Does Baking Soda Work For Acid Reflux?
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is largely accepted as a temporary, effective solution for acid reflux relief. Because baking soda has an alkaline pH, it helps neutralize stomach acidity similarly to how antacids work. While effective, it should be used with care.
What is acid reflux and why does it occur?
Acid reflux is a common condition that occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus (your food pipe).
It can be caused by many things, but the most common culprits include:
- Eating certain types of food, such as fatty, spicy or acidic foods
- Eating large meals
- Lying down or bending over after eating a large meal
- Eating too late at night
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Certain types of beverages, including carbonated, caffeinated and alcoholic
- Taking certain medications
Does baking soda help or worsen acid reflux?
Baking soda helps acid reflux because it has an alkaline pH. The pH scale ranges from 0-14, with 0 being the most acidic (think batteries) and 14 being the most alkaline (think bleach and drain cleaners).
On that scale, baking soda has a pH of 9 and stomach acid has a pH of 1. Stomach tablets have a pH of 10, slightly higher than baking soda. Alkaline solutions counteract, or neutralize, acidic solutions. This is why baking soda is so effective at providing acid reflux relief.
How to use baking soda to treat your acid reflux
It’s easy to use baking soda for acid reflux. The most common dosage is:
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 ounces of water
Dissolve the baking soda in the water and drink it slowly.
Potential side effects
While natural and generally considered safe, baking soda should be carefully consumed. Consuming too much too quickly can cause:
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
Certain people with existing medical conditions shouldn’t take baking soda unless directed by their doctor:
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Liver disease
- Appendicitis
- Edema
- Preeclampsia
- Kidney disease
- Pregnancy
Alternative ways to treat your acid reflux
While baking soda is an effective way to treat acid reflux, there are alternative solutions for those who cannot take it.
Lifestyle changes
Your lifestyle can significantly reduce acid reflux symptoms or eliminate them entirely. Implementing some or all of the following changes may help with your acid reflux:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Eat smaller meals
- Eat your meals slowly
- Sit up straight while eating and wait 2-3 hours before lying down
- Quit smoking
Dietary changes
Your diet has a significant impact on acid reflux and its symptoms. Certain foods should be reduced or eliminated completely, including:
- Onions
- Garlic
- High-fat foods
- Alcohol
- Carbonated beverages
- Caffeine
- Peppermint
- Citrus fruits
- Tomatoes
- Chocolate
Some foods may help ease or prevent symptoms of acid reflux, such as:
- Non-acidic fruits
- Vegetables
- Complex carbohydrates
- Lean proteins
- Healthy fats such as avocados
Why Omeprazole (Generic Prilosec) is your best treatment option for acid reflux
With moderate to severe cases of acid reflux, making simple lifestyle and dietary changes may not be enough to curb your symptoms. The good news? Prescription drug Omeprazole has been proven to be incredibly effective treatment, alleviating all symptoms!
Take control of your treatment by speaking with one of our online doctors today. They can help you discuss your best course of action, including prescription medication Omeprazole.
The best part? Omeprazole works the same as brand name acid reflux medications—at a fraction of the cost! It works by reducing stomach acid, effectively preventing recurring episodes of acid reflux. Plus, most adults, including pregnant and breastfeeding women, can safely take Omeprazole.
Schedule a virtual doctor’s appointment, today.
Get help for your acid reflux, today!
Acid reflux is incredibly bothersome & inconvenient. While diet & lifestyle changes may help, your best option to treat acid reflux is to speak with a doctor.
Schedule a virtual visit with one of EMD's reputable doctors & get a personalized treatment plan that works.
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