How Do You Increase Bicarbonate in the Body? Methods and Precautions

October 9, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies show that chronic metabolic acidosis, characterized by low bicarbonate levels, is a common complication of chronic kidney disease and can accelerate its progression. Understanding how to increase bicarbonate in the body is crucial for managing overall health and preventing serious related complications.

Quick Summary

Bicarbonate levels can be raised through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and with physician-prescribed supplements to combat metabolic acidosis and restore the body's acid-base balance.

Key Points

Dietary Adjustments: Emphasize increasing fruits and vegetables, which produce bicarbonate precursors, and decreasing high-protein, acid-forming foods like meat and cheese.
Prescribed Supplements: Explain that severe metabolic acidosis often requires physician-prescribed alkali supplements like sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate for treatment.
Medical Supervision is Essential: Highlight the critical need for medical oversight, especially for those with kidney issues, before starting any bicarbonate supplementation due to risks like increased sodium intake and fluid retention.
Recognize Symptoms: Learn to identify signs of low bicarbonate, which can include fatigue, nausea, confusion, and a fast heartbeat, to seek medical advice promptly.
Holistic Approach: Stress that a combination of a balanced diet, proper hydration, managing underlying conditions, and professional medical guidance is the safest and most effective strategy for increasing bicarbonate levels.

What is Bicarbonate and Why is it Important?

Bicarbonate is a vital substance that acts as a primary buffer in the human body, neutralizing acids and regulating the blood's pH balance. The body's intricate pH system works to keep blood pH within a very narrow, slightly alkaline range of 7.35 to 7.45. Deviations from this range can severely impact cellular function and overall health. The kidneys and lungs play critical roles in this process. The kidneys excrete excess acid into the urine and regulate bicarbonate levels in the blood, while the lungs control carbon dioxide levels, which is the gaseous form of bicarbonate in the bloodstream.

When the body's buffering capacity is overwhelmed, such as in cases of kidney disease, metabolic acidosis can occur. This condition is marked by an accumulation of acid in the body and a subsequent drop in serum bicarbonate levels below the normal range (typically 22-29 mEq/L). Unaddressed, metabolic acidosis can contribute to a host of health issues, including accelerated kidney disease, bone loss, muscle wasting, and fatigue.

How to Increase Bicarbonate Through Diet

Dietary modifications are one of the most effective and safest ways to influence your body's acid-base balance. The concept of dietary acid load refers to the acid-forming potential of foods after they have been metabolized. A key strategy is to increase the intake of foods that produce alkali (bicarbonate precursors) and reduce foods with a high acid load.

Increase Intake of Alkaline-Producing Foods

Fruits and vegetables are your best allies in promoting a more alkaline environment. They contain organic anions, like citrate, that are metabolized in the body to produce bicarbonate. Incorporating more of these foods can significantly increase your body's base load. Here are some examples:

Vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, and carrots.
Fruits: Apples, apricots, oranges, peaches, pears, raisins, and strawberries.
Legumes: Beans and lentils.
Beverages: Moderate amounts of citrus juices and bicarbonate-rich mineral water.

Reduce Acid-Producing Foods

Conversely, a typical Western diet, which is high in animal protein and processed foods, can increase the body's acid load. Reducing the consumption of these items can help lower the strain on the body's buffering system.

Meats and poultry: High in protein, which can produce an acid load.
Fish: Similar to meat and poultry, it contributes to the dietary acid load.
Cheese: Processed cheeses have a significant acid-forming potential.
Grains: Items like bread, noodles, and spaghetti can also contribute to an acid load.

Medical Supplements to Increase Bicarbonate

For individuals with diagnosed metabolic acidosis, particularly those with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), dietary changes alone may not be sufficient. In these cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe alkali supplements. These supplements are often recommended to raise serum bicarbonate levels to or above 22 mEq/L.

