Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIngredientsUses and BenefitsWho Should Not Use It?DIY Antacid
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Uses and Benefits
Who Should Not Use It?
DIY Antacid
Baking soda, also calledsodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline, odorless, white crystalline powder (or lumps) that has a slightly bitter taste. It is a type of salt.
Baking soda is often used as a food additive to make baked goods rise. It can also be used in dental and cleaning products.
It is sometimes used in medicine, such as swallowed as anantacidor given intravenously, such as treatment formetabolic acidosis.
This article will discuss the ingredients in baking soda, its uses and benefits, who should avoid using it, and more.
Aygul Bulte / Getty Images
Ingredients in Baking Soda
Baking soda is made up of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions.
Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder
Baking soda and baking powder both can create the chemical reaction that makes baked goods rise. They are similar but not the same and differ as follows:
Uses and Benefits of Baking Soda
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers baking soda to be “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a food additive, an antacid, and as an ingredient in toothpaste.
While baking soda is sometimes used in medicine, there is conflicting research on some of its uses.
Dental
Baking soda is sometimes used as a dentifrice (a powder or paste, such astoothpaste, for cleaning teeth). It is primarily used as an abrasive, but is believed to be mild on soft tissues such as the gums and oral mucosa (soft lining inside the the mouth), and has a low abrasive level on tooth surfaces.
Baking soda neutralizes acidic components of chemicals that can stain teeth, such as the pigment-producing microorganisms calledchromogensin tea and red wine, making them less likely to stain.
Baking soda doesn’t have a direct antimicrobial effect but can be helpful as a cleaning agent because it can dissolve mucus and loosen debris in the mouth.
A 2017 study examined the effects of a baking soda solution rinse on bacterial count and salivary pH (a measure of acidity and alkalinity).It found the baking soda rinse could increase salivary pH (make it more alkaline) and help prevent enamel demineralization (loss of minerals from the dental enamel) but was limited in reducing bacterial count post-rinse.
A 2021 narrative review noted that baking soda used as a mouthwash, a mucoadhesive spray (a substance that adheres two materials, one of which contains mucus), or in sugar-free gum may raise salivary pH and may (in some cases) lower colonization of acidophilic (acid-loving) bacteria.
Dentifrices that contain baking sodamay help enhanceplaqueremoval and inhibitcavities(dental caries).
Baking soda dentifrice showed promising results forplaque removalin single-use studies, which were partially substantiated in follow-up studies. A small reduction in bleeding was also found with baking soda relative to a control product.
Is Brushing Teeth With Baking Soda Safe for Whitening Teeth?
Heartburn
Gastroesophagealreflux disease (GERD)can cause symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, and an acid taste in the mouth.Sodium bicarbonate is an ingredient in some antacids (used to treat acid reflux). Its commercial use as an antacid dates back as far as the 1880s.
Over-the-counter (OTC) baking soda antacid products are available in tablets and effervescent powder. Alka-Seltzer is one of the best-known brands containing baking soda in some of its antacid products.
Some precautions to take when usingantacidscontaining baking soda include:
Sodium Bicarbonate Antacids and PregnancyAlthough GERD and heartburn arecommon in pregnancy, antacids containing sodium bicarbonate should be avoided. They could lead to fluid overload and metabolic alkalosis (too much bicarbonate in the blood) in the pregnant person and fetus.Other antacid optionsshould be discussed with your healthcare provider for use in pregnancy.
Sodium Bicarbonate Antacids and Pregnancy
Although GERD and heartburn arecommon in pregnancy, antacids containing sodium bicarbonate should be avoided. They could lead to fluid overload and metabolic alkalosis (too much bicarbonate in the blood) in the pregnant person and fetus.Other antacid optionsshould be discussed with your healthcare provider for use in pregnancy.
Athletics
The use of baking soda in athletics (known as soda loading) is controversial, both in its effectiveness and safety. Some coaches and athletes believe that ingesting baking soda before a competition helps with performance. This practicecan be dangerousand can also have side effects that make the athlete unable to perform.
The theory behind ingesting baking soda in athletics is that it could create a more alkaline physiological environment, which may improve high-intensity intermittent exercise tolerance.
