What are the pros and cons of using baking soda for acid reflux relief?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can provide fast, short-term relief from acid reflux by neutralizing stomach acid. However, frequent or excessive use may lead to serious side effects, including high blood pressure, swelling, electrolyte imbalances, and stomach rupture in rare cases. It should not be used long-term or by people on sodium-restricted diets, those who are pregnant, or children under 6 without medical guidance.

If acid reflux is a recurring issue, occasional baking soda won't address the root cause. Persistent symptoms may signal GERD, hiatal hernia, or another underlying condition that needs proper evaluation. Rather than guessing, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be driving your symptoms and identify the most appropriate next steps for care.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover if baking soda helps acid reflux See what’s causing your acid reflux Find out if reflux needs care today Find OTC options for acid reflux relief Find a doctor for acid reflux Learn medically proven acid reflux home remedies Understand likely causes of heartburn symptoms

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Explanation

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is sometimes used to relieve acid reflux because it can neutralize stomach acid. However, there are important things to know about using it.

Pros:

Fast Relief: Baking soda can quickly neutralize stomach acid, providing fast relief from heartburn.
Availability: It is easy to find and inexpensive.

Cons:

Health Risks: According to the references, using baking soda too much can lead to serious health issues, such as heart problems and electrolyte imbalances.
Not Suitable for Everyone: People with certain health conditions should avoid it, and it is not a long-term solution.
Side Effects: It can cause stomach discomfort and bloating.

In conclusion, while baking soda can help with acid reflux, it should be used carefully and not as a regular treatment. If you're experiencing persistent heartburn or acid reflux symptoms, take our free AI symptom checker to better understand your condition and discuss the results with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.

(References)

Jensen S, & Skriver S. (2014). Self-treatment with baking soda can lead to severe .... Ugeskrift for laeger, 25497637.
Simmons TC, Hogan DL, Selling JA, Maxwell V, & Isenberg JI. (1986). The effect of sodium bicarbonate versus aluminum .... Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 3018068.
Han YJ, Roy S, Siau AMPL, & Majid A. (2022). Binge-eating and sodium bicarbonate. Journal of eating disorders, 36348449.

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