Does baking soda work as treatment for acid reflux?

Acid reflux is a burning sensation in the chest that some people experience after eating. Baking soda may help relieve symptoms, but people should use it with care.

Acid reflux, also known as heartburn, occurs when stomach acid backs up into the food pipe, causing discomfort. Some people may experience a sour taste in their mouth.

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, over 60 million Americans experience acid reflux at least once a month. Some studies suggest over 15 million have it daily.

Anyone who experiences acid reflux more than twice a week should seek medical treatment, as it may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or another underlying condition.

However, if acid reflux comes and goes and lasts less than 2 weeks, baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate may help.

Some over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs for acid reflux contain sodium bicarbonate. For example, Zegerid combines sodium bicarbonate with omeprazole.

However, some people also use baking soda from the kitchen as an antacid to counteract acid reflux.

Benefits of baking soda

Baking soda — or sodium bicarbonate — is a salt that consists of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions.

It usually appears as white crystalline solid or a fine powder. Tablets and capsules containing sodium bicarbonate are also available.

People mainly use baking soda as a rising agent, for example in cake making. It is also an ingredient in dental hygiene products and a natural cleaning agent.

For medical purposes, sodium bicarbonate can make the urine more alkaline, for example, if a person has a urinary tract infection. A doctor should supervise its use, however, as it can have adverse effects.

Baking soda and heartburn

Baking soda has an alkaline pH, and it is a common remedy for the relief of heartburn and acid reflux. It neutralizes the excess stomach acid that causes symptoms.

The Canadian Society of Intestinal Research remind people that baking soda is a temporary solution to acid reflux. They advise people that sodium bicarbonate is available from a pharmacy in the form of tablets and effervescent powder.

However, they add: "If you are in a pinch, a half teaspoon of baking soda mixed in at least 125 milliliters (ml), or half a cup of water may provide a quick relief of symptoms."

If you are using an OTC or prescription medication, follow the instructions on the package.

Doctors only recommend using baking soda temporarily, when symptoms first appear. This is because other problems may develop if the body becomes too alkaline. Baking soda is also a salt, and too much salt can lead to further problems.

As with other medications, it is essential to talk to a doctor about suitable dosages of sodium bicarbonate.

Children under 6 years old should only use sodium bicarbonate if a doctor prescribes it.

Acid reflux remedies containing baking soda are available for purchase online.

Risks and side effects

Common side effects of baking soda include:

• gas and bloating
• increased thirst
• stomach cramps

If any of these symptoms persist or are severe, contact a doctor.

Anyone who experiences heartburn for longer than 2 weeks should also see a doctor.

Baking soda and existing medical conditions

People with the following medical conditions should avoid taking baking soda unless their doctor advises them to:

• alkalosis, when the body's pH is higher, or more alkali, than normal
• appendicitis
• edema, which is swelling caused by excess fluid in the body's tissues
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• preeclampsia, a condition during pregnancy that features high blood pressure, edema, and excess proteins in the urine

Baking soda is not suitable for acid reflux during pregnancy unless a doctor recommends it.

Sodium bicarbonate interactions

Baking soda can interfere with how the body absorbs some medications. People should not take it within 2 hours of other medicines.

It lowers stomach acid levels, which means it can interfere with the body's ability to break down and absorb medications.

In addition, baking soda can interact with the following types of medications:

• amphetamines, including dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine
• benzphetamine
• digoxin
• elvitegravir
• gefitinib
• ketoconazole
• ledipasvir
• memantine
• pazopanib

This list is not exhaustive, and sodium bicarbonate can interact with other medications.

People should always tell their doctor which medications they are taking, whether prescription, OTC, supplements, or alternative remedies when discussing the use of baking soda as an antacid.

Source: Medical News Today