Some studies have found performance improvement using soda loading, but the studies' poor approaches may have affected the results. For example, a 2015 study found an improvement in performance, but its sample size was only 13, all of the participants were trained men aged 22 to 24, and no control group using a placebo (inactive compound) was included.
Other studies have found limited or no performance benefits to soda loading.
The most commonly used baking soda dose for scientific studies is 300 milligrams (mg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight (mg/kg). The sodium content of baking soda makes this dose greatly exceed the Dietary Reference Intakestolerable upper limitof 2,300 mg of sodium per day. With this dose, a 70 kg (154-pound) athlete would ingest approximately 5,700 mg of sodium.
This has the potential to affect blood pressure, but more research is needed in this area.
Soda loading has also been associated with gastrointestinal distress (such asdiarrhea), which can sometimes become severe.This not only can cause health concerns, but it can also negatively affect athletic performance, negating any potential enhancing effects of the soda loading.
Always talk to a healthcare provider before trying soda loading.
Certain Medical Conditions
Sodium bicarbonate may also be used to treat other health concerns such as:
A small group of studies suggests that treatment with sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate pills could help prevent kidney disease from worsening, but more research is needed.
The use of sodium bicarbonate to treat medical conditions should always be done under the guidance of healthcare providers. Talk to a healthcare provider, and do not try to self-treat.
Non-Medicinal Uses of Baking SodaNon-medicinal uses of baking soda include:As a leavening agent in doughOdor absorption in the fridgeHousehold cleaning (not a reliabledisinfectant)Ingredient in cosmetic productsIngredient in soaps and detergentsUsed in fire extinguishersUsed in leather tanning and paper productionRemovingpesticidesfrom applesTo remove pesticides from apples, soak the apples in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a towel before refrigerating.
Non-Medicinal Uses of Baking Soda
Non-medicinal uses of baking soda include:As a leavening agent in doughOdor absorption in the fridgeHousehold cleaning (not a reliabledisinfectant)Ingredient in cosmetic productsIngredient in soaps and detergentsUsed in fire extinguishersUsed in leather tanning and paper productionRemovingpesticidesfrom applesTo remove pesticides from apples, soak the apples in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a towel before refrigerating.
Non-medicinal uses of baking soda include:
To remove pesticides from apples, soak the apples in a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 cups of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a towel before refrigerating.
The Benefits and Risks of Using Baking Soda on Your Face
Should Anyone Not Use Baking Soda?
Talk to a healthcare provider before taking sodium bicarbonate, particularly if you have or have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding before taking sodium bicarbonate, or if you become pregnant while taking it.
Significant morbidity (illness) and mortality (death) have been associated with heavy baking soda use in people who havealcohol use disorder.
Baking Soda Toxicity
Too much baking soda can be dangerous. Keep baking soda and all household food items in their original containers and out of the sight and reach of children. If used in the fridge in a house that has children, push it as far to the back as possible.
The most commonly reported cause of baking soda toxicity is excessive use as an antacid.
Symptoms of a baking soda overdose include:
Baking soda toxicity and excessive use can lead to serious health concerns, such as:
What to Do If You Suspect a Baking Soda Overdose
If you suspect you or someone else has a baking soda overdose:
Side Effects
Taking sodium bicarbonate can have side effects such as:
Talk to your healthcare provider if these side effects are severe or persistent.
Stop taking sodium bicarbonate and call your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following:
Baking soda can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Drug Interactions
Sodium bicarbonate may cause interactions or other concerns when taken with other medications or supplements, such as:
Can I Make My Own Baking Soda Antacid?
Making your own baking soda antacid is not advised because of the potential for using too much, and the associated complications.
Taking OTC antacid productsthat use calcium carbonate (such as Tums) is a safer option.
If your healthcare provider has recommended sodium bicarbonate tablets, it is important to use them exactly as your healthcare provider has directed.
Summary
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can be used fordental health, heartburn, and certain medical conditions such as metabolic acidosis. It may also be used in athletics to enhance performance in certain circumstances, but research is conflicting on whether this is effective and/or safe.
