Baking Soda For Acid Reflux: Effectiveness, Risks, And Side Effects

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Benefits of baking soda

Baking soda — or sodium bicarbonate — is a salt consisting of sodium and bicarbonate ions.

It usually appears as a white crystalline solid or a fine powder. Tablets and capsules containing sodium bicarbonate are also available.

Baking soda is mainly used as a rising agent, for example, in cake making. It is also a natural cleaning agent ingredient in dental hygiene products.

For medical purposes, sodium bicarbonate can make urine more alkaline, for example, if a person has a urinary tract infection. However, a doctor should supervise its use, as it can have adverse effects.

»Learn more about the risks and benefits of baking soda.

Baking soda and heartburn

Baking soda has an alkaline pH, and it is a common remedy for the relief of heartburn and acid reflux. It neutralizes the excess stomach acid that causes symptoms.

Baking soda is a temporary solution to acid reflux. Sodium bicarbonate is available in pharmacies as tablets and effervescent powder.

If you are using an OTC or prescription medication, follow the instructions on the package.

Doctors only recommend using baking soda temporarily when symptoms first appear. This is because other problems may develop if the body becomes too alkaline. Baking soda is also a salt, and too much salt can lead to further problems.

As with other medications, talking with a doctor about suitable dosages of sodium bicarbonate is essential. Children under 6 years old should only use sodium bicarbonate if a doctor prescribes it.

Risks and side effects

Common side effects of baking soda include:

gas and bloating
increased thirst
stomach cramps

If any of these symptoms persist or are severe, contact a doctor. Anyone who experiences heartburn for longer than 2 weeks should also see a doctor.

Baking soda and existing medical conditions

People with the following medical conditions should avoid taking baking soda unless their doctor advises them to:

alkalosis, when the body’s pH is higher, or more alkali, than usual
appendicitis
edema, which is swelling caused by excess fluid in the body’s tissues
heart disease
high blood pressure
kidney disease
liver disease
preeclampsia, a condition during pregnancy that features high blood pressure, edema, and excess proteins in the urine

Baking soda is unsuitable for acid reflux during pregnancy unless a doctor recommends it.

Sodium bicarbonate interactions

Baking soda can interfere with the body’s absorption of some medications. Therefore, a person should not take it within 2 hours of other medicines. It lowers stomach acid levels, interfering with the body’s ability to break down and absorb medications.

In addition, baking soda can interact with the following types of medications:

amphetamines, including dextroamphetamine and methamphetamine
benzphetamine
digoxin
elvitegravir
gefitinib
ketoconazole
ledipasvir
memantine
pazopanib

This list is not exhaustive; sodium bicarbonate can interact with other medications.

When discussing the use of baking soda as an antacid, people should always tell their doctor which medications they are taking, whether prescription, OTC, supplements, or alternative remedies.

Other remedies for acid reflux

There are many different treatments for acid reflux, including lifestyle changes, prescription and OTC medications, and surgical interventions.

Lifestyle changes

People can reduce heartburn and acid reflux naturally by implementing some or all of the following changes:

Maintaining a healthy weight: Staying within a healthy weight range in relation to height can reduce some of the pressure on the stomach. This prevents the stomach acid from being forced up the food pipe.
Knowing and avoiding food triggers: Certain foods and drinks trigger acid reflux. Triggers vary between individuals, but they most commonly include alcohol, chocolate, garlic, onions, caffeine, fried foods, and high fat foods. Avoiding triggers is a simple way to reduce heartburn.
Avoiding overeating or eating too quickly: Eating large meals makes it difficult for the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to close properly. The LES acts as a valve that separates the food pipe from the stomach and stops acid from rising. Eating too quickly can also contribute to heartburn.
Sit up straight: Other eating habits that can reduce the risk of heartburn include sitting up straight to eat and waiting at least 2 to 3 hours before eating before lying down.
Wearing loose clothing: Tight-fitting clothing puts pressure on the stomach.
Quitting smoking: There is a clear link between smoking and GERD.
Raising the head of the bed: People who experience acid reflux at night may benefit from increasing the head of their bed with blocks or wooden wedges.

When to contact a doctor

People should talk with a doctor before taking baking soda for acid reflux.

Anyone with an existing medical condition or taking any medication should speak to a doctor before taking baking soda.

Without treatment, acid reflux can lead to more serious conditions and complications. If symptoms last over 2 weeks, the individual should contact their doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drink baking soda for acid reflux?

A person can use baking soda as a short-term remedy for acid reflux and heartburn. Dissolving a small amount, such as 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, can help neutralize acid in the stomach.

What is the fastest home remedy for acid reflux?

Baking soda works like an over-the-counter antacid by quickly neutralizing acid in the stomach.

Who should not drink baking soda?

Baking soda is not safe for long-term use, children, or pregnant people.

Summary

Baking soda has an alkaline pH, which may help symptoms of heartburn and acid reflux by neutralizing the excess stomach acid.

However, always speak with a doctor or healthcare professional before trying home remedies for acid reflux.

Acid Reflux / GERD
GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Antunes C, et al. (2023). Gastroesophageal reflux disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441938/
Garg V, et al. (2022). Antacids revisited: review on contemporary facts and relevance for self-management.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03000605221086457
Mouth and throat problems: Cancer treatment side effects. (2021).https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/mouth-throat
Senewiratne NL, et al. (2024). Sodium bicarbonate. (2024).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559139/

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Medically reviewed by Kelsey Trull, PA-C — Written by Jayne Leonard — Updated on April 10, 2025

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Benefits of baking soda

Baking soda and heartburn

Risks and side effects

Baking soda and existing medical conditions

Sodium bicarbonate interactions

Other remedies for acid reflux

Lifestyle changes

When to contact a doctor

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to drink baking soda for acid reflux?

What is the fastest home remedy for acid reflux?

Who should not drink baking soda?

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

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