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lemon and baking soda
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Digestive Health
Question #13270
24 days ago
68

lemon and baking soda - #13270

Sara

I am really confused about using lemon and baking soda for some health issues I’m dealing with. A couple of weeks ago, I started experiencing this weird bloating after meals, like, no matter what I eat, I just feel super uncomfortable. A friend suggested trying lemon and baking soda to help with digestion, said it worked wonders for her! I thought, okay, why not give it a shot? I've been mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with some lemon juice and water every morning, but I’m not sure if I’m doing it right or if it’s even safe. I mean, I read somewhere that combining lemon and baking soda can help balance pH and really help with digestion. I have noticed slight improvements, like maybe less bloating, but sometimes I feel like my stomach gets weirdly gassy! Should I be concerned about that? Also, is there any point in continuing this lemon and baking soda routine? Like, could it affect anything else, you know? I don’t wanna mess up anything in my system. Anyone had good or bad experiences with lemon and baking soda? I just want to be sure I’m not digging myself into a hole here.

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Doctors’ responses

Combining lemon and baking soda for digestion, while popular in some circles, is not supported by solid clinical evidence. It’s good to be cautious as this mixture can have variable effects on different people. Lemon juice is acidic (high in citric acid), and baking soda is a base (sodium bicarbonate), and mixing them ends in a chemical reaction that produces carbon dioxide, which could be part of why you’re experiencing some gas formation. Also, when consumed in this mix, it’s possible it neutralizes stomach acid temporarily, which might lessen immediate bloating but could affect digestion longer-term.

Baking soda can interact with medications and affect bowel movements or cause electrolyte imbalances if taken over time, considering it alters acid-base balance. If you’re experiencing discomfort like persistent gas or changes in bowel habits, it’s worth reconsidering this regimen. Instead of continuing with the lemon-baking soda approach, try focusing on dietary habits that aid digestion. Eating smaller, frequent meals, limiting carbonated beverages, and careful not to eat too fast, might help with feeling overly full or bloated.

If any of these efforts don’t reduce your bloating, it may be wise to talk to a healthcare professional about investigating possible underlying causes. Conditions like food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome, or other gastrointestinal concerns might be worth exploring. They can suggest more evidence-based treatments suitable for your situation. Always better to be cautious, and personalized care often yields the best outcomes.

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