What is baking soda?

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is used to treat diseases caused by excess acid production in the body. The white powder ensures that the acids are neutralized and the pH value of the blood increases. Baking soda was also used to treat  heartburn in the past,  but this therapeutic approach is now considered obsolete. Before using baking soda, you should always keep in mind that taking it can cause side effects such as  gastrointestinal problems  . 

deacidification of the body

Since baking soda is mildly alkaline, it is used to deacidify the body: the powder can neutralize acids in the body and convert them into salts. Therefore, it is also used to treat diseases that are due to excess acid in the body. Baking soda can either be taken in the form of enteric-coated capsules or given directly into the veins through an IV. 

The use of pure baking soda powder is not recommended, especially if long-term use is planned. Otherwise, the acid mantle of the stomach may be damaged. If you plan to take it over a longer period of time, you should always consult a doctor to discuss the exact dosage with him. 

Baking soda for heartburn

Baking soda was once used as a home remedy to treat heartburn because it forms harmless reaction products with the acids in the body. Today, however, this procedure is considered outdated and the more frequent intake of pure baking soda probably also entails risks. Among other things, this can lead to increased gas formation in the stomach and an increase in gastric juice production after the effect of the powder has worn off. 

Side effects of baking soda

Various side effects can occur when taking baking soda. In order to avoid these in the future, it is sometimes sufficient to reduce the dose. Gastrointestinal complaints such as abdominal pain,  flatulence , a feeling of fullness,  diarrhea ,  nausea  and vomiting as well as  belching primarily occur . In the case of a strong overdose, chemical burns can also occur. 

If baking soda is taken for a long time, the sodium level in the blood can rise and the calcium level can fall. If the calcium value is too low, muscle cramps – especially in the calves – can occur. Too high a  sodium value  can promote the development of  high blood pressure  . 

In addition, an overdose as well as a longer-term use of baking soda increases the risk of kidney stones and a disturbance of the body’s water balance. 

Not recommended during pregnancy

During pregnancy, baking soda should only be taken after consulting a doctor. Because the powder not only influences the acid-base balance of the mother, but also that of the child. 

Children under the age of twelve should only take the powder after consulting a doctor. With them, it is also particularly important to adhere to the dosage instructions. 

Baking soda instead of baking powder

While in the past baking soda was primarily used as a leavening agent in baking, baking powder is usually found on the list of ingredients today. This is a mixture of baking soda and an acidulant. At a temperature of over 50 degrees Celsius, soda reacts with the acidulant and begins to decompose. This produces carbon dioxide, among other things, which ensures that the dough rises. 

If you don’t have baking powder on hand, baking soda can only be used in place of baking powder under certain circumstances. Because while adding baking powder always triggers a leavening effect, this is only the case with baking soda if the dough contains acidic components. As a result, the two substances cannot be interchanged one-to-one.