Heartburn can strike when you least expect it—after a hearty meal, a late-night snack, or even just bending over. That familiar burning sensation behind the breastbone is not only uncomfortable but often disrupts daily life. If you’re looking for a simple, natural remedy, look no further than your kitchen cabinet. Baking soda, a humble household staple, has been used for generations to relieve heartburn and acid reflux.
But how exactly does it work? Is it safe? How do you use it effectively without risking side effects?
In this quick guide, we’ll dive deep into how baking soda relieves acid reflux, the science behind it, best practices for safe use, risks to watch for, and how it compares to other remedies—so you can make informed, confident choices for your digestive health.
🔍 Understanding Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Before reaching for a remedy, it’s essential to understand what’s happening in your body.
Heartburn is a symptom of acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This happens when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)—a ring of muscle that acts as a valve between the esophagus and stomach—doesn’t close properly or relaxes at the wrong time.
When acid escapes the stomach, it irritates the sensitive lining of the esophagus, causing that signature burning sensation, often accompanied by a sour taste in the mouth, bloating, or even coughing.
For many, acid reflux is occasional and triggered by certain foods, large meals, stress, or lying down too soon after eating. But for others, it’s more frequent and becomes GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)—a chronic, potentially damaging condition.
🧪 How Baking Soda Works to Relieve Heartburn
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline compound that counteracts acid. When ingested, it neutralizes hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach, helping to quickly reduce acidity and relieve discomfort.
Here’s what happens when baking soda hits stomach acid:
NaHCO₃ (baking soda) + HCl (stomach acid) → NaCl (salt) + H₂O (water) + CO₂ (carbon dioxide gas)
This reaction not only decreases stomach acidity but produces carbon dioxide gas, which may cause burping—often a sign the mixture is doing its job.
⚡ Rapid Relief
One of the biggest advantages of baking soda is speed. Unlike medications that may take 30–60 minutes to work, baking soda typically relieves heartburn within minutes. That’s why it remains a go-to home remedy, especially in urgent situations.
🥄 How to Use Baking Soda for Heartburn Relief
✅ Basic Heartburn Remedy Recipe
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon of baking soda
- 4 to 6 ounces of cool water
Instructions:
- Dissolve the baking soda completely in the water.
- Drink slowly. Sip, don’t gulp.
- Wait 15–30 minutes to feel relief.
💡 Tips for Effective Use
- Take it at least 1–2 hours after meals to avoid disrupting digestion.
- Stay upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the solution.
- Use only as an occasional remedy, not a daily treatment.
⏱️ Dosing Guidelines
- Adults can take ½ teaspoon every two hours, but do not exceed 7 doses (3½ teaspoons) in 24 hours.
- If over 60 years old, limit to 3 doses per day.
Excessive use can cause serious health risks (more on that below).
⚖️ Baking Soda vs Baking Powder: Know the Difference
Though their names are similar, baking soda and baking powder are not interchangeable when it comes to treating heartburn.
🧂 Baking Soda
- Contains only sodium bicarbonate
- Neutralizes stomach acid effectively
- Safe for short-term internal use
🍰 Baking Powder
- A mix of sodium bicarbonate and acidic compounds
- Intended for baking, not consumption on its own
- Can worsen heartburn due to added acids
Many people mistakenly reach for baking powder, only to find their symptoms worsen. Always verify the label before using any white powder from the pantry.
💊 Sodium Bicarbonate in Over-the-Counter Antacids
Baking soda isn’t just a home remedy—it’s the active ingredient in several commercial antacids.
Products like:
- Alka-Seltzer
- Zegerid (omeprazole + sodium bicarbonate)
- Some effervescent tablets
…use sodium bicarbonate to quickly lower stomach acid. However, commercial antacids are formulated for safety, taste, and consistency, and may include other agents to buffer the stomach lining or extend relief.
Still, baking soda’s pure form can be just as effective if used properly.
🧪 The Baking Soda Burp Test for Low Stomach Acid
A growing number of people believe they suffer from low stomach acid rather than too much. One popular DIY diagnostic tool is the baking soda burp test:
How to do it:
- Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 4 ounces of cold water.
- Drink it on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.
- Time how long it takes to burp.
Theory: If you don’t burp within 3–5 minutes, it might indicate low acid levels.
However, this test is not medically validated. Many factors (like carbonation tolerance, digestion speed, or the presence of food) can skew results. If you suspect chronic digestive issues, consult a doctor for proper testing, such as a Heidelberg pH test.
⚠️ Risks, Side Effects, and When to Avoid Baking Soda
Though baking soda offers fast relief, it’s not without risks—especially with frequent use or high doses.