Excess sodium bicarbonate and baking soda toxicity can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. Keep baking soda out of reach of children, and always follow the directions for use.
17 SourcesVerywell 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.National Center for Biotechnology Information.PubChem compound summary for CID 516892, sodium bicarbonate.ChemicalSafetyFacts.org.Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).National Capital Poison Center.My child got into the baking soda.Valkenburg C, Kashmour Y, Dao A, (Fridus) Van der Weijden GA, Slot DE.The efficacy of baking soda dentifrice in controlling plaque and gingivitis: a systematic review.Int J Dental Hygiene. 2019;17(2):99-116. doi:10.1111/idh.12390Chandel S, Khan M, Singh N, Agrawal A, Khare V.The effect of sodium bicarbonate oral rinse on salivary pH and oral microflora: a prospective cohort study.Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2017;8(2):106. doi:10.4103/njms.NJMS_36_17Quade BN, Parker MD, Occhipinti R.The therapeutic importance of acid-base balance.Biochemical Pharmacology. 2021;183:114278. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114278Ali RAR, Hassan J, Egan LJ.Review of recent evidence on the management of heartburn in pregnant and breastfeeding women.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):219. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02287-wCanadian Society of Intestinal Research.Baking soda for heartburn.National Library of Medicine.Alka-Seltzer heartburn effervescent tablets.MedlinePlus.Sodium bicarbonate.Mount Sinai.Baking soda overdose.Krustrup P, Ermidis G, Mohr M.Sodium bicarbonate intake improves high-intensity intermittent exercise performance in trained young men.Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2015;12(1):25. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0087-6Kahle LE, Kelly PV, Eliot KA, Weiss EP.Acute sodium bicarbonate loading has negligible effects on resting and exercise blood pressure but causes gastrointestinal distress.Nutrition Research. 2013;33(6):479-486. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2013.04.009National Kidney Foundation.Metabolic acidosis.National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control.Effectiveness of alternative antimicrobial agents for disinfection of hard surfaces.Harvard Health.Apples.Al-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart: case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco.J Med Toxicol. 2013;9(3):255-258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4
17 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.National Center for Biotechnology Information.PubChem compound summary for CID 516892, sodium bicarbonate.ChemicalSafetyFacts.org.Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).National Capital Poison Center.My child got into the baking soda.Valkenburg C, Kashmour Y, Dao A, (Fridus) Van der Weijden GA, Slot DE.The efficacy of baking soda dentifrice in controlling plaque and gingivitis: a systematic review.Int J Dental Hygiene. 2019;17(2):99-116. doi:10.1111/idh.12390Chandel S, Khan M, Singh N, Agrawal A, Khare V.The effect of sodium bicarbonate oral rinse on salivary pH and oral microflora: a prospective cohort study.Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2017;8(2):106. doi:10.4103/njms.NJMS_36_17Quade BN, Parker MD, Occhipinti R.The therapeutic importance of acid-base balance.Biochemical Pharmacology. 2021;183:114278. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114278Ali RAR, Hassan J, Egan LJ.Review of recent evidence on the management of heartburn in pregnant and breastfeeding women.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):219. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02287-wCanadian Society of Intestinal Research.Baking soda for heartburn.National Library of Medicine.Alka-Seltzer heartburn effervescent tablets.MedlinePlus.Sodium bicarbonate.Mount Sinai.Baking soda overdose.Krustrup P, Ermidis G, Mohr M.Sodium bicarbonate intake improves high-intensity intermittent exercise performance in trained young men.Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2015;12(1):25. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0087-6Kahle LE, Kelly PV, Eliot KA, Weiss EP.Acute sodium bicarbonate loading has negligible effects on resting and exercise blood pressure but causes gastrointestinal distress.Nutrition Research. 2013;33(6):479-486. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2013.04.009National Kidney Foundation.Metabolic acidosis.National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control.Effectiveness of alternative antimicrobial agents for disinfection of hard surfaces.Harvard Health.Apples.Al-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart: case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco.J Med Toxicol. 2013;9(3):255-258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4
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.
