Sodium Bicarbonate

October 2, 2020

This article provides general nutrition information only and is not medical advice.

Overview

Sodium bicarbonate is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This breakdown makes a solution alkaline, meaning it is able to neutralize acid. Because of this, sodium bicarbonate is often used to support conditions caused by high acidity in the body, such as heartburn.

People use sodium bicarbonate for athletic performance, kidney damage caused by contrast dyes (contrast induced nephropathy), indigestion (dyspepsia), stomach ulcers, dental plaque, tooth discoloration, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

People also use sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, as an ingredient in baking.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Salt

Primary Functions:

Athletic performance, kidney damage

Also Known As:

Baking Soda, Bicarbonate of Soda, Bread Soda, Cooking Soda, Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate

How Does It Work?

Sodium bicarbonate is a salt that breaks down in fluids, including blood and urine, to form sodium and bicarbonate. This breakdown buffers the blood and makes it less acidic. This ability to neutralize acid helps support conditions related to high acidity in bodily fluids, such as indigestion, which is caused by too much acid in the stomach.

Uses

Athletic performance. Research suggests that taking sodium bicarbonate by mouth 1-2 hours before short-term, high-intensity exercise improves power during exercise in trained men. Other research shows that taking sodium bicarbonate by mouth up to 3 hours before short-term, high-intensity exercise improves performance. However, taking sodium bicarbonate does not appear to improve performance in females or non-athletes. Also, it does not appear to improve performance during exercises that last longer than 10 minutes.
Kidney damage caused by contrast dyes (contrast induced nephropathy). Some research suggests that injecting sodium bicarbonate intravenously (by IV) before using contrast dyes during scans can reduce the risk of kidney damage. But it might not work better than other options.

Recommended Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

ADULT

BY MOUTH:

For athletic performance: 100-400 mg/kg body weight taken 1-3 hours before exercise has been used.

BY IV OR SHOT:

For kidney damage caused by contrast dyes (contrast induced nephropathy): A sodium bicarbonate solution has been administered by a healthcare provider before and after cardiac angiography.

Sodium Bicarbonate Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is sodium bicarbonate medication used for?

Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid used to relieve heartburn and acid indigestion. Your doctor also may prescribe sodium bicarbonate to make your blood or urine less acidic in certain conditions. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What does sodium bicarbonate do for kidneys?

On the other hand, sodium bicarbonate (AKA baking soda) is useful for some people with kidney condition. For them, baking soda makes the blood less acid, which slows the progression of kidney condition. However, people with healthy kidneys should NOT eat baking soda!

Can I take sodium bicarbonate daily?

The FDA suggests a maximum daily dosage of 200 mEq sodium and 200 mEq bicarbonate in people up to 60 years old, and maximum daily dosage of 100 mEq sodium and 100 mEq bicarbonate in people over 60 years old for up to 2 weeks. Taking sodium bicarbonate by mouth in high doses is POSSIBLY UNSAFE.

What are the side effects of taking sodium bicarbonate?

Aggravated congestive heart failure (CHF)
Cerebral hemorrhage.
Swelling (edema)
High blood sodium
Low blood calcium levels.
Low blood potassium levels.
Muscle spasms (associated with low calcium levels)
Metabolic alkalosis.

Can baking soda raise your cardiovascular health?

Consuming sodium bicarbonate can also raise your blood sodium levels, which may increase cardiovascular health in some people. In addition, large amounts of sodium can make your body retain water.

What does sodium bicarb do to the heart?

The alkaline substance, more commonly known as baking soda, has been given to heart attack victims to prevent lactic acidosis, a build-up of damaging acids in the blood. But the researchers found that solutions of the sodium bicarbonate worsened heart and liver functions in patients.

Can baking soda reverse kidney failure?

“A daily dose of baking soda could help patients with chronic kidney condition avoid having to undergo dialysis,” reported The Times . It said that research has found that sodium bicarbonate can dramatically slow the progress of the condition.

Is sodium bicarbonate safe for kidneys?

Sodium Bicarbonate Slows Chronic Kidney condition Safely. BUDAPEST, Hungary — Sodium bicarbonate — long used, albeit sporadically, to correct metabolic acidosis in chronic kidney condition — is significantly better at slowing condition progression than standard care, and is safe, results from a large Italian trial indicate.

How much sodium bicarbonate can I take daily?

Is drinking baking soda bad for your heart?

Can I drink sodium bicarbonate?

Baking soda is a good nutritional support for immediate relief from occasional acid reflux. The recommended dosage for adults is 1/2 teaspoon dissolved in a 4-ounce glass of water. It's best to sip this drink slowly to avoid side effects like gas and diarrhea. You can repeat every two hours.

What is the benefit of sodium bicarbonate?

Sodium bicarbonate reduces stomach acid. It is used as an antacid to support heartburn, indigestion, and upset stomach. Sodium bicarbonate is a very quick-acting antacid. It should be used only for temporary relief.

How much baking soda should I drink for physical strain?

Baking soda benefits

Try it: Combine 1/4 tsp. baking soda with 8 to 12 oz. of water. Drink a baking soda and water tonic after a meal twice a week, but for no more than four weeks.

Is sodium bicarbonate the same as baking soda?

Baking soda has only one ingredient: sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate is a base that reacts when it comes into contact with acids, like buttermilk, yogurt or vinegar. ... All baking powders contain sodium bicarbonate (just like baking soda). But baking powder also contains two acids.

When should you not take sodium bicarbonate?

Sodium Bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate 5% injection) Injection is contraindicated in patients with metabolic and respiratory alkalosis and in patients with hypocalcemia in which alkalosis may produce tetany.

Does baking soda clean your blood?

It helps to clear the blood and body tissues. The concoction removes uric acid from the blood and purifies it. Put 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda in an empty glass. Let the mixture rest for a while, so that the bubble and the fizz settles down.

How long does sodium bicarbonate stay in your system?

Just keep in mind that the effects last only up to 24 hours after the last dose ( 37 , 38 ). Bottom Line: Sodium bicarbonate can be found in powder, pill or capsule form. Dosages of 90–135 mg/lbs (200–300mg/kg) should be taken up to 3 hours before exercise or as 3 or 4 smaller doses spread over the day.

Can you drink baking soda water daily?

With a daily cup of water with a teaspoon of baking soda, Brandon says you can regulate your body's pH level and help improve your hormone balance, nutrient absorption, and blood quality—all of which can help your kidney stay healthy.

Does baking soda improve kidney function?

Baking soda for kidney patients. “A daily dose of baking soda could help patients with chronic kidney condition avoid having to undergo dialysis,” reported The Times . It said that research has found that sodium bicarbonate can dramatically slow the progress of the condition.

Does sodium bicarbonate increase creatinine?

Fewer patients in the sodium bicarbonate group (16 of 50) developed a postoperative increase in serum creatinine compared with control (26 of 50) (odds ratio 0.43 [95% confidence interval 0.19–0.98]), (p = 0.043).

Clinical Studies

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