🚨 Possible Side Effects:
- Bloating and gas (due to carbon dioxide buildup)
- Nausea or stomach cramps
- Increased thirst
- Elevated blood pressure from high sodium content
- Kidney strain
⚠️ Serious Risks of Overuse:
- Metabolic alkalosis: a dangerous condition where the body becomes too alkaline
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Water retention and swelling
- Heart rhythm disturbances
🚫 Who Should Avoid Baking Soda for Heartburn?
- People with high blood pressure
- Those with kidney disease or heart failure
- Anyone on a low-sodium diet
- Pregnant women, unless approved by a doctor
- Children under 6 years old
Even occasional users should watch for recurring symptoms. Chronic acid reflux should never be self-managed with baking soda alone.
🌿 Natural Alternatives and Lifestyle Remedies
If you’re looking for gentler, more sustainable ways to manage acid reflux, consider these alternatives:
✅ Diet and Lifestyle Tips
- Eat smaller meals, more frequently
- Avoid trigger foods: spicy dishes, citrus, tomatoes, garlic, onions, chocolate, caffeine
- Stay upright for 2–3 hours after meals
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Elevate the head of your bed by 6–8 inches
- Chew gum to stimulate saliva and neutralize acid
🌱 Herbal and Natural Remedies
- Ginger tea – Soothes the digestive tract
- Aloe vera juice – Calms esophageal inflammation
- Licorice root (DGL) – Supports mucosal lining
- Slippery elm – Forms a protective coating in the esophagus
- Bicarbonate-rich mineral water – Backed by recent studies for gentle relief
🩺 When to Seek Medical Advice
If you’re experiencing heartburn more than twice a week, or symptoms like:
- Chronic cough
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sensation of a lump in the throat
- Chest pain (especially if severe or radiating)
…then you may be dealing with GERD, ulcers, or another condition that requires medical evaluation. Untreated GERD can lead to complications such as esophagitis, Barrett’s esophagus, or even esophageal cancer.
Don’t let convenience replace care. Baking soda can help—but it’s not a cure.
📝 Final Thoughts: Is Baking Soda a Good Remedy for Heartburn?
Baking soda is one of the most accessible and effective short-term solutions for occasional heartburn. It acts quickly, is inexpensive, and—when used properly—is generally safe for healthy adults.
But like any remedy, it comes with caveats. Its high sodium content and potential side effects mean it should be used sparingly and responsibly. Most importantly, if you’re experiencing frequent or severe symptoms, the underlying issue must be addressed.
✔️ Use it for occasional relief
❌ Avoid frequent or high doses
🩺 Always consult a doctor if symptoms persist
FAQs
1. How fast does baking soda work for heartburn relief?
Answer: Baking soda usually begins to relieve heartburn within 5 to 10 minutes. It neutralizes stomach acid quickly, making it a go-to remedy for fast-acting relief.
2. How much baking soda should I take for heartburn?
Answer: The recommended dose is ½ teaspoon dissolved in 4–6 ounces of water. Do not exceed 3½ teaspoons (7 doses) in 24 hours, and if you’re over 60, limit it to 3 doses daily.
3. Is it safe to use baking soda for heartburn every day?
Answer: No. Baking soda should only be used for occasional relief. Regular use can lead to alkalosis, high sodium levels, or kidney strain. Chronic heartburn requires medical evaluation.
4. Can baking soda make acid reflux worse?
Answer: If used in excess, baking soda can cause rebound acidity or bloating from gas buildup. Always use the proper dosage and avoid lying down immediately after taking it.
5. Is baking powder the same as baking soda for treating heartburn?
Answer: No. Baking powder contains acids and is not safe or effective for treating heartburn. Only pure baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) should be used for acid neutralization.
6. What are the side effects of using baking soda for heartburn?
Answer: Side effects may include gas, bloating, nausea, thirst, high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalance, especially when overused. Serious issues like alkalosis can occur in rare cases.
7. Can pregnant women use baking soda for heartburn?
Answer: Consult your doctor first. While baking soda may provide quick relief, the high sodium content could affect blood pressure and fluid balance during pregnancy.
8. Does baking soda help with indigestion as well?
Answer: Yes, baking soda can relieve indigestion, especially when caused by excess stomach acid. It works by neutralizing acid and reducing gas that causes bloating or discomfort.
9. How often can I safely use baking soda for reflux?
Answer: Baking soda should be used no more than a few times per week, and only when truly needed. Frequent heartburn should be addressed with long-term dietary or medical solutions.
10. Are there safer long-term alternatives to baking soda for heartburn?
Answer: Yes. Options include lifestyle changes, avoiding trigger foods, losing weight, and using low-risk natural remedies like ginger, aloe vera, slippery elm, or chewable antacids formulated for regular use.
