Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesSide EffectsPrecautionsDosage GuidelinesOveruseInteractionsStorageWhat to Look For
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage Guidelines
Overuse
Interactions
Storage
What to Look For
Sodium bicarbonate is a natural chemical substance, which is also known asbaking soda.According to research, sodium bicarbonate can treatacute cases of heartburn, boost athletic performance, improveoral health, and whiten teeth. It may also help reduce inflamation.
Sodium bicarbonate, which is categorized as anantacid, also makes your stomach’s environment less acidic (more basic).
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In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate
Supplement use should be individualized and discussed with a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
While more extensive research is necessary regarding effectiveness, people generally use sodium bicarbonate supplements or over-the-counter (OTC) products to treat various health conditions.
Research is most robust for the following conditions:
1. Alleviate Heartburn
Therefore, as an absorbable antacid, sodium bicarbonate can offset stomach acid and temporarily relieve heartburn and otheracid reflux symptoms.
Sodium bicarbonate is available as an OTC product for this use. Other uses may also relieveindigestionor anupset stomach.
2. Treat Kidney Problems
People with kidney problems—acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term)—may experience acidosis, which is a buildup of acid in the blood.
Sodium bicarbonate is commonly used in people withacute kidney injury (AKI)to reverse this acidity in the blood.Moreover, it’s thought that treating this acidosis may also slow down the worsening ofchronic kidney disease (CKD).
However, a systematic review (a methodical review of a collection of studies) concluded that more high-quality clinical trials are needed to study sodium bicarbonate in AKI.
In a more recent systematic review and meta-analysis (a methodical review and analysis of a collection of studies), sodium bicarbonate may slow the worsening of CKD.
However, another clinical trial studied sodium bicarbonate supplements in adults withCKDand a buildup of acid in the blood. According to the results, sodium bicarbonate didn’t improve physical or kidney function. What’s more, there were increased side effects with sodium bicarbonate.
But sodium bicarbonate’s effects on the following are unclear:
Because of this, more rigorous clinical trials are still necessary to better understand sodium bicarbonate’s safety and effects in people with CKD.
3. Improve Oral Health
In a small clinical trial, healthy study participants used a sodium bicarbonate liquid mouth rinse. Results showed:
The study authors also noted that people withcanker sores (mouth sores)might benefit from a sodium bicarbonate rinse, and people undergoingchemotherapymay prefer this rinse because of its bland taste.
Since this was a small clinical trial, more extensive and higher-quality studies are warranted to better understand sodium bicarbonate’s effects on oral health.
4. Whiten Teeth
Some people also usebaking soda to whiten teeth. When mixed with water, the baking soda becomes a paste, similar to the consistency of toothpaste. Some people combine the mix with hydrogen peroxide, as well.
Because it’s a mild abrasive, research shows that scrubbing teeth with it can effectively remove stains without damaging the tooth’s enamel, as other harsher whiteners might.
5. Boost Athletic Performance
According to experts from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), sodium bicarbonate supplements mainly improve athletic performance in short, high-intensity exercises lasting between 30 seconds to 12 minutes.
ISSN’s conclusion resulted from a thorough and critical analysis of studies on sodium bicarbonate supplements on athletic performance.
However, ISSN experts noted the placebo effect—an improvement in mental or physical health that occurs in response to treatment that may have had no therapeutic value in and of itself—may play a role in some of sodium bicarbonate’s effects.
6. Reduce Inflammation
Some people use baking soda to reduce inflammation. In one 2018 study, animals and humans drank a mixture of water and baking soda, and the findings suggested that it resulted in anti-inflammatory effects.
Other research suggests that the substance could benefit those who deal with inflammation related toarthritis, as well as reducing autoimmune activity, as seen in rheumatoid arthritis andlupus. Many people with autoimmune disorders regularly use baking soda to help treat their symptoms.
Jessica Olah / Verywell
Side Effects and Safety
Sodium bicarbonate is a substance added to food and is generally recognized as safe.However, as with many medications and supplements, sodium bicarbonate may have side effects.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of sodium bicarbonate may include:
Severe Side Effects
While stomach pain is a common side effect of sodium bicarbonate, it may become severe and excessive.
A severe allergic reaction is a profound side effect possible with any medication or supplement. If you’re having asevere allergic reaction, symptoms may include breathing difficulties, itchiness, and rash.
If you’re having a severe allergic reaction or if any of your symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911 and get medical help right away.
A healthcare provider may advise against sodium bicarbonate if any of the following applies:
The Benefits and Risks of Using Baking Soda on Your Face
Dosage: How Much Sodium Bicarbonate Should I Use?
Always speak with a healthcare provider before taking a supplement to ensure that the supplement and dosage are appropriate for your individual needs.
Studies have used different sodium bicarbonate doses and forms (tablets, powder, or intravenous) for delivery.
Moreover, the dose may vary based on the dosage form, the medical condition being treated, and your exercise goals. If you use sodium bicarbonate, follow a healthcare provider’s recommendations or product label instructions.
What Happens if I Use Too Much Sodium Bicarbonate?
If you accidentally took too much sodium bicarbonate, symptoms may include the following:
If you think you’re experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Since sodium bicarbonate lowers acid levels, it may interact with several medications that require an acidic environment in the stomach.
For example, sodium bicarbonate may interact with specific human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) medications—like Edurant (rilpivirine).It may also be incompatible with:
It is essential to carefully read a supplement’s ingredients list and nutrition facts panel to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included. Review the supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Sodium Bicarbonate
Generally, natural products should be stored in a cool, dry place unless otherwise instructed. Keep it tightly closed and out of the sight and reach of children and pets, ideally locked in a cabinet or closet.
Discard after one year or as indicated on the packaging. Avoid putting unused and expired products down the drain or in the toilet.
Ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider any questions you may have about how to dispose of your natural products.
Sources and What to Look For
Nutrition guidelines typically emphasize getting nutrients through food sources rather than chemical forms and supplements.However, there is still a place for supplements for certain groups of people, such as those with certain medical conditions.
Food Sources
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) includes sodium bicarbonate on its list of branded foods.
Sodium bicarbonate is a natural substance that can be added to food and has various uses in the kitchen—like making dough rise, increasing food flavors, and ensuring certain foods aren’t too acidic.
Sodium Bicarbonate Supplements
Sodium bicarbonate supplements may be available in the following forms:
Sodium bicarbonate has also been used as a mouth rinse.Vegetarian options might be available. You may also see sodium bicarbonate in combination with other ingredients.
The product you choose will depend on your preference and what you hope to achieve. Each product may work a bit differently, depending on the form. Therefore, following a healthcare provider’s recommendations or label directions is essential.
Summary
Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is a natural chemical. It’s also available as an OTC antacid to help relieve heartburn. Other potential uses include improving athletic performance in specific exercises, supporting oral health, and helping with kidney problems.
However, more extensive research is needed. Before using sodium bicarbonate, ask a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider to decide what may benefit you.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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