Can Bicarbonate of Soda Be Harmful if Used Improperly?

November 17, 2025 •

6 min read

According to the California Poison Control System, misuse of baking soda is a common reason for calls regarding ingestion, highlighting the dangers of excessive intake. While used for decades in baking and as a home remedy, understanding when and how bicarbonate of soda can be harmful is crucial for safety.

Quick Summary

This article explores the risks of consuming too much bicarbonate of soda, focusing on adverse effects like metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalances. It details potential dangers for vulnerable populations and offers guidance on safe usage and when to seek medical help.

Key Points

Moderate Use Is Generally Safe: Using small, diluted amounts of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) for occasional temporary relief of indigestion is generally safe for most healthy adults, but should not be a regular practice.
High Sodium Content is Risky: Bicarbonate of soda is very high in sodium, which can be dangerous for individuals with hypertension, heart failure, or kidney disease, leading to fluid retention and high blood pressure.
Overdose Can Cause Metabolic Alkalosis: Consuming excessive amounts can disrupt the body's electrolyte and pH balance, leading to metabolic alkalosis, seizures, and cardiac problems.
Risk of Stomach Rupture: The reaction with stomach acid can produce dangerous levels of carbon dioxide gas, which can cause gastric rupture in severe, rare instances.
Not for Long-Term Use: Never use bicarbonate of soda as a daily antacid for more than two weeks without a doctor's supervision due to the risk of significant toxicity.
Vulnerable Groups Must Avoid: Children, pregnant women, and individuals with existing heart or kidney conditions should avoid medicinal use of bicarbonate of soda unless under strict medical advice.

Bicarbonate of Soda: A Double-Edged Sword

Bicarbonate of soda, commonly known as baking soda, is a household staple used for everything from baking and cleaning to relieving temporary indigestion. Its primary function as an antacid comes from its alkaline nature, which neutralizes stomach acid. However, the safety of this seemingly benign substance is entirely dependent on its proper use. While moderate, short-term intake for specific purposes can be safe for most healthy adults, misuse, overuse, or chronic consumption can lead to significant and even life-threatening health complications. The key to safety lies in respecting its potency as a chemical compound.

The Immediate Dangers of Overconsumption

One of the most alarming acute risks of ingesting too much bicarbonate of soda is the potential for stomach rupture. This happens because the substance reacts with stomach acid to produce a large volume of carbon dioxide gas. If consumed rapidly or in large quantities, especially after a heavy meal or alcohol consumption, the buildup of gas pressure can become dangerously high. The initial symptoms of an overdose often include immediate vomiting and diarrhea as the body attempts to purge the excess sodium. This reaction is a clear indicator that the body is in distress and requires immediate attention.

In addition to gastrointestinal issues, excessive sodium intake from baking soda can trigger a cascade of metabolic problems. High doses can lead to severe hypernatremia (high sodium levels) and metabolic alkalosis, a dangerous condition where the blood's pH becomes too alkaline. Severe metabolic alkalosis can cause symptoms ranging from muscle twitching and weakness to seizures and an altered mental state. Without prompt medical intervention, these conditions can lead to irregular heart rhythms, respiratory failure, and even death.

Chronic and Long-Term Risks

Chronic and excessive consumption of bicarbonate of soda, such as using it daily as an antacid for more than two weeks, is highly discouraged. The long-term risks are substantial, especially for vulnerable individuals. The high sodium content poses a serious threat to those with pre-existing conditions. Chronic misuse can disrupt the body's natural electrolyte balance, leading to hypokalemia (low potassium) and hypochloremia (low chloride), which can further exacerbate the metabolic alkalosis.

For individuals with kidney or heart disease, the risks are particularly pronounced. The added sodium can cause fluid retention and increase blood pressure, which can worsen conditions like heart failure and hypertension. The kidneys play a critical role in filtering excess sodium and bicarbonate, and chronic overload can impair their function. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as children under five, are also at an elevated risk and should avoid ingesting bicarbonate of soda unless under strict medical supervision.

Comparison of Bicarbonate of Soda vs. OTC Antacids

To highlight the safety concerns, here is a comparison between using bicarbonate of soda as a home remedy and using FDA-approved, over-the-counter (OTC) antacids.


Feature	Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda)	OTC Antacids (e.g., Tums)
Dosage Control	Inconsistent; easy to accidentally overdose.	Standardized and pre-measured, reducing overdose risk.
Speed of Action	Can provide rapid, but temporary, relief.	Provides predictable, rapid relief.
Safety Profile	Dangerous in large quantities due to high sodium content and gas production; poses rupture risk.	Generally considered safer when used as directed; less risk of metabolic or gastrointestinal complications.
Key Risks	Metabolic alkalosis, electrolyte imbalance, high blood pressure, gastric rupture.	Potential side effects but significantly fewer serious risks when used correctly.
Targeted Use	Not recommended for long-term use; best avoided for regular indigestion relief.	Formulated for repeated, short-term relief of indigestion.

Proper Usage and Seeking Medical Attention

For temporary, mild indigestion, some adults may occasionally use a small amount of bicarbonate of soda diluted in water. However, this should not be a regular practice. Safer, more effective, and more reliable OTC antacids are available for frequent or persistent symptoms. If indigestion persists for more than two weeks, it could indicate an underlying condition requiring medical evaluation.

