Examples of this include:

  • Taking an antacid before eating to prevent heartburn.
  • Taking a tablet to prevent the onset of a migraine
  • Diabetic, ashtma or other chronic medication

Regarding vitamins he brings an argument amongst contemporary Halachic authorities. Some (Igress Moshe OC 3:54) forbid it if has the end result of strengthning his body (and not just preventing illness) while others permit (Shmiras Shabbos Kehilchoso 34:18 footnote 76-77).

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Sounds like it is his own logic. – sam Jan 16 at 2:12
@sam It is, though he bases it on poskim (Mishna Berura etc.). I asked the Rosh Kollel here for his opinion, who says that it sounds quite reasonable. – Michoel Jan 16 at 2:45
Which Rosh Kollel? – sam Jan 16 at 16:40
@sam I'm not sure whether he would be comfortable with me posting his name here. – Michoel Jan 17 at 0:46
,but u know that doesnt mean much,a name means alot but I understand . – sam Jan 17 at 14:24

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