Sodium Bicarbonate: Everything You Need to Know

Sodium bicarbonate is a natural chemical substance, which is also known as baking soda. It is used in the kitchen for various uses, including as an ingredient that makes dough rise or for removing odors in the refrigerator.

Sodium bicarbonate, which is categorized as an antacid, also makes your stomach's environment less acidic (more basic). According to research, sodium bicarbonate can treat acute cases of heartburn, boost athletic performance, and improve oral health.

This article discusses the potential uses of sodium bicarbonate and its side effects in addition to the potential for interaction, storage requirements, and more.

Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate

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:

• Heartburn
• Kidney problems
• Oral health
• Athletic performance
  

Heartburn

Heartburn is often caused by acid reflux, a digestive issue where stomach acid flows from the stomach back into the esophagus. The pancreas creates sodium bicarbonate to protect your intestines, and baking soda is thought to replicate this action.

Therefore, as an absorbable antacid, sodium bicarbonate can offset stomach acid and temporarily relieve heartburn and other acid reflux symptoms.

Sodium bicarbonate is available as an OTC product for this use. Other uses may also relieve indigestion or an upset stomach.

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 with acute kidney injury (AKI) to reverse this acidity in the blood. Moreover, it's thought that treating this acidosis may also slow down the worsening of chronic 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 with CKD and 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:

• Death from any cause
• Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
• Systolic blood pressure (the top number in the blood pressure reading)
• Swelling from water retention

Because of this, more rigorous clinical trials are still necessary to better understand sodium bicarbonate's safety and effects in people with CKD.

Oral Health

In a small clinical trial, healthy study participants used a sodium bicarbonate liquid mouth rinse. Results showed:

• An increase in saliva pH, which means the saliva is less acidic (more basic)
• A smaller number of certain bacteria in the mouth
• The increase in pH also prevents enamel demineralization (wearing away of the protective layer on your teeth).

The study authors also noted that people with canker sores (mouth sores) might benefit from a sodium bicarbonate rinse, and people undergoing chemotherapy may 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.

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.

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:

• Abdominal bloating (gas)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain

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 a severe 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.

Precautions

A healthcare provider may advise against sodium bicarbonate if any of the following applies:

• Severe allergic reaction: Avoid sodium bicarbonate if you have a known allergy to it or its components (ingredients or parts). Ask a pharmacist, healthcare provider, or registered dietitian for more information to verify its safety.
• Pregnancy: Sodium bicarbonate may lead to fluid buildup in pregnant people and their fetuses. And they may also experience low amounts of acid in the blood. Before using sodium bicarbonate, contact a healthcare provider to discuss the benefits and risks.
• Breastfeeding: There is limited data on the effects and safety of antacids—like sodium bicarbonate—on breastfeeding parents and nursing infants. Discuss its benefits and risks with a healthcare provider before using it.
• Children: Sodium bicarbonate is not recommended for children under 12 years of age unless recommended by your healthcare provider. Furthermore, most sodium bicarbonate supplement labels are more likely to target adults than infants and children.
• Adults over age 60: According to the OTC product label, the maximum daily dose for people over 60 is half the recommended maximum for people under 60. Use caution and speak with a healthcare provider before taking sodium bicarbonate.
• Kidney problems: Too much sodium bicarbonate can lead to kidney failure. For this reason, high amounts of sodium bicarbonate may worsen kidney problems. So, don't take sodium bicarbonate without a healthcare provider's recommendation.
• Sodium-restricted diet: Do not take sodium bicarbonate if you are on a sodium-restricted diet. Sodium levels will increase when sodium bicarbonate is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Dosage: How Much Sodium Bicarbonate Should I Use?

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:

• Dehydration
• Diarrhea
• Kidney problems
• Seizures
• Slow breathing rate
• Appendix rupture (burst)
• Vomiting

If you think you're experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Interactions

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:

• Amiodarone
• Cisatracurium
• Haloperidol
• Midazolam
• Thiopental

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

Storage instructions may vary by product. Carefully read the directions and packaging label on the container.

Generally, medicines and supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place unless otherwise instructed. Keep your medications 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. Visit the FDA website to learn where and how to discard all unused and expired medications. You may also have disposal boxes in your area.

Ask a pharmacist or healthcare provider any questions you may have about how to dispose of your medications or natural products.

If you plan to travel with sodium bicarbonate, get familiar with your final destination's regulations. The U.S. Embassy & Consulates office might be a helpful resource.

Ask a healthcare provider how to travel with your medications or natural products, if necessary.

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:

• Food bars
• Capsules
• Lozenge
• Powder
• Tablets

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.