How much bicarbonate soda is safe to drink daily? Understanding the serious health risks

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Drugs.com, while very small amounts may be used occasionally for indigestion under medical guidance, daily consumption of baking soda is not recommended and can be dangerous. When asking "How much bicarbonate soda is safe to drink daily?", the most important answer is that chronic, daily intake is highly discouraged by health professionals.

Quick Summary

The risks of daily sodium bicarbonate ingestion significantly outweigh any potential benefits. Consequences can include severe electrolyte imbalances, metabolic alkalosis, and a potentially dangerous increase in blood pressure. Occasional, short-term use for indigestion is possible under specific dose recommendations and medical supervision, but long-term dependence is unsafe and discouraged. Safer, more effective alternatives exist for persistent acid reflux and other medical conditions.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: Baking soda contains very high levels of sodium, making daily consumption dangerous due to risks of hypernatremia, increased blood pressure, and heart problems.
Metabolic Alkalosis Risk: Excessive intake can cause metabolic alkalosis, altering the blood's pH balance and leading to symptoms like confusion, muscle spasms, and seizures.
Not for Daily Use: Daily, long-term ingestion of bicarbonate soda is strongly discouraged by health professionals and manufacturers.
Occasional Dosage Limits: For temporary indigestion relief, follow recommended occasional doses, spacing, and maximum daily intake, noting that the maximum is lower for older adults.
Serious Gastrointestinal Complications: Rapid gas production from the reaction with stomach acid can cause severe bloating, nausea, and in rare cases, stomach rupture.
Avoidance for At-Risk Groups: Children, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and people with heart or kidney disease should not consume baking soda orally.
Safer Alternatives Exist: Over-the-counter antacids and lifestyle adjustments are safer and more effective solutions for persistent heartburn.

The Risks of Daily Bicarbonate Soda Consumption

While baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a common household product, using it as a daily health supplement can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening health issues. The primary danger comes from its extremely high sodium content. A single teaspoon of baking soda contains a significant amount of sodium, which is more than half of the recommended daily limit for most adults. Daily, long-term intake can lead to a host of medical problems that far outweigh any perceived benefits.

Metabolic and Electrolyte Imbalances

One of the most critical dangers of consuming too much bicarbonate soda is metabolic alkalosis, a condition where the body's blood pH becomes too alkaline. This can disrupt normal bodily functions and cause symptoms such as confusion, muscle twitching, and even seizures. Excessive sodium intake can also lead to hypernatremia (dangerously high blood sodium levels) and hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium levels) as the kidneys try to compensate. These electrolyte imbalances can cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, muscle weakness, and irritability.

Gastrointestinal Dangers

While baking soda is often used to neutralize stomach acid for heartburn, consuming large quantities can cause serious gastrointestinal distress. The reaction between sodium bicarbonate and stomach acid produces a large volume of carbon dioxide gas. This can cause severe bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. In rare but documented cases, a large dose of baking soda ingested on a full stomach can lead to a stomach rupture.

Heart and Kidney Strain

Due to its high sodium content, drinking bicarbonate soda regularly puts a significant strain on the cardiovascular and renal systems. High sodium intake is known to increase blood pressure, and for individuals already suffering from hypertension, heart disease, or kidney disease, this can be extremely dangerous. The kidneys play a crucial role in managing the body's acid-base balance, and overwhelming them with a constant influx of bicarbonate can lead to impaired function over time.

Occasional vs. Chronic Use: What's the Difference?

The key distinction lies in the dosage and frequency. Occasional use for immediate heartburn relief, under medical guidance, is very different from a daily wellness routine. Over-the-counter antacid products containing sodium bicarbonate are formulated for specific, short-term use.

Occasional Use Guidelines (for adults over 12)

Use according to medical guidance.
Adhere to recommended spacing between doses.
Maximum daily intake should be strictly limited, and is lower for adults over 60.
Do not use for more than two weeks unless directed by a doctor.

Chronic, Daily Use Dangers

Overloading the body with sodium.
Causing metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalances.
Triggering or worsening high blood pressure.
Masking more serious underlying medical conditions that require proper diagnosis and treatment.

Comparison: Baking Soda vs. Safer OTC Antacids


Feature	Bicarbonate Soda (Baking Soda)	Commercial OTC Antacids (e.g., Tums, Rolaids)
Active Ingredient	Sodium Bicarbonate	Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide
Onset of Relief	Very rapid, as it neutralizes acid quickly.	Rapid, often within minutes.
Side Effects	High sodium content, metabolic alkalosis, electrolyte imbalance, gas, bloating, stomach rupture risk.	Generally safe when used as directed, but may cause constipation (calcium/aluminum) or diarrhea (magnesium).
Safety Profile	Dangerous for daily/long-term use, especially for at-risk individuals.	Considered safe and effective for occasional use, with clear dosage instructions.
Primary Function	Acid neutralizer; high sodium load.	Acid neutralizer; some provide calcium supplementation.
Cost	Very inexpensive.	Inexpensive, but can cost more than baking soda.
Long-Term Use	Not recommended; risk of severe health issues.	Not a long-term solution for chronic issues; should be used as directed.

Who Should Avoid Drinking Bicarbonate Soda?

Certain groups of people should avoid consuming baking soda altogether due to the risk of severe complications:

Children: There is not enough research on the safety of oral baking soda for children, and manufacturers advise against it.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Individuals: Bicarbonate soda can lead to fluid retention and pH imbalances.
Those with Heart Conditions: The high sodium content can exacerbate heart failure, high blood pressure, and cause arrhythmias.
Those with Kidney Disease: Impaired kidney function makes it difficult to process the high sodium and manage acid-base balance, leading to complications.
Individuals on Certain Medications: Baking soda can interact with several medications, including some antibiotics, diuretics, and aspirin.
People with a full stomach: In rare cases, drinking baking soda after a large meal can cause stomach rupture due to rapid gas buildup.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety and Medical Advice

While some may view bicarbonate soda as a simple home remedy, it is not a safe solution for daily or chronic consumption. The potential for severe health complications, particularly related to its high sodium content and effect on the body's metabolic balance, makes it a dangerous practice. For occasional indigestion, adhering to strict, manufacturer-recommended doses under a doctor's guidance is crucial, and safer over-the-counter alternatives are readily available. If you experience frequent or persistent acid reflux or other digestive issues, it is essential to consult with a healthcare provider to diagnose the underlying cause and receive proper treatment..

For more comprehensive information on the risks and side effects associated with sodium bicarbonate, consult the detailed medical resource on Drugs.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, drinking baking soda every day is not safe and is not recommended by health professionals. The high sodium content poses significant risks, including metabolic alkalosis, electrolyte imbalances, and increased blood pressure, which can lead to severe health issues.

For occasional heartburn relief, adults should adhere to strict guidelines on maximum daily intake. These limits are lower for individuals over 60. Doses should be spaced out according to recommendations.

Overconsumption of baking soda can lead to a number of side effects, including severe bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, convulsions, and dangerous electrolyte imbalances. In rare instances, it can even cause stomach rupture.

Individuals who should avoid drinking baking soda include children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease. People on specific medications should also consult a doctor due to potential drug interactions.

Yes, safer alternatives for heartburn and indigestion include readily available over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids, as well as addressing lifestyle factors that contribute to acid reflux. For chronic issues, a doctor should be consulted.

Yes, due to its very high sodium content, regular consumption of baking soda can increase blood pressure, which is especially dangerous for people with pre-existing heart conditions or hypertension.

Baking soda should not be used for more than two weeks for indigestion without consulting a healthcare provider. Long-term use can mask serious underlying issues and cause severe metabolic problems.