Is It Safe? Can I Drink Bicarbonate of Soda to Clean My Stomach?

October 9, 2025 •

5 min read

According to medical experts, using bicarbonate of soda for a stomach cleanse is a dangerous myth that can lead to severe health complications. While often promoted online, the belief that you can drink bicarbonate of soda to clean my stomach is not supported by science and poses significant risks.

Quick Summary

This article debunks the myth of using bicarbonate of soda for a stomach cleanse, detailing the serious health risks involved. It provides information on its limited use as an occasional antacid and offers safe, scientifically-backed alternatives for supporting long-term digestive health and wellness.

Key Points

Dangerous Myth: Drinking bicarbonate of soda for a stomach cleanse is a risky and ineffective health myth not supported by medical science.
Serious Health Risks: Ingesting large amounts can lead to metabolic alkalosis, dangerous sodium overload, and even gastric rupture due to gas buildup.
Limited Use as Antacid: While a small, temporary dose can relieve indigestion, it is not a "cleanse" and is not suitable for long-term or frequent use.
High Sodium Content: Its high sodium level makes it especially dangerous for people with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart conditions.
Safer Alternatives Exist: Effective digestive support comes from a high-fiber diet, proper hydration, probiotics, stress management, and avoiding trigger foods.
Seek Medical Advice: Persistent digestive issues or severe pain require a doctor's evaluation, not risky home remedies.

The Dangerous Myth of Stomach Cleansing with Bicarbonate of Soda

The idea of 'cleansing' the stomach or colon is a popular concept in alternative health circles, but it is not necessary or recommended by the medical community. A healthy body has efficient, built-in systems, primarily the liver and kidneys, to process and eliminate waste and toxins. Introducing a powerful alkaline substance like bicarbonate of soda in large doses to force a "cleanse" is both unnecessary and hazardous.

The human stomach is naturally highly acidic, a crucial component for breaking down food and killing harmful bacteria. Introducing a strong base like sodium bicarbonate disrupts this delicate pH balance. While a small amount can temporarily neutralize excess acid for indigestion, consuming large quantities is a recipe for serious trouble.

Significant Health Risks Associated with Ingesting Large Doses

Consuming too much bicarbonate of soda, particularly in the belief that it can 'cleanse' your system, can lead to a cascade of dangerous health problems. The search results highlight several potential risks.

Metabolic Alkalosis: This serious condition occurs when the body's pH becomes too alkaline. Symptoms include confusion, muscle twitching, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause seizures and be life-threatening.
High Sodium Overload: Bicarbonate of soda is extremely high in sodium. A single half-teaspoon contains 630 mg of sodium, nearly a quarter of the recommended daily limit. Excessive sodium intake puts individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney problems at particular risk.
Gastric Rupture: When mixed with stomach acid, baking soda produces a large amount of carbon dioxide gas. If a person's stomach is already full and the gas has no escape, the rapid pressure buildup can, in rare cases, cause the stomach to rupture, which is a medical emergency.
Drug Interactions: The change in stomach acidity can affect how your body absorbs certain medications, potentially rendering them ineffective or causing adverse side effects.

Limited and Medically Supervised Use as an Antacid

It is important to distinguish between dangerous self-prescribed 'cleansing' and the occasional, medically-accepted use of bicarbonate of soda as an antacid. When used correctly, a small dose can provide temporary relief for heartburn or indigestion by neutralizing excess stomach acid.

To safely use it as a temporary antacid:

Use no more than half a teaspoon dissolved in at least four ounces of water.
Take it occasionally and not for more than two weeks.
Never give it to children under six unless directed by a doctor.
Do not take it on an overly full stomach.
Consult a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying conditions like kidney or heart disease, are pregnant, or take other medications.

Note: This temporary relief is not a "cleanse" and does not address the underlying cause of indigestion.

Safe and Effective Strategies for Digestive Health

Instead of risky home remedies, focus on proven strategies to support your digestive system's natural function.

