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Published on: 8/18/2026
What is the evidence supporting baking soda's role in supporting kidney function?
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may benefit people with certain stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) by helping to slow disease progression and preserve kidney function. Research suggests it works by neutralizing excess acid in the blood — a common issue in CKD known as metabolic acidosis — which can otherwise strain the kidneys and accelerate damage.
However, baking soda is not a cure, and self-treating without medical guidance can be risky, especially for those with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or sodium restrictions. If you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, swelling, changes in urination, or unexplained nausea, it's important to understand what may be driving them before trying any remedy. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify possible causes and confidently plan your next steps — because informed decisions lead to better outcomes.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026
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Explanation
Research suggests that sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, can be beneficial for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in stages 3 and 4. In one study, taking sodium bicarbonate helped slow down the worsening of kidney function in these patients.
Another study found that sodium bicarbonate treatment might have positive clinical outcomes for kidney health. This means it could help the kidneys work better and slow down the disease.
A systematic review looked at many studies and found that sodium bicarbonate can help improve kidney function and slow down the progression of CKD. This review supports the idea that sodium bicarbonate can be a helpful treatment.
In summary, sodium bicarbonate may be a helpful addition to the treatment for people with certain stages of kidney disease. It could help slow disease progression and improve kidney function. However, if you're experiencing symptoms related to kidney issues or want to better understand your health concerns, you can take a free symptom checker test before consulting with your healthcare provider about treatment options.
(References)
Melamed ML, Horwitz EJ, Dobre MA, Abramowitz MK, Zhang L, Lo Y, et al. (2020). Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate in CKD Stages 3 and 4. American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation, 31699517.
Yang TY, Lin HM, Wang HY, Chuang MH, Hsieh CC, Tsai KT, & Chen JY. (2024). Sodium Bicarbonate Treatment and Clinical Outcomes in .... Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN, 38980732.
Hultin S, Hood C, Campbell KL, Toussaint ND, Johnson DW, & Badve SV. (2021). A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Effects .... Kidney international reports, 33732984.
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