Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a household staple often mixed with water and consumed. This simple solution leverages the chemical properties of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), an alkaline compound with a high pH of approximately 8.4. The practice of drinking baking soda water has historically been promoted as a home remedy for various ailments. Understanding the science behind its actions, from its accepted uses to its less-proven claims, is important.
How Baking Soda Water Acts as an Antacid
The most common and scientifically supported use for drinking baking soda water is as a fast-acting antacid for relieving heartburn and acid indigestion. Relief is almost immediate due to a rapid chemical neutralization reaction that occurs when alkaline sodium bicarbonate encounters the highly acidic hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach. This reaction converts the strong acid into a weaker, less corrosive substance.
Sodium bicarbonate reacts with stomach acid to produce three byproducts: sodium chloride (salt), water, and carbon dioxide gas. The production of carbon dioxide is responsible for the characteristic burping that often accompanies the relief. This mild base offers temporary, symptomatic relief because it does not require digestion or absorption to work.
Exploring Other Alleged Health Uses
Athletic Performance
Beyond stomach acid neutralization, sodium bicarbonate has been studied for its ability to buffer acidity elsewhere in the body, primarily in the context of athletic performance. During high-intensity exercise, muscles rapidly produce hydrogen ions (H+) as a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, leading to a temporary drop in pH. Ingesting baking soda water raises the pH of the bloodstream, allowing it to draw more H+ ions out of the muscle cells. This buffering capacity slows the onset of muscle fatigue and has been shown to improve muscular endurance and performance in sports like swimming, running, and cycling.
Kidney Health
Sodium bicarbonate also plays a significant, medically supervised role in supporting kidney health for certain individuals. Chronic kidney disease can lead to metabolic acidosis, where the body’s acid-base balance is disrupted, causing a build-up of acid in the blood. When prescribed by a physician, oral sodium bicarbonate supplements can help correct this imbalance by increasing plasma bicarbonate levels. This therapeutic intervention can help slow the progression of kidney function decline but requires careful monitoring.
Safety Concerns and Proper Preparation
Safety Concerns
While baking soda water is a common home remedy, its use is not without risk, particularly with frequent or excessive consumption. A major concern is the high sodium content, which can pose a problem for individuals managing hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease. Ingesting large amounts can lead to a rapid increase in sodium levels, potentially causing fluid retention and electrolyte imbalances. Overuse can also result in metabolic alkalosis, a dangerous condition where the body’s overall pH becomes too alkaline, leading to symptoms like muscle twitching, confusion, and seizures.
The rapid production of carbon dioxide gas in the stomach can cause severe bloating and pain. In rare instances, stomach rupture may occur if an extremely large dose is taken on a full stomach. Furthermore, some individuals may experience an acid rebound effect, where the stomach compensates for the sudden neutralization by producing even more acid.
Proper Preparation
For occasional, safe use as an antacid, the typical recommended dose is to dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in at least four to eight ounces of water. It is advised not to take more than half a teaspoon at a time or more than three teaspoons total per day for adults over 60. Individuals who are pregnant or have underlying heart or kidney conditions should avoid drinking baking soda water unless specifically directed by a healthcare provider.