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Baking soda can be used to relieve heartburn symptoms, but there are some restrictions.

katerha, Baking soda and vinegar, CC BY 2.0

Is baking soda for heartburn effective? To answer this question, you must first understand what heartburn is and what the effect of consuming sodium bicarbonate in certain doses is.

Heartburn is a type of irritation in the esophagus (the tract that connects the mouth to the stomach) caused by stomach reflux - the return of stomach acid to the esophagus. Heartburn is the burning sensation that can occur anywhere in the abdomen and throat.

The reflux symptoms that can anticipate heartburn are:

• Bad breath;
• Pain in chest or upper stomach;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Difficulty in swallowing;
• Sensitive teeth;
• Breathing problems;
• Bad taste in mouth;
• Cough.

If these (or some of these) symptoms persist, it may be that heartburn has evolved into gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which means that stomach reflux occurs at least twice a week, impairing the routine of the person affected by the disease and possibly damaging your esophagus.

Many pharmacies and stores sell medication for heartburn. But there is a cheap substance - used to treat heartburn - that you can have at home: baking soda.

Baking soda is a popular antacid to treat digestive problems such as heartburn, indigestion, and stomach irritation.

• Home Remedy Tricks for Reflux

Baking soda for heartburn

Baking soda is effective in relieving heartburn symptoms. In fact, the human pancreas itself naturally produces sodium bicarbonate to protect the intestine. As an absorbable antacid, baking soda quickly neutralizes stomach acid and relieves reflux symptoms.

The most common antacids that are sold in pharmacies contain sodium bicarbonate (which is their main ingredient). But the advantage is that baking soda at home is cheaper than drugs sold in pharmacies.

How to use

Always ask your doctor if you are unsure about the proper dosage of baking soda. The recommended amount is based on age. But remember, baking soda should be used to relieve heartburn symptoms. It does not serve as a long-term treatment for GERD.

The recommended dose of baking soda powder for heartburn for teenagers and adults is 1/2 teaspoon dissolved in a glass of water - and should be taken every two hours. Children need to have a medical consultation to determine the optimal amount of sodium bicarbonate (if indicated) .

But you must be careful not to exceed the following dosages:

• More than 3 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda in a day if you are under 60;
• More than 1 1/2 teaspoon a day if you are over 60 years old.

Likewise, it is necessary to avoid:

• Take the maximum dose for more than two weeks;
• Take the dosage when it is excessively full to avoid gastric ulcers;
• Taking the baking soda solution too quickly can lead to increased diarrhea and gas.

Too much baking soda can trigger the rebound effect, which increases acid production and worsens heartburn symptoms. You also have to make sure that the baking soda is completely dissolved in the water.

Consult a doctor immediately if you experience severe stomach pain after taking baking soda.

Side effects

Baking soda can provide quick relief from heartburn, but this method is not suitable for everyone. The most common cause of baking soda toxicity is overuse. You should avoid using baking soda if you are on a low-sodium diet. Half a teaspoon of baking soda contains about a third of your recommended daily sodium intake.

Ask your doctor if baking soda is a good alternative treatment for you. He will be able to tell you if the baking soda will interact with your medications (if you are taking any) or increase your sodium levels.

Side effects may include:

• Gases;
• Nausea;
• Diarrhea;
• Stomachache.

In the long term, excessive use of sodium bicarbonate can increase the risk of:

• Hypokalemia (deficiency of potassium in the blood);
• Hypochloremia (chloride deficiency in the blood);
• Hypernatremia (increase in sodium levels);
• Worsening in kidney disease;
• Worsening of heart failure;
• Muscle weakness and cramps;
• Increased production of stomach acid.

People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are also at increased risk for serious complications. Baking soda can increase dehydration.

See your doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms after consuming sodium bicarbonate:

• Frequent urination;
• Loss of appetite and/or unexplained weight loss;
• Breathing difficulties;
• Swelling in limbs and feet;
• Bloody stools;
• Blood in urine;
• Vomiting that looks like coffee grounds.

Pregnant can take baking soda for heartburn?

Pregnant women and children under the age of 6 should avoid baking soda as a treatment for heartburn. During pregnancy, bicarbonate can lead to an increase in the pregnant woman's blood pressure.