Here’s a detailed, evidence-based look at what baking soda can and cannot do.
What is baking soda?
Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, a mildly alkaline compound. It is commonly used in baking, cleaning, and in some medical applications.
Scientifically supported uses
1. Temporary relief from heartburn
Baking soda neutralizes stomach acid and can provide short-term relief from occasional acid reflux or indigestion.
Typical dose:
- ½ teaspoon dissolved in at least 120 mL (4 oz) of water.
- Not for frequent or long-term use.
Risks:
- High sodium content.
- Can worsen high blood pressure or heart failure.
- May cause bloating.
2. Helps treat certain types of metabolic acidosis
Doctors sometimes prescribe sodium bicarbonate for people with kidney disease or severe metabolic acidosis. This should only be done under medical supervision.
3. Exercise performance
Some athletes use sodium bicarbonate before intense exercise because it can buffer acid buildup in muscles.
However:
- It commonly causes nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
- It is not recommended for routine use by older adults.
4. Mouth rinse
A baking soda solution can:
- Neutralize acids.
- Reduce bad breath.
- Soothe minor mouth irritation.
Mix:
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ cup warm water
Swish and spit.
5. Skin irritation
A baking soda bath may temporarily relieve:
- Mild itching
- Insect bites
- Poison ivy discomfort
It is not a treatment for skin infections or eczema.
Claims with little or no good evidence
Many online videos claim baking soda cures numerous diseases. Current evidence does not support using it to treat:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- High blood pressure
- Chronic inflammation
- Obesity
- Liver disease
- Lung disease
- Osteoporosis
- Thyroid disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
Research in these areas is either preliminary or insufficient to recommend baking soda as a treatment.
Risks for seniors
Older adults should be particularly cautious because baking soda contains a large amount of sodium.
Possible complications include:
- Increased blood pressure
- Fluid retention
- Heart failure worsening
- Kidney problems
- Low potassium
- High blood sodium
- Metabolic alkalosis (blood becomes too alkaline)
- Muscle cramps
- Confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
These risks are higher if you have heart disease, kidney disease, or take medications such as diuretics.
Drug interactions
Baking soda can interfere with how some medicines are absorbed or affect the body’s acid-base balance. It may interact with:
- Certain antibiotics
- Aspirin
- Iron supplements
- Some antifungal medicines
- Medications that require stomach acid for proper absorption
It’s best to separate baking soda from oral medications by at least a couple of hours unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.
When not to use baking soda
Avoid using it without medical advice if you have:
- High blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease
- A sodium-restricted diet
- Significant swelling (edema)
Bottom line
Baking soda has a few legitimate uses, such as temporarily relieving occasional heartburn, serving as a mouth rinse, and being used in certain medical situations under professional supervision. However, there is no credible scientific evidence that it can make “13 health problems disappear” or cure chronic diseases. Regular or excessive use can be dangerous, particularly for older adults due to its high sodium content and effects on the body’s acid-base balance.
If you have a specific health problem that someone claims baking soda can treat, I can explain what the research actually shows.