It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention or call a poison control center if someone ingests a large amount of baking soda or exhibits severe symptoms, such as:

Severe abdominal pain
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Muscle spasms or weakness
Shortness of breath or slow breathing
Confusion, dizziness, or seizures
Irregular heartbeat

Conclusion: When in Doubt, Consult a Professional

While bicarbonate of soda has many practical uses, treating it as a completely harmless substance is a dangerous misconception. The high sodium content and potential for severe metabolic disruption mean that excessive or prolonged use can have catastrophic health consequences. It is especially important for individuals with underlying health issues like heart or kidney disease to exercise extreme caution or avoid it entirely for medical purposes. The key takeaway is simple: moderation is vital, proper usage is paramount, and for anything beyond a rare, minor ailment, seeking professional medical advice is the safest course of action. Relying on safer, proven medical alternatives for chronic issues is the wisest choice to protect your health.

Important Safety Tips for Bicarbonate of Soda Use

Use sparingly for occasional relief only.
Do not use for more than two weeks.
Avoid if you have heart or kidney disease.
Never give to children under five.
Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.
Keep out of reach of children.
Never mix with highly acidic substances.
Call Poison Control in case of an overdose.

Key Safety Takeaways

Metabolic Alkalosis: Excessive bicarbonate intake can raise the body's pH to dangerous, life-threatening levels, causing muscle spasms, confusion, and seizures.
High Sodium Content: Bicarbonate of soda contains a significant amount of sodium, posing risks for individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney issues.
Electrolyte Imbalances: Overconsumption can lead to dangerously low potassium levels and high sodium, causing neurological and cardiac problems.
Stomach Rupture Risk: The rapid release of carbon dioxide gas when baking soda reacts with stomach acid can cause the stomach to rupture in rare but severe cases, especially after large meals.
Not for Everyone: Pregnant women, children, and individuals with heart or kidney disease should not use bicarbonate of soda for medicinal purposes without a doctor's guidance.
Safer Alternatives Exist: For consistent indigestion, safer and more effective over-the-counter antacids are available and recommended over home remedies.
Poison Control is Critical: In cases of suspected overdose, immediate medical attention and a call to Poison Control are necessary.

FAQs About Bicarbonate of Soda Safety

Question: Can I drink bicarbonate of soda daily for health benefits? Answer: No, drinking bicarbonate of soda daily is not safe and is not recommended. Long-term use can cause significant side effects, including metabolic alkalosis, electrolyte imbalances, and high blood pressure, and should not be used for more than two weeks without a doctor's approval.

Question: Is it safe for me to use bicarbonate of soda for heartburn? Answer: For most healthy adults, using a small, diluted amount occasionally for temporary relief may be safe. However, it is not a long-term solution. Over-the-counter antacids are a safer, more controlled alternative for frequent or chronic heartburn.

Question: What are the signs of a bicarbonate of soda overdose? Answer: Symptoms of an overdose can include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, intense stomach pain, muscle weakness, confusion, seizures, slow breathing, and an irregular heartbeat. If these symptoms appear, seek immediate medical help.

Question: Who should avoid bicarbonate of soda entirely? Answer: Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under five should avoid using bicarbonate of soda for medicinal purposes due to significant health risks.

Question: Does bicarbonate of soda interact with any medications? Answer: Yes, it can interact with several medications by altering stomach acidity and nutrient absorption. It can affect antibiotics like tetracycline, stimulants like pseudoephedrine, and certain diuretics. Always consult a doctor if you take other medications.

Question: What is metabolic alkalosis and why is it dangerous? Answer: Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the body's blood pH becomes too high (alkaline) from excessive bicarbonate intake. This can lead to severe neurological and cardiac complications, including seizures and irregular heart rhythms, which can be fatal if untreated.

Question: Can drinking baking soda cause my stomach to rupture? Answer: While rare, consuming large quantities of baking soda, especially after a heavy meal, can cause a rapid buildup of carbon dioxide gas in the stomach, potentially leading to a rupture. This risk is heightened with excessive intake and is a life-threatening emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not safe for daily or long-term use. Excessive and chronic consumption of bicarbonate of soda can lead to serious health issues, including metabolic alkalosis and severe electrolyte imbalances. For ongoing indigestion, safer, proven over-the-counter antacids are recommended.

No, children under five should not be given bicarbonate of soda for stomach issues. There is a risk of toxicity, and in neonates and young children, rapid administration can cause hypernatremia and intracranial hemorrhage. Over-the-counter products designed for children are a safer alternative.

A severe overdose can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a dangerous condition called metabolic alkalosis, which can lead to seizures, confusion, irregular heartbeat, and potentially even death. Ingesting a large amount, especially after a large meal, can also cause stomach rupture.

Individuals with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, or kidney disease should be extremely cautious or avoid it entirely. The high sodium content can exacerbate these conditions.

Using bicarbonate of soda for cleaning is generally safe. However, in an industrial or high-concentration setting, precautions like wearing a mask to avoid inhaling dust and eye protection are recommended, as it can be a mild irritant.

While the mixture is sometimes used as a home remedy, getting the proportions wrong can cause issues. Too much baking soda can cause gas and bloating, while excessive lemon juice could worsen acid reflux. OTC products are much safer and more reliable.

If you suspect an overdose, especially with severe symptoms, call Poison Control immediately (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) or seek emergency medical care. Provide details about the amount and time of ingestion.