Is Baking Soda Good for Heartburn? What the Evidence Says

Heartburn occurs when stomach acid splashes back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation behind the breastbone. Many people reach for over-the-counter antacids—or even pantry staples like baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)—to find quick relief. But is there real truth to using baking soda for heartburn? Below, we dig into the science, benefits, risks, and practical tips.

How Baking Soda Works

• Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a base that reacts with stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) to form salt, carbon dioxide, and water.
• The neutralization reaction temporarily raises the pH in your stomach, reducing acidity and easing the burning sensation.
• You’ll often feel relief within minutes, but the effect is short-lived (usually less than two hours).

What the Guidelines Say

The 2013 American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines (Katz PO & Gerson LB) recommend antacids as a first-line, occasional treatment for mild, infrequent heartburn. While the guidelines don’t single out baking soda, they recognize that acid neutralizers can be effective for immediate symptom relief.

Key points from the guidelines:

• Antacids are safe and effective for most adults with occasional heartburn.
• Frequent or severe heartburn should prompt evaluation for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
• Long-term reliance on simple antacids can mask more serious conditions (esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus).

Potential Benefits of Baking Soda

1. Rapid Relief
   – Begins to work in 1–3 minutes.
   – Can be handy if you’ve just overindulged in spicy or fatty foods.

2. Inexpensive and Accessible
   – Most households already have baking soda.
   – No prescription or special trip to the pharmacy needed.

3. Multi‐Purpose Household Item
   – Beyond antacid use, baking soda has cleaning and deodorizing applications.

Risks and Precautions

1. Sodium Overload
   – One teaspoon of baking soda contains about 1,259 mg of sodium—over half the recommended daily intake for most adults.
   – High sodium can raise blood pressure and worsen heart failure or kidney disease.

2. Gas and Bloating
   – The neutralization reaction produces carbon dioxide gas, which can cause burping, bloating, or abdominal pain.

3. Metabolic Alkalosis
   – Excessive use can tip your body toward alkalosis (blood pH above normal), leading to muscle twitching, hand tremors, and nausea.

4. Drug Interactions
   – Baking soda can interfere with certain medications (e.g., tetracyclines, iron supplements) by altering stomach pH and absorption.

5. Masking Serious Conditions
   – Frequent reliance on quick fixes may delay diagnosis of GERD, peptic ulcers, or even heart conditions that can mimic heartburn.

Safe Usage Tips

If you do choose to try baking soda for heartburn, follow these guidelines:

• Dosage
– Dissolve ¼ to ½ teaspoon in 4–8 ounces (120–240 mL) of water.
– Do not exceed 3½ teaspoons per day, and limit use to no more than two weeks.

• Timing
– Take at least two hours before or after other medications or supplements to avoid absorption issues.

• Hydration
– Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help flush excess sodium and carbon dioxide.

• Monitor Symptoms
– If heartburn persists more than twice a week, or if you develop difficulty swallowing, persistent nausea/vomiting, or unintentional weight loss, stop self-treatment and seek medical advice.

Alternative Over-The-Counter Options

If you’re looking for more targeted, controlled antacid therapy, consider:

• Calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids)
– Provides calcium boost but carries a risk of constipation.

• Magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)
– Can relieve heartburn and works as a mild laxative.

• Combination Products (e.g., Pepcid Complete)
– Include both acid neutralizers and H2-blockers for longer-lasting relief.

• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
– Omeprazole or lansoprazole reduce acid production more dramatically, but are intended for longer-term use under medical supervision.

Lifestyle Modifications

Long-term control of heartburn often requires more than antacids:

• Dietary Changes
– Avoid trigger foods: spicy dishes, fatty/fried foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol.
– Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large meals.

• Weight Management
– Excess weight around the abdomen increases pressure on the stomach, promoting reflux.

• Meal Timing
– Finish eating at least 2–3 hours before lying down or going to bed.

• Head-of-Bed Elevation
– Raising the head of your bed by 6–8 inches can use gravity to minimize nighttime reflux.

When to Seek Help

While occasional heartburn isn’t usually dangerous, some “red-flag” symptoms need prompt medical attention:

• Trouble swallowing or pain with swallowing
• Persistent vomiting or difficulty keeping food down
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain—especially if you have risk factors for heart disease
• Black or tarry stools (sign of gastrointestinal bleeding)

You may also consider doing a free, online symptom check for Heartburn to better understand your risk and whether you need to see a specialist.

Understanding Underlying Conditions

Chronic heartburn can be a sign of GERD, which—if unmanaged—may lead to:

• Esophagitis (inflammation of the esophagus)
• Strictures (narrowing caused by scar tissue)
• Barrett’s esophagus (pre-cancerous changes)

While the liver disease prognostic models by Kamath & Wiesner (2001) and D’Amico et al. (2006) focus on end-stage liver conditions, they underscore a key point: treating underlying disease early improves outcomes. Similarly, heartburn that becomes chronic should be evaluated and managed to prevent complications.

Bottom Line

• Baking soda can provide fast, short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
• It carries risks—especially if used frequently or in large amounts—due to its high sodium content and potential to cause alkalosis.
• For infrequent, mild heartburn, a small dose of baking soda may be fine.
• If your symptoms occur more than twice a week or are severe, you need a more comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.

Always remember: self-treating with baking soda should not replace medical care for persistent or severe symptoms. If you experience any concerning signs—or if over-the-counter measures fail—speak to a doctor right away.