For decades, a simple mixture of baking soda and water has been used as a home remedy for occasional heartburn and acid reflux.
Often described as a “natural alkalizer,” this inexpensive kitchen staple is more accurately known as Baking soda – a compound that temporarily neutralizes stomach acid.
What Is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a naturally occurring alkaline compound. It has been used for generations in cooking, cleaning, and personal care – but it also has medical applications.
In fact, sodium bicarbonate is the active ingredient in some over-the-counter antacid medications because of its ability to neutralize stomach acid quickly.
Does Baking Soda “Balance Your Body’s pH”?
You may have heard that baking soda helps “alkalize” the body. Here’s what that actually means.
The human body tightly regulates blood pH within a narrow range (around 7.35–7.45). Healthy kidneys and lungs constantly adjust acid-base balance automatically.
Drinking baking soda does not permanently change your body’s overall pH.
However, baking soda can temporarily neutralize excess stomach acid. That’s where its benefit lies – not in altering systemic body pH, but in reducing acid in the stomach for short-term relief.
How Baking Soda Works for Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing:
- Burning sensation (heartburn)
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Chest discomfort
- Bloating
When baking soda is dissolved in water and consumed, it reacts with stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). This reaction produces:
- Sodium chloride (salt)
- Water
- Carbon dioxide (gas)
This neutralization process reduces acidity quickly, which can ease the burning sensation of heartburn.
Relief often occurs within minutes.
How to Use Baking Soda and Water Safely
If using for occasional heartburn:
Standard Adult Dose (Occasional Use Only)
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- Dissolved in 4–6 ounces (½ cup) of water
- Stir until fully dissolved
- Drink slowly
Do not exceed this amount without medical supervision.
Frequency
Use only occasionally – not as a daily long-term solution.
Why It Can Help With Occasional Acid Reflux
Baking soda works because it is alkaline. When it contacts stomach acid, it neutralizes the acid temporarily.
This can help with:
- Occasional heartburn after heavy meals
- Acid discomfort after spicy foods
- Mild indigestion
However, it does not treat underlying conditions like GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease).
What Baking Soda Does NOT Do
It does not:
- Permanently change blood pH
- Cure chronic acid reflux
- Replace medical treatment
- Heal ulcers
- Detox the body
Claims about “alkalizing the body” are often misunderstood. Your body regulates pH on its own through kidney and lung function.
Potential Benefits of Occasional Use
When used correctly and sparingly, baking soda may:
- Provide rapid heartburn relief
- Reduce acid discomfort after overeating
- Help neutralize occasional stomach acid spikes
It is fast-acting and inexpensive.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Because baking soda contains sodium, it must be used cautiously.
Possible Side Effects
- Bloating (from carbon dioxide gas production)
- Burping
- Increased thirst
- Temporary stomach discomfort
More Serious Risks (With Excessive Use)
- High sodium intake
- Fluid retention
- Increased blood pressure
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Metabolic alkalosis (rare but serious)
Excessive use can strain the kidneys and cardiovascular system.
Who Should Avoid Baking Soda for Reflux?
Do NOT use baking soda without medical advice if you:
- Have high blood pressure
- Have heart disease
- Have kidney disease
- Are on sodium-restricted diets
- Are pregnant
- Are taking certain medications
- Have chronic digestive disorders
Children should not use it unless directed by a healthcare provider.
How It Compares to Over-the-Counter Antacids
Many commercial antacids contain:
- Calcium carbonate
- Magnesium hydroxide
- Sodium bicarbonate
Baking soda is similar to some antacid formulations but lacks buffering agents and dosing controls found in regulated products.
Store-bought antacids are often safer for frequent use because they are formulated for controlled dosing.
Can It Help With “Body Acidity”?
The idea that many health issues are caused by a “too acidic body” is oversimplified.
Your body:
- Maintains stable blood pH automatically
- Adjusts acidity through kidney filtration
- Balances carbon dioxide through breathing
Drinking baking soda cannot override these systems long-term. Its effect is primarily localized in the stomach.
Safer Long-Term Strategies for Acid Reflux
If you experience frequent reflux, consider:
- Eating smaller meals
- Avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty, acidic foods)
- Not lying down immediately after eating
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol
- Maintaining healthy weight
- Elevating head while sleeping
Chronic symptoms should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Can Baking Soda Be Used Daily?
No. Regular daily use is not recommended without medical supervision due to sodium content and potential electrolyte imbalance.
It is best used as:
- An occasional emergency solution
- Short-term relief only
Baking soda and water can provide quick, temporary relief for occasional acid reflux because sodium bicarbonate neutralizes stomach acid. However, it does not permanently “alkalize” the body or change systemic pH.