How much bicarbonate is safe to drink daily?

January 11, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Drugs.com, drinking baking soda daily is not considered a safe long-term practice and can pose serious health consequences. While it is sometimes used as an occasional remedy for temporary indigestion, its high sodium content and potential to disrupt the body's pH balance make regular use potentially dangerous.

Quick Summary

Short-term, occasional consumption of bicarbonate may provide temporary indigestion relief, but daily intake is not advised due to risks like electrolyte imbalance, metabolic alkalosis, and high sodium levels. Safer, over-the-counter alternatives are available.

Key Points

Daily Drinking is Unsafe: Regular, daily consumption of bicarbonate (baking soda) can potentially lead to serious health problems like electrolyte imbalance and metabolic alkalosis.
Limited Short-Term Use: For temporary relief, adults may use a small amount in water, but this should be infrequent and not for an extended period without consulting a doctor.
High-Risk Individuals Should Avoid: Children, pregnant women, and people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or kidney disease should generally avoid using bicarbonate as a remedy without medical guidance.
Beware of Sodium Overload: Baking soda is very high in sodium, which can potentially exacerbate conditions sensitive to high salt intake and cause fluid retention.
Safer Alternatives Exist: For routine indigestion, safer and more reliably dosed over-the-counter antacids are often preferable to household baking soda.
Medical Consultation is Key: If you experience persistent digestive issues, consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause rather than self-treating with bicarbonate.

Understanding Bicarbonate and Its Uses

Bicarbonate, most commonly known as sodium bicarbonate (or baking soda) in households, is an alkaline substance that can neutralize acid. This property makes it effective for temporary relief of indigestion or heartburn by neutralizing excess stomach acid. However, medical sources indicate that it is not recommended as a long-term or daily remedy due to significant health risks.

Historically, sodium bicarbonate has been used in specific medical contexts, such as treating severe metabolic acidosis under strict medical supervision. It has also been studied for its potential to improve athletic performance and as a potential supplement for chronic kidney disease, but these applications are not for at-home, daily use and require medical guidance.

The Dangers of Drinking Bicarbonate Daily

While occasional, small uses might be considered for temporary heartburn in healthy adults, consistent daily consumption is strongly advised against by medical experts. The primary dangers are linked to its high sodium content and its potent effect on the body's delicate acid-base balance. Excessive intake can lead to a state called metabolic alkalosis, where the blood's pH level becomes too high, with potentially serious results.

Electrolyte Imbalance: The high sodium content can disrupt the body's electrolyte balance, potentially leading to issues like high blood pressure, fluid retention (edema), and dangerously low levels of potassium. For individuals with kidney or heart disease, this can be especially hazardous.
Stomach Rupture: Mixing large amounts of baking soda with stomach acid creates carbon dioxide gas. While a small amount is harmless and helps with belching, an excessive amount can cause a dangerous build-up of pressure, which in rare but documented cases has led to stomach rupture. This risk may be heightened if the individual has recently had a large meal or alcohol.
Kidney Strain: The kidneys play a critical role in balancing the body's electrolytes and pH. Constantly overloading the system with sodium and bicarbonate may strain the kidneys, potentially causing long-term damage.
Drug Interactions: Sodium bicarbonate can alter stomach acidity, potentially affecting how the body absorbs other medications, including certain antibiotics. Always consult a doctor before using it if you are on medication.

Recommended Use and Safety Precautions

For occasional, short-term relief of indigestion in healthy adults, manufacturer labels and medical guidelines recommend a very conservative approach. For instance, dissolving a small amount in water is a typical suggestion for infrequent use.

General guidance from Drugs.com includes:

For short-term use, follow recommended guidelines regarding frequency within a 24-hour period.
Avoid using for more than a short duration without consulting a healthcare provider.

Crucially, baking soda is generally not considered safe for infants, children, pregnant individuals, or those with underlying health conditions like heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure without specific medical advice.

Bicarbonate Alternatives for Heartburn and Indigestion

Instead of relying on a potentially risky home remedy, several safer and often more effective alternatives are available for managing digestive issues.

Over-the-counter (OTC) antacids: These are generally considered safer and more reliably dosed than at-home baking soda solutions. Examples include products containing calcium carbonate or aluminum and magnesium hydroxide compounds.
Acid-reducing medications: H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are designed for more persistent acid-related problems. Your doctor can recommend the right course of treatment.
Dietary and lifestyle changes: Often, addressing the root cause through lifestyle modifications is the most effective long-term solution. This can include eating smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding trigger foods (spicy, fatty, or acidic items), and not lying down immediately after eating.

Comparison of Sodium Bicarbonate vs. Over-the-Counter Antacids


Feature	Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)	Over-the-Counter (OTC) Antacids
Primary Function	Alkaline substance that neutralizes stomach acid.	Neutralize stomach acid using compounds like calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide.
Safety for Occasional Use	Considered possibly safe for occasional, short-term relief in small uses for healthy adults.	Generally considered safer and more reliably dosed for occasional indigestion relief.
Safety for Long-Term Use	Unsafe for daily or long-term use due to high sodium content and risk of metabolic alkalosis.	Safer for regular use as directed, though chronic use should still be discussed with a doctor.
Side Effects	High sodium content, metabolic alkalosis, potential electrolyte imbalance, stomach discomfort, and in rare cases, stomach rupture.	May cause constipation (aluminum-based) or diarrhea (magnesium-based). Fewer risks of serious electrolyte issues compared to baking soda.
Specific Risks	Dangerous for those with heart conditions, kidney disease, pregnant women, and children without specific medical guidance.	Specific products carry different warnings, but generally safer for a wider population when used as directed. Should still be used as directed.
Medical Supervision	Requires doctor's guidance for anything more than very infrequent, temporary use.	Can be purchased without a prescription, but long-term or persistent symptoms warrant a doctor's visit.

Conclusion

While a tiny, infrequent use of bicarbonate might temporarily ease indigestion for some healthy adults, the practice of drinking it daily is considered dangerous and is not recommended. The potential for serious health issues like electrolyte imbalance, high blood pressure, and metabolic alkalosis may outweigh any perceived benefits. For persistent or chronic digestive issues, relying on safer, well-formulated over-the-counter antacids or seeking medical advice for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is the most responsible and effective course of action.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment or supplement.

Potential Outbound Link

For comprehensive information on metabolic alkalosis, a risk associated with bicarbonate overuse, you can find more information on the National Library of Medicine's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is not considered safe to drink baking soda every day. While it offers temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid, daily use can potentially lead to metabolic alkalosis, severe electrolyte imbalances, and high sodium levels.

Consuming too much bicarbonate can potentially cause serious side effects, including metabolic alkalosis, electrolyte disturbances (like low potassium), severe nausea, diarrhea, and in rare cases, stomach rupture due to gas buildup.

Anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or those who are pregnant or children under 12 should generally avoid drinking bicarbonate unless under specific medical supervision.

Yes, for treating occasional indigestion, over-the-counter antacids are generally considered safer and more predictable than using household baking soda. They are formulated for more reliable use and have fewer risks associated with high sodium intake when used as directed.

Yes, sodium bicarbonate can potentially interfere with the absorption of certain medications by altering stomach acidity. If you are taking any prescription medication, you should consult your doctor before using bicarbonate.

Safer alternatives for indigestion include using over-the-counter antacids, making dietary changes like avoiding trigger foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down after eating.

For occasional use in healthy adults, it is generally advised not to use bicarbonate for more than a short duration, such as two weeks, without consulting a healthcare provider.