What Happens if You Drink Bicarbonate Soda Every Day? The Risks and Myths

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

Case reports and medical studies have documented severe complications from excessive sodium bicarbonate ingestion, such as hemorrhagic encephalopathy and metabolic alkalosis. This highlights the potential dangers involved if you drink bicarbonate soda every day, a practice far more risky than commonly perceived.

Quick Summary

Consuming bicarbonate soda daily can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances, metabolic alkalosis, and strain on the kidneys and heart due to high sodium intake. Its use as a home remedy for indigestion should be occasional and medically supervised, as long-term consumption is not supported by science and poses significant health risks.

Key Points

Metabolic Alkalosis: Drinking bicarbonate soda daily can dangerously alter the body's pH balance, leading to confusion, seizures, and cardiac irregularities.
Electrolyte Imbalance: The high sodium content can cause hypernatremia, disrupting vital electrolytes like potassium and leading to dehydration and serious heart rhythm issues.
Cardiovascular and Kidney Risk: Daily use places significant strain on the kidneys and heart due to sodium overload, which can worsen hypertension and fluid retention.
Gastrointestinal Distress: The reaction with stomach acid produces gas, causing uncomfortable bloating and cramping, and, in rare instances, can lead to a stomach rupture.
Not a Weight Loss Solution: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that daily bicarbonate soda consumption aids in weight loss, and the risks far outweigh any potential benefit.

The Dangerous Side of Daily Bicarbonate Soda Consumption

While occasional, small doses of bicarbonate soda (baking soda) may temporarily relieve indigestion, consuming it every day is a dangerous and unrecommended practice. The primary active ingredient, sodium bicarbonate, introduces a high load of sodium into the body, which can disrupt delicate bodily functions over time and lead to severe health complications. This is not a harmless wellness trend, but a practice with serious and sometimes life-threatening consequences.

Metabolic Alkalosis: Upsetting the Body's pH Balance

One of the most significant risks of daily bicarbonate soda intake is metabolic alkalosis. The body's pH level is tightly regulated and should remain within a narrow, slightly alkaline range. Consuming a large and consistent dose of an alkaline substance like baking soda can push this balance too far, making the blood overly alkaline. Symptoms of metabolic alkalosis can range from mild discomfort to severe neurological and cardiac issues.

Mild Symptoms: Nausea, headache, muscle twitching, and weakness.
Severe Symptoms: Confusion, seizures, and irregular heart rhythms due to decreased ionized calcium.

Electrolyte Imbalance and High Sodium Intake

Baking soda is extremely high in sodium. Just half a teaspoon contains about 630 mg of sodium, which is more than a quarter of the daily recommended maximum for most people. Daily consumption can lead to hypernatremia (excess sodium in the blood), which forces the kidneys to work overtime to excrete the excess. This process can lead to a dangerous cycle of fluid imbalance and depletion of other vital electrolytes like potassium.

Symptoms of hypernatremia include extreme thirst, lightheadedness, and lethargy.
Severe cases can lead to seizures and kidney failure.

Kidney and Cardiovascular Strain

For those with pre-existing conditions, the risks are even greater. The high sodium load and metabolic changes place considerable strain on the kidneys and heart. People with kidney disease are especially vulnerable, as their kidneys may be unable to properly filter out the excess sodium and bicarbonate, exacerbating their condition. The increased sodium can also elevate blood pressure and contribute to fluid retention, a significant concern for those with hypertension or heart disease.

Comparison: Occasional Antacid vs. Daily Routine


Feature	Occasional Use (medically guided)	Daily, Long-Term Use (not recommended)
Purpose	Temporary relief of heartburn or acid indigestion.	Treating unproven conditions, detox, or weight loss trends.
Dosage	Small, measured amounts (e.g., ½ teaspoon in water), spaced out.	Unregulated, often excessive doses leading to overload.
Duration	Short-term, no more than two weeks, or as directed by a doctor.	Chronic, leading to accumulation and sustained systemic effects.
Primary Effect	Neutralizes excess stomach acid temporarily.	Causes systemic metabolic changes and electrolyte disruption.
Safety	Generally safe for healthy adults with infrequent use.	Dangerous and toxic, with risks outweighing any perceived benefits.
Targeted Relief	Addresses a specific, temporary digestive issue.	Creates a cascade of adverse systemic effects.

The Gastrointestinal Consequences

Even if severe systemic issues don't occur immediately, daily baking soda can wreak havoc on the digestive system. When sodium bicarbonate reacts with stomach acid, it produces a large amount of carbon dioxide gas. While this is the same reaction that helps leaven baked goods, in the stomach it can cause bloating, gas, cramping, and nausea. In very rare, but serious, cases, this rapid gas production can lead to a stomach rupture. Furthermore, excessive, long-term use can disrupt the body's natural digestive processes and nutrient absorption.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict on Daily Baking Soda

In summary, the notion of drinking bicarbonate soda every day for health benefits is a dangerous myth, largely fueled by misinformation. The serious risks—including metabolic alkalosis, severe electrolyte imbalances, and strain on the heart and kidneys—far outweigh the temporary relief it might offer for occasional indigestion. It is imperative to consult a healthcare professional for persistent digestive issues and to avoid using baking soda as a regular, daily health supplement. Safer, scientifically-backed alternatives exist for minor acid reflux, and serious conditions require proper medical diagnosis and treatment.

For more detailed information on the health risks associated with excessive ingestion of sodium bicarbonate, the National Library of Medicine provides a thorough overview of case reports and side effects.

Potential Risks of Over-Consumption

Metabolic Alkalosis: Excess bicarbonate intake can cause a dangerous shift in the body's pH level, leading to systemic issues.
Electrolyte Imbalance: The high sodium content can disrupt the balance of crucial electrolytes like potassium, causing a range of symptoms from muscle weakness to heart problems.
Increased Blood Pressure: Excessive sodium intake from daily use can contribute to and exacerbate hypertension.
Kidney Strain: The kidneys work hard to process the sodium load, and for those with pre-existing kidney issues, this can worsen their condition.
Gastric Distress and Rupture: The chemical reaction with stomach acid releases gas, causing bloating and cramping, with a rare but severe risk of stomach rupture.
Medication Interactions: The change in stomach acidity can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of various medications.
Fluid Retention: The high sodium can lead to increased water retention and edema, particularly in individuals with heart failure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, very small amounts of bicarbonate soda (e.g., half a teaspoon) mixed with water can be used occasionally and under medical guidance for temporary relief of indigestion, but it should not be a daily or long-term practice.

Occasional, infrequent use (less than two weeks) can provide temporary relief from acid reflux. Daily or long-term use leads to the accumulation of high sodium levels and can cause serious metabolic and electrolyte imbalances.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, pregnant women, and children should avoid ingesting bicarbonate soda due to the risks associated with high sodium intake and potential for adverse effects.

Yes, it can alter stomach acidity, which may interfere with how your body absorbs certain medications, such as some antibiotics and extended-release formulations.

Early symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, and stomach cramps. Severe signs include headache, irritability, muscle twitching, and confusion.

Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the body's blood pH becomes too alkaline. It is a severe side effect of excessive bicarbonate intake and can result in neurological symptoms and heart rhythm abnormalities.

Over-the-counter antacids are generally a safer option for occasional heartburn relief. Persistent heartburn should be evaluated by a doctor, as it may indicate an underlying condition requiring proper medical treatment.