How much baking soda is considered safe to use for relieving heartburn?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Baking soda can temporarily neutralize stomach acid, but using it for heartburn carries real risks. Consuming too much may cause serious side effects, including electrolyte imbalances, high blood pressure, stomach rupture, and dangerous interactions with medications. It's not a safe long-term solution, and frequent heartburn often signals an underlying condition that needs proper evaluation.

If you're relying on baking soda—or any quick fix—to manage recurring heartburn, it's worth understanding the root cause. Persistent symptoms could point to GERD, ulcers, or other treatable issues, and getting clarity early helps you avoid complications. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what's going on and confidently plan your next steps.

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 serious See OTC heartburn relief options Find a heartburn doctor near you Understand safe home remedies for heartburn Check if symptoms need urgent care

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Explanation

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is sometimes used to relieve heartburn. However, using it for self-treatment can lead to serious health issues if not done carefully.

Potential Risks

Severe Side Effects: According to research, self-treatment with baking soda can cause severe complications. It's important to be aware that even a common household item like baking soda can be harmful if used improperly.
Comparison with Other Treatments: A study comparing sodium bicarbonate to other antacids found that while it can neutralize stomach acid, it might not be the safest option.

Conclusion

If you're experiencing heartburn or other digestive symptoms, take our free AI symptom checker to better understand your condition and determine whether you should seek medical care. Always remember that even natural remedies can have significant side effects, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider before trying self-treatment with baking soda.

(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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