Baking soda is a naturally occurring and readily available chemical that can help quickly relieve the discomfort of heartburn. But you have to know how to take it and its contraindications.
Heartburn is a very common digestive discomfort in the population, it is a burning sensation that comes from the stomach and goes up through the esophagus until it reaches the throat. This is because part of the gastric acids involved in the digestive process go up, irritating the esophagus region.
Many people know from popular knowledge that baking soda can help reduce discomfort, but few know how to take it effectively and safely.
In principle, this remedy should only be used when dealing with occasional heartburn. When it is due to something specific, such as eating too much or too quickly, certain foods (chocolate, citrus fruits or very fatty or spicy foods) or drinks (caffeinated or soft drinks), stress or unhealthy food habits such as drinking of alcohol or tobacco.
When heartburn occurs more than two days a week, it is considered a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is a chronic condition and increases the risk of Barrett’s esophagus, which is a precursor to esophageal cancer. In such cases, it is better to consult the doctor.
What exactly is baking soda and how does it work?
Pharmacies have many remedies for heartburn, but there is a folk remedy that we almost always have at home: sodium bicarbonate (also called sodium bicarbonate or sodium carbonate).
It is an alkaline substance that manages to control pH and reduce acidity. That’s why it can quickly relieve an upset stomach. It has long been traditionally used to treat digestive problems such as heartburn or acid indigestion, and it is the main component of some antacid medications.
How to take bicarbonate?
Baking soda is effective in instantly relieving occasional heartburn. In adults, half a teaspoon dissolved in a glass of water (about 120 ml) is usually recommended, two or three times a day.
It is important to avoid bicarbonate when eating a large meal and the belly is very full, as it has been seen that in some cases it can cause acute gastric dilation and gastric rupture or perforation, a medical emergency that if not treated immediately can be deadly.
It is also recommended to use it after 2 hours if you are taking any medication, as by reducing stomach acidity it can reduce the speed at which the body absorbs the medication and alter its functioning.
Many people add a little lemon juice to boost the digestive effects of baking soda.
Baking soda side effects and precautions
Baking soda can have some side effects, especially if taken too quickly, such as gas, nausea, diarrhea or upset stomach.
Its intake should not be permanent, that is, it should not exceed two weeks of treatment, as it may increase the risk of hypokalemia (lack of potassium in the blood), hypochloremia (lack of chloride in the blood), hypernatremia (excess of sodium), worsening kidney disease or heart failure, muscle weakness, cramps or increased stomach acid production. These risks are greater in people who drink a lot of alcohol.
Using baking soda serves only as immediate relief from stomach acid or occasional indigestion, but should not be taken as a treatment for GERD. It should not be consumed frequently, nor should it be taken if you are following a low sodium diet, as sodium levels may be affected.