Baking Soda For Acid Reflux: Everything You Need To Know!

Acid reflux occurs when the acid produced by the stomach move back up into the esophagus. It can lead to burning and chest pain popularly described as heartburn.

A person with acid reflux might also have a sour or bitter taste in their mouth or throat. Over 60 million Americans experience acid reflux at least once a month, according to the American College of Gastroenterology, while other studies suggests over 15 million experiences it daily, according to MNT.

If acid reflux occurs more than twice a week, a person is said to have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). If left untreated, GERD can cause ulcers and permanent damage to the esophagus, which increases the risk of esophageal cancer.

Other causes of acid reflux include lying down immediately after large meals, being overweight or obese, snacking close to bedtime, eating certain food such as tomato, citrus, chocolate garlic, onion or spicy food. It is also very common in pregnancy.

Symptoms of acid reflux include, bloating, blood in stool, belching, dysphagia, hiccups, nausea, weight loss, cough and sore throat among others.

Baking soda also known as sodium bicarbonate, can be used as an antacid to mitigate the symptoms caused by acid reflux. It is a salt made up of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions, found as a white crystalline solid or a fine powder, primarily used in baking as a rising agent, it also included as an ingredient in dental hygiene products and as a natural cleaning agent.

Baking soda is a common home remedy for acid reflux, but its effects are short-lived and usually accompanied by unwanted side effect. It should not be used too frequently. Baking soda is also used in certain medical situations to increase the alkalinity in blood and urine.

The alkaline pH makes it common remedy for the relief of heartburn and acid reflux, as it works by neutralizing the excess stomach acid that causes symptoms. Adults and children over 12 years are advised to take half teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate powder mixed with a glass of water every 2 hours until symptoms subside.

Baking soda is only recommended temporarily at the onset when symptoms are severe. It is also important to consult with a doctor about suitable dosages of sodium bicarbonate. However, children below 12 years old should only take a prescribed dosage. It is usually not allowed for kids below six years of age, according to MNT.

Common side effects of sodium bicarbonate include gas, bloating, increased thirst and stomach cramps. It has a high salt content and can interfere with how the body absorbs certain medications.  

Baking soda can make it difficult for the body to break down drugs such as Alprazolam, Amphetamine, Aspirin, Benzphetamine, Dasatinib, Dextroamphetamine, Elvitegravir, Gefitinib, Iron sulfate, Ketoconazole, Ledipasvir, Methamphetamine, Memantine, Pazopanib, Tacrolimus, just to name a few.

Thus, it is crucial for individuals who are considering the use of sodium bicarbonate as an antacid to provide their doctor with a medical history, list of the prescription and over the counter medications they are taking.

Although, more serious side effects are rare, they include, blood in the urine and stool, nausea accompanied by vomiting, difficulty in breathing, loss of appetite, muscle spasms and contractions, Seizures, headache and swollen feet, ankles, or legs, Weakness, according to NewsnYork.

Anyone experiencing any of these side effects should discontinue the intake of baking soda and contact a doctor.

Unless prescribed by a doctor Persons with the following medical conditions such as, alkalosis, appendicitis, oedema, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney and liver diseases, and pre-eclampsia should avoid taking baking soda. Pregnant women should first discuss with their doctor before baking soda for acid reflux.

It should not be taking within two hours after taking other medications. A person who experiences heartburn for more than 2 weeks should see a doctor.