Sodium Bicarbonate: The most common supplement, often prescribed as a tablet or powder. It is highly effective but must be used under medical supervision, as it can increase sodium intake.
Sodium Citrate: An alternative alkali supplement, available as a solution.
Potassium Citrate: An option for some patients, particularly those with low potassium levels, but generally avoided in CKD patients unless necessary due to potential hyperkalemia risk.

WARNING: It is critical to take these supplements only as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Self-medicating with baking soda or other supplements can be dangerous and lead to serious side effects, including elevated blood pressure, fluid retention, or electrolyte imbalances.

Table: Dietary vs. Supplemental Approaches for Bicarbonate


Feature	Dietary Approach	Supplemental Approach
Mechanism	Increases base precursors through food metabolism.	Directly introduces alkali salts into the body.
Speed of Action	Gradual, long-term adjustment.	Faster, more direct impact.
Side Effects	Minimal if based on whole foods; risk of electrolyte imbalance if not managed correctly in CKD.	Potential for high sodium intake, fluid retention, and blood pressure increases, especially in CKD. Gastrointestinal issues possible.
Medical Supervision	Recommended, especially for those with health conditions.	Required. Doses must be carefully monitored by a doctor.
Suitability	General wellness, mild cases, and preventative care.	Moderate to severe diagnosed metabolic acidosis.

Lifestyle Factors and Bicarbonate Levels

Beyond diet and supplements, certain lifestyle factors influence your body's ability to manage its acid-base balance. Staying well-hydrated is crucial as it helps the kidneys flush out excess acid. Managing underlying health conditions like diabetes is also essential, as uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to an increase in acid buildup. Chronic stress can impact biomarkers, so practices like mindfulness, regular exercise, and ensuring adequate sleep can be beneficial for overall well-being.

Precautions and Medical Consultation

While a diet high in fruits and vegetables is generally safe and beneficial, anyone with an existing health condition, particularly chronic kidney disease, should consult their healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes or considering supplements. Your doctor can accurately diagnose metabolic acidosis through blood tests and determine the appropriate treatment plan. For more detailed information on kidney health and acidosis, visit the National Kidney Foundation.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Health

Maintaining a healthy bicarbonate level is key to supporting the body's natural acid-base balance and preventing the serious complications of metabolic acidosis. The most effective approach involves a combination of smart dietary choices, such as increasing fruits and vegetables while limiting highly acidic foods, and careful medical supervision. For those with diagnosed conditions, especially CKD, prescribed alkali supplements may be necessary. By working closely with a healthcare professional, individuals can ensure they are taking the safest and most effective steps to increase bicarbonate and protect their long-term health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Initial symptoms of low bicarbonate (metabolic acidosis) may include fatigue, headaches, and confusion. As the condition worsens, you might experience a rapid heartbeat, nausea, and changes in breathing patterns.

No, you should not self-medicate with household baking soda. It is a form of sodium bicarbonate, but the dose needs to be carefully managed by a doctor, especially for those with kidney disease, to avoid dangerous side effects like high blood pressure and fluid retention.

Fruits and vegetables are the best food sources for bicarbonate precursors. Excellent choices include spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, and citrus fruits like oranges and lemons.

During intense, anaerobic exercise, the body produces lactic acid, which can lower pH. Bicarbonate acts as a buffer to combat this effect. Some athletes use sodium bicarbonate supplements to enhance performance, but this is typically done under specific athletic training protocols and medical supervision.

Metabolic acidosis is a condition where there is too much acid in the body, leading to low bicarbonate levels. It can be caused by severe kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, excessive diarrhea, and certain drug toxicities.

Yes, sodium bicarbonate can neutralize stomach acid and provide temporary relief for heartburn. However, for chronic or frequent heartburn, it's important to consult a doctor instead of relying on frequent use of antacids.

Yes, having too much bicarbonate can lead to a condition called metabolic alkalosis, which can cause symptoms like confusion, muscle twitching, and arrhythmias. This is another reason why medical supervision is essential when taking supplements.