What is the recommended ratio of baking soda to water for treating acid reflux?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Baking soda is sometimes used as a quick home remedy for acid reflux because it neutralizes stomach acid. However, using baking soda for acid reflux can be risky and should be approached with caution. It's high in sodium and may cause side effects like bloating, nausea, high blood pressure, or dangerous electrolyte imbalances—especially with frequent use or in people with heart or kidney conditions.

If you're relying on baking soda to manage recurring heartburn, that's a sign something deeper may be going on. Persistent acid reflux can indicate conditions like GERD, hiatal hernia, or ulcers, which need proper evaluation rather than temporary fixes. Instead of guessing, take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand your symptoms, identify possible causes, and know what steps to take next—safely and confidently.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

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Explanation

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is sometimes used to relieve acid reflux, but it is important to be careful with its use. According to the provided references, self-treatment with baking soda can lead to severe health problems.

Risks of Using Baking Soda

Severe Health Issues: Reference 1 highlights that self-treatment with baking soda can cause serious health issues, emphasizing the need for caution.
Comparison with Other Treatments: Reference 2 discusses the effects of sodium bicarbonate compared to other treatments, but does not specify a safe ratio for use.
Eating Disorders: Reference 3 mentions concerns about baking soda use in the context of eating disorders, which can complicate its effects.

Conclusion

Due to the potential risks and lack of specific guidance on a safe ratio, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using baking soda for acid reflux. If you're experiencing persistent acid reflux or related symptoms, consider taking a free symptom checker assessment to better understand your condition. A healthcare provider can review your results and provide personalized advice and suggest safer alternatives.

(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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