Does Sodium Help with Stomach Acid? The Complete Guide

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, has been used as a home remedy for heartburn for decades due to its neutralizing effects on excess stomach acid. However, the broader relationship between sodium and stomach acid is complex, with high dietary sodium potentially worsening acid reflux and posing long-term health risks.

Quick Summary

Sodium bicarbonate can offer temporary relief for stomach acid by neutralizing it, but overuse and high overall dietary sodium can exacerbate symptoms and lead to serious health problems.

Key Points

Sodium Bicarbonate for Quick Relief: Baking soda temporarily neutralizes excess stomach acid, making it a fast-acting remedy for occasional heartburn and indigestion.
Not for Long-Term Use: Relying on sodium bicarbonate for extended periods is not recommended due to its high sodium content and potential side effects, including a rebound effect of increased acid production.
High Dietary Sodium Worsens Reflux: Excessive dietary salt intake can damage the stomach lining, potentially relax the lower esophageal sphincter, and exacerbate acid reflux symptoms.
High Sodium Risks: Beyond digestion, high salt consumption is a major contributor to high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, and stomach cancer.
Sodium Alginate Forms a Barrier: Some antacids contain sodium alginate, which creates a protective gel-like barrier over stomach contents to prevent acid from refluxing into the esophagus.
Long-Term Management is Best: Sustainable management for chronic acid issues involves lifestyle changes, identifying trigger foods, and potentially using alternative treatments under medical supervision.

The Different Roles of Sodium and Stomach Acid

Sodium is a crucial electrolyte with various bodily functions, including nerve function and fluid balance. When considering sodium and stomach acid, it's vital to differentiate between sodium bicarbonate and dietary sodium chloride (table salt).

Sodium Bicarbonate: The Short-Term Antacid Solution

Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is a common antacid for occasional heartburn. It neutralizes excess stomach acid quickly through a chemical reaction producing salt, water, and carbon dioxide, providing rapid but temporary relief. Products like Alka-Seltzer often contain sodium bicarbonate. A typical adult dose is half a teaspoon in water. However, overuse is not advised due to high sodium content and side effects, and it's cautioned against for pregnant individuals or those with certain medical conditions. Extended heavy use can also cause acid rebound, where the stomach produces more acid.

High Dietary Sodium (Salt) and Acid Reflux

Conversely, high intake of dietary salt can worsen acid reflux. High salt intake is linked to increased heartburn and regurgitation risk. It might decrease the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing acid to flow back. High-salt diets can also damage the stomach's protective barrier, making it vulnerable to acid injury. Dietary salt provides chloride, needed for hydrochloric acid production. Excessive salt has been linked to increased stomach cancer risk, especially with an H. pylori infection.

The Body's Natural Regulation and Better Alternatives

The body regulates sodium and acid-base balance; the pancreas produces sodium bicarbonate after meals to protect intestines from stomach acid. For chronic acid reflux, addressing the root cause is safer and more effective. Lifestyle changes include avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, maintaining a healthy weight, and not lying down after eating.

Comparing Sodium-Based Approaches to Stomach Acid


Feature	Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)	High Dietary Sodium (Salt)	Sodium Alginate (Raft)
Mechanism	Neutralizes excess stomach acid.	Provides chloride for stomach acid, but excess can weaken LES.	Forms a protective gel barrier.
Speed/Duration	Rapid, temporary relief.	N/A (not a treatment)	Rapid, longer-lasting barrier.
Best For	Occasional heartburn.	Prevention through moderation.	Treating GERD by creating a barrier.
Long-Term Use	Not recommended (high sodium, side effects).	High intake linked to health risks.	Safe for long-term use.

Health Risks of Excessive Sodium

The WHO recommends less than 2,000 mg of sodium daily, but most people consume more. Excessive dietary sodium is a major risk factor for several serious health issues:

High Blood Pressure: Increases blood volume and stress on vessels.
Kidney Disease: Overworks kidneys, increasing chronic disease risk.
Stomach Cancer: Damages stomach lining, increasing susceptibility, especially with H. pylori.
Osteoporosis: May increase calcium excretion, potentially weakening bones.

Better Long-Term Strategies for Managing Stomach Acid

For chronic issues, focusing on root causes is key:

Identify Triggers: Limit foods/drinks causing symptoms.
Smart Eating: Smaller, frequent meals; avoid eating close to bedtime.
Consider Other Remedies: Ginger tea or bananas for occasional relief; OTC H2 blockers or PPIs for persistent issues.
Explore Sodium Alginate: Medications creating a barrier to prevent reflux.
Lifestyle: Healthy weight, loose clothing, elevating head during sleep.

Conclusion: Balance is Key

Sodium bicarbonate offers temporary acid relief but is not a long-term solution and carries risks. High dietary sodium can worsen reflux and contribute to serious health problems. Sustainable digestive health comes from careful dietary and lifestyle choices. Consult a healthcare professional for persistent symptoms. A guide to managing chronic acid reflux with lifestyle and dietary changes is available on the NHS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not use baking soda as a daily, long-term treatment for acid reflux. It is intended for occasional, temporary relief. Regular use can lead to side effects like bloating, dehydration, and potentially dangerous shifts in the body's acid-base balance.

Sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline substance that reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This chemical reaction neutralizes the acid, producing salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas, which leads to temporary symptom relief.

Yes, for many people, high intake of dietary salt (sodium chloride) can worsen acid reflux symptoms. It may be linked to weakened pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter and damage to the stomach's protective lining.

Sodium bicarbonate is a neutralizing antacid that offers quick, temporary relief. Sodium alginate, often combined with other antacids, forms a protective, floating gel barrier that physically prevents acid from refluxing into the esophagus.

Epidemiological studies have shown a correlation between high salt consumption and an increased risk of stomach cancer, particularly in individuals with H. pylori infections. High salt can damage the stomach's mucosal barrier.

Yes, effective long-term solutions include lifestyle modifications like avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, maintaining a healthy weight, and not lying down after eating. Over-the-counter options like H2 blockers or PPIs may also be recommended by a doctor.

Yes, you should always speak with a healthcare professional before using any sodium-based remedies, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure, or if your symptoms are frequent or severe.

Baking soda can provide very rapid relief from heartburn, often within minutes, due to its immediate neutralizing effect on stomach acid. However, this relief is temporary.