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General Health
Question #18068
73 days ago
157

baking soda also known as - #18068

Janvi

I am super curious about this thing called baking soda also known as sodium bicarbonate. My sister recently told me she's been using it for everything, like brushing her teeth and even to relieve heartburn, she swears by it! I started to wonder if baking soda also known as this multiple-use wonder could really be as helpful as people say. The other day I had this crazy heartburn after eating pizza (who doesn’t love pizza, right?), and I remembered what she said. So I mixed a bit of baking soda with water, and it actually helped a bit. But I’m also worried about using baking soda also known as sodium bicarbonate too much. I mean, I don’t want to mess up my stomach or anything! Some of my friends say it can mess with your electrolytes or something. Has anyone else tried using baking soda also known as the magic powder for heartburn or maybe even other issues? Like, is there a limit? Does it really work for everything they say? I'm also wondering if there are side effects or if I should use it with caution? Would love to hear thoughts!

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Doctors' responses

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, does have a reputation for being a versatile household item, and can indeed be used for a variety of purposes, including as a remedy for occasional heartburn. It works as an antacid by neutralizing stomach acid, providing quick relief from heartburn symptoms. However, it’s important to use it carefully and not overdo it. Consuming excessive amounts can potentially lead to negative health effects. As you mentioned, using it too often can disturb the acid-base balance in your body and mess up your electrolytes, leading sometimes to a condition known as metabolic alkalosis, which is a serious concern. The recommendation is that adults should not exceed around one-half teaspoon of baking soda in water every two hours, and not to exceed a total of seven teaspoons in a 24-hour period overall. Also, for long-term management of heartburn or GERD, relying solely on baking soda might not be effective or safe. It’s advisable considering lifestyle and dietary modifications, and you probably want to discuss persistent heartburn with your healthcare provider for possible safer medications. It’s worth noting that other uses, like for teeth brushing, may be safe if done occasionally, but frequent use could potentially wear down tooth enamel over time. Any remedy, even as simple as baking soda, should be used with an understanding of one’s overall health status and, when in doubt, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

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