How effective is baking soda in preventing heartburn symptoms?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can relieve heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid, offering fast, temporary relief from that burning sensation. However, it isn't the right choice for everyone. Its high sodium content can be problematic for people with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or kidney issues, and overuse may cause bloating, gas, or a rebound in acid production.

Because heartburn can stem from many causes—ranging from diet and stress to GERD, hiatal hernia, or even cardiac issues—it's important to understand what's actually driving your symptoms before choosing a remedy. Instead of guessing, take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights into your symptoms and clear guidance on your next steps. It only takes a few minutes and could save you from unnecessary discomfort—or point you toward care you didn't realize you needed.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn if baking soda heartburn needs care Discover likely causes of your heartburn Find out if it could be GERD See OTC options for heartburn relief Find a doctor for heartburn symptoms Understand home remedies for heartburn relief See if heartburn needs urgent care

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Explanation

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can help relieve heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. This is because it is a base, which means it can counteract the acid in your stomach.

How It Works

When you take baking soda, it reacts with the stomach acid to form water, carbon dioxide, and salt, which can help reduce the burning feeling of heartburn.

Considerations

While baking soda can be effective, it is not always the best option for everyone. Some people might have side effects like gas or bloating.
People with certain health conditions should be cautious about using baking soda for heartburn. If you're experiencing persistent heartburn or want to better understand your symptoms, you can check your symptoms with our free AI-powered tool to help determine if you need to see a healthcare provider.

In summary, while baking soda can be a quick and simple way to relieve heartburn, it is not always suitable for everyone. It is always good to consider other options and talk to a healthcare provider if heartburn is a regular problem.

(References)

Orbelo DM, Enders FT, Romero Y, Francis DL, Achem SR, Dabade TS, et al. (2015). Once-daily omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate heals severe .... Digestive diseases and sciences, 24448652.
Simmons TC, Hogan DL, Selling JA, Maxwell V, & Isenberg JI. (1986). The effect of sodium bicarbonate versus aluminum .... Journal of clinical gastroenterology, 3018068.
Koufman JA, & Johnston N. (2012). Potential benefits of pH 8.8 alkaline drinking water as an .... The Annals of otology, rhinology, and laryngology, 22844861.

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