Many people, including my mom, swear by baking soda as a natural remedy for stomach acid and heartburn. A teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water can provide quick relief from acid reflux, making it a go-to solution for those looking for an inexpensive alternative to over-the-counter medications.

What Is Baking Soda and Why Do People Use It for Acid Relief?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a common household product with many uses—from baking to cleaning and even personal care. But one of its most popular medicinal uses is as a natural antacid.

Because baking soda is alkaline, it neutralizes stomach acid, providing quick relief from acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion. When stomach acid rises into the esophagus, it creates a burning sensation. Drinking baking soda mixed with water temporarily stops this irritation by balancing acidity levels.

Video:

The Dangers & Side Effects of Taking Baking Soda For Acid Reflux

But while this trick works in the moment, daily use can cause more harm than good.

How Stomach Acid Works and Why It’s Important

Before diving into the risks of daily baking soda consumption, let’s first understand the role of stomach acid in digestion.

Stomach acid, primarily composed of hydrochloric acid (HCl), plays a crucial role in:

• Breaking down food for proper digestion
• Activating enzymes needed to absorb nutrients
• Killing harmful bacteria that enter the digestive system

If stomach acid becomes too low due to frequent neutralization (like with baking soda), digestion weakens, leading to nutrient deficiencies and other digestive issues. While occasional acid relief is fine, consistently lowering stomach acid with baking soda can create long-term health problems.

The Science Behind Baking Soda and Acid Reflux

When baking soda mixes with stomach acid, it creates a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide gas. This process provides a temporary soothing effect but can also lead to bloating and excessive belching.

Here’s what happens when you consume baking soda:

1. It neutralizes stomach acid, relieving heartburn and indigestion.
2. Carbon dioxide is released, which can lead to gas, bloating, and discomfort.
3. The stomach may produce more acid in response, potentially worsening acid reflux over time.

Baking soda doesn’t treat the root cause of acid reflux—it only provides temporary symptom relief.

Potential Benefits of Baking Soda for Stomach Acid

While daily use is not recommended, occasional consumption of baking soda for acid relief does have some benefits:

• Fast relief – Works within minutes to neutralize stomach acid.
• Inexpensive – Costs significantly less than commercial antacids.
• Widely available – Can be found in almost every kitchen.
• Natural alternative – An option for those who prefer non-pharmaceutical remedies.

However, these benefits only apply to short-term use. Long-term daily consumption can lead to serious health concerns.

Why Drinking Baking Soda Daily Can Be Dangerous

Although baking soda is safe in small amounts, using it daily can lead to several health complications. Here’s why:

1. Increased Risk of Metabolic Alkalosis

Regularly consuming baking soda can disturb the body’s pH balance, leading to metabolic alkalosis. This condition occurs when the blood becomes too alkaline, causing symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle twitching
• Confusion or mental fog
• Irregular heartbeat
• Trouble breathing (in severe cases)

Video:

Before You Consume Baking Soda: WATCH THIS

2. High Sodium Intake Can Lead to Heart Problems

Baking soda contains a significant amount of sodium. Just one teaspoon has around 1,260 mg of sodium—more than half of the daily recommended intake. Excess sodium can:

• Raise blood pressure
• Cause fluid retention (leading to swelling)
• Put extra strain on the kidneys

For people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues, regular baking soda consumption can be particularly harmful.

3. Digestive Disruptions and Nutrient Malabsorption

Because baking soda neutralizes stomach acid, long-term use may lead to poor digestion. This can result in:

• Bloating and discomfort due to excess gas production
• Reduced ability to absorb nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin B12
• Increased risk of infections as stomach acid kills harmful bacteria

4. Potential Drug Interactions

Baking soda may interfere with medications that require an acidic environment for proper absorption, such as:

• Antibiotics
• Blood pressure medications
• Diabetes drugs

Always consult a doctor before using baking soda if you take medications regularly.

Safe Usage Guidelines for Baking Soda

If you choose to use baking soda for heartburn relief, follow these safety precautions:

• Stick to half a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a full glass of water.
• Do not use it more than once every four hours.
• Limit intake to occasional use only (not daily).
• If heartburn persists, seek medical advice rather than relying on baking soda.

Healthier Alternatives for Acid Reflux and Heartburn

Instead of relying on baking soda, consider safer and more sustainable solutions for managing acid reflux.

1. Dietary Changes

• Avoid trigger foods like spicy, fatty, or acidic meals.
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals instead of large portions.
• Include foods that naturally soothe the stomach, such as oatmeal, bananas, and almonds.

2. Natural Remedies

• Ginger tea – Helps reduce inflammation and promotes digestion.
• Chamomile tea – Soothes the digestive tract and eases acid reflux symptoms.
• Licorice root (DGL) – Protects the stomach lining and reduces irritation.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments

• Avoid lying down immediately after eating.
• Sleep with your head elevated to prevent acid reflux.
• Maintain a healthy weight, as excess belly fat can worsen acid reflux.

4. Over-the-Counter and Medical Treatments

For persistent acid reflux, consider medications such as:

• Antacids – Provide quick relief by neutralizing acid.
• H2 blockers – Reduce acid production (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine).
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) – Decrease stomach acid levels for long-term relief.

Always consult a doctor before starting any medication.

When to See a Doctor

If acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, it may indicate GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), a condition that requires medical treatment. Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Frequent or severe heartburn
• Difficulty swallowing
• Chest pain that mimics a heart attack
• Persistent nausea or vomiting

Conclusion: Is Daily Baking Soda a Good Idea?

While baking soda can offer quick relief from acid reflux, daily consumption is not safe. Overuse can lead to metabolic imbalances, high sodium intake, digestive issues, and medication interference.

Instead of relying on baking soda, consider dietary changes, natural remedies, and medical treatments for long-term acid reflux relief. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor to identify and treat the root cause of your stomach issues.

In the end, balance is key—so think twice before making baking soda a daily habit.