National Center for Biotechnology Information.PubChem compound summary for CID 516892, sodium bicarbonate.ChemicalSafetyFacts.org.Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).National Capital Poison Center.My child got into the baking soda.Valkenburg C, Kashmour Y, Dao A, (Fridus) Van der Weijden GA, Slot DE.The efficacy of baking soda dentifrice in controlling plaque and gingivitis: a systematic review.Int J Dental Hygiene. 2019;17(2):99-116. doi:10.1111/idh.12390Chandel S, Khan M, Singh N, Agrawal A, Khare V.The effect of sodium bicarbonate oral rinse on salivary pH and oral microflora: a prospective cohort study.Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2017;8(2):106. doi:10.4103/njms.NJMS_36_17Quade BN, Parker MD, Occhipinti R.The therapeutic importance of acid-base balance.Biochemical Pharmacology. 2021;183:114278. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114278Ali RAR, Hassan J, Egan LJ.Review of recent evidence on the management of heartburn in pregnant and breastfeeding women.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):219. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02287-wCanadian Society of Intestinal Research.Baking soda for heartburn.National Library of Medicine.Alka-Seltzer heartburn effervescent tablets.MedlinePlus.Sodium bicarbonate.Mount Sinai.Baking soda overdose.Krustrup P, Ermidis G, Mohr M.Sodium bicarbonate intake improves high-intensity intermittent exercise performance in trained young men.Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2015;12(1):25. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0087-6Kahle LE, Kelly PV, Eliot KA, Weiss EP.Acute sodium bicarbonate loading has negligible effects on resting and exercise blood pressure but causes gastrointestinal distress.Nutrition Research. 2013;33(6):479-486. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2013.04.009National Kidney Foundation.Metabolic acidosis.National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control.Effectiveness of alternative antimicrobial agents for disinfection of hard surfaces.Harvard Health.Apples.Al-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart: case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco.J Med Toxicol. 2013;9(3):255-258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4
National Center for Biotechnology Information.PubChem compound summary for CID 516892, sodium bicarbonate.
ChemicalSafetyFacts.org.Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
National Capital Poison Center.My child got into the baking soda.
Valkenburg C, Kashmour Y, Dao A, (Fridus) Van der Weijden GA, Slot DE.The efficacy of baking soda dentifrice in controlling plaque and gingivitis: a systematic review.Int J Dental Hygiene. 2019;17(2):99-116. doi:10.1111/idh.12390
Chandel S, Khan M, Singh N, Agrawal A, Khare V.The effect of sodium bicarbonate oral rinse on salivary pH and oral microflora: a prospective cohort study.Natl J Maxillofac Surg. 2017;8(2):106. doi:10.4103/njms.NJMS_36_17
Quade BN, Parker MD, Occhipinti R.The therapeutic importance of acid-base balance.Biochemical Pharmacology. 2021;183:114278. doi:10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114278
Ali RAR, Hassan J, Egan LJ.Review of recent evidence on the management of heartburn in pregnant and breastfeeding women.BMC Gastroenterol. 2022;22(1):219. doi:10.1186/s12876-022-02287-w
Canadian Society of Intestinal Research.Baking soda for heartburn.
National Library of Medicine.Alka-Seltzer heartburn effervescent tablets.
MedlinePlus.Sodium bicarbonate.
Mount Sinai.Baking soda overdose.
Krustrup P, Ermidis G, Mohr M.Sodium bicarbonate intake improves high-intensity intermittent exercise performance in trained young men.Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2015;12(1):25. doi:10.1186/s12970-015-0087-6
Kahle LE, Kelly PV, Eliot KA, Weiss EP.Acute sodium bicarbonate loading has negligible effects on resting and exercise blood pressure but causes gastrointestinal distress.Nutrition Research. 2013;33(6):479-486. doi:10.1016/j.nutres.2013.04.009
National Kidney Foundation.Metabolic acidosis.
National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control.Effectiveness of alternative antimicrobial agents for disinfection of hard surfaces.
Harvard Health.Apples.
Al-Abri SA, Olson KR.Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart: case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco.J Med Toxicol. 2013;9(3):255-258. doi:10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4
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