Comparison of Risky vs. Proven Digestive Strategies


Feature	Risky: Bicarbonate of Soda "Cleanse"	Proven: Holistic Digestive Support
Mechanism	Disrupts stomach pH, potentially causing dangerous gas and electrolyte imbalance.	Supports natural digestive processes with fiber, hydration, and beneficial bacteria.
Risks	Metabolic alkalosis, high sodium intake, gastric rupture, and kidney strain.	Minimal to none, when done correctly. Possible bloating with sudden high fiber increase.
Long-Term Effects	Harmful, unsustainable, and can worsen underlying conditions.	Sustainable, improves gut microbiome, reduces risk of digestive disorders, and promotes overall wellness.
Cost	Low, but with high potential cost of medical complications.	Varies, but focuses on healthy, whole foods and sustainable practices.
Effectiveness	Not proven to "cleanse" and carries significant dangers.	Highly effective for supporting a healthy gut and digestion.

Lifestyle and Dietary Changes for Optimal Digestion

Increase Fiber Intake: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes supports healthy bowel function and feeds beneficial gut bacteria.
Incorporate Probiotics: Yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and other fermented foods contain live cultures of beneficial bacteria that aid digestion and can help balance the gut microbiome.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps move food through your digestive system, prevents constipation, and supports your kidneys' detoxifying role.
Manage Stress: The gut-brain connection is powerful. High stress levels can negatively impact digestion. Practices like meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help mitigate this.
Limit Trigger Foods: Identify and avoid foods that cause you indigestion, such as overly fatty, fried, or spicy items, as well as alcohol and caffeine.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While lifestyle adjustments are the best long-term strategy for digestive health, it's crucial to know when to seek professional help. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, including stomach pain, frequent heartburn, or sudden, unintended weight loss, see a doctor. For severe pain, especially coupled with vomiting or confusion, seek immediate medical attention. Never attempt a risky, unproven "cleanse" in place of a proper medical evaluation.

In conclusion, relying on bicarbonate of soda for a stomach cleanse is a dangerous and ineffective approach. Embracing a balanced diet rich in fiber and probiotics, staying hydrated, and managing stress are far safer and more beneficial strategies for maintaining a healthy digestive system. For more information, consult trusted sources like the Mayo Clinic on digestive health.

Mayo Clinic

Safer and Smarter Digestive Health Practices

Instead of turning to a dangerous baking soda cleanse, consider incorporating these safer strategies. They support your body's natural digestive abilities and promote overall wellness without the severe risks associated with a chemical-based remedy.

Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals: Prevents overloading the digestive system, which reduces indigestion and bloating.
Increase Soluble Fiber Gradually: Found in oats, peas, apples, and carrots, soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance that can improve nutrient absorption and regulate digestion.
Add Ginger to Your Diet: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger can help with nausea and soothing the stomach lining.
Chew Your Food Thoroughly: This simple practice aids the digestive process by breaking down food more efficiently, reducing strain on your stomach.
Limit High-Fructose Fruits if Sensitive: For some individuals, high-fructose fruits like apples and pears can cause gas and bloating. Opting for low-fructose alternatives like berries or citrus can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, drinking baking soda does not 'clean' your stomach. The human body has natural and highly effective detoxification organs, like the liver and kidneys, to process waste. Attempting a stomach cleanse with baking soda can be dangerous and is not medically recommended.

In very small, occasional doses (about half a teaspoon in water), baking soda can act as a temporary antacid for indigestion. However, it is not safe for long-term use, in large amounts, for children under six, or for individuals with certain health conditions.

Excessive consumption of baking soda can cause a variety of health problems, including metabolic alkalosis (alkaline blood), high blood sodium levels, and in rare cases, a stomach rupture due to gas buildup. It can also interfere with medication absorption.

Drinking too much bicarbonate of soda can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, and muscle twitching. In severe cases, it can cause electrolyte imbalances, seizures, and pose a threat to those with heart or kidney conditions.

Safer alternatives include eating a diet high in fiber from fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water, incorporating probiotics from foods like yogurt or kefir, and managing stress. Regular exercise also supports healthy digestion.

To naturally improve gut health, focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains and leafy greens, stay well-hydrated, and eat fermented foods containing probiotics. You should also chew your food thoroughly, manage stress, and limit your intake of fried and fatty foods.

You should see a doctor if you experience persistent symptoms, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss. For any severe pain or emergency, seek immediate medical attention.