What Happens When You Drink a Teaspoon of Baking Soda?

December 17, 2025 •

3 min read

Approximately 20% of the US population experiences gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with many turning to home remedies like baking soda for relief. But what happens when you drink a teaspoon of baking soda, and is it a safe solution for your digestive woes?

Quick Summary

A teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water can temporarily neutralize stomach acid and relieve heartburn. However, it is high in sodium and can lead to electrolyte imbalances, metabolic alkalosis, and even stomach rupture if overused or consumed too quickly. This is not a safe long-term remedy.

Key Points

Neutralizes Stomach Acid: A teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water reacts with stomach acid to form salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas, providing temporary heartburn relief.
Risks of Overdose: Excessive intake or rapid consumption can lead to serious conditions like metabolic alkalosis, high blood pressure, and in rare cases, stomach rupture.
High Sodium Content: One teaspoon of baking soda is very high in sodium, posing risks for individuals with heart conditions, kidney disease, or hypertension.
Not a Long-Term Solution: This remedy is only for occasional, short-term use and does not address the underlying causes of chronic indigestion or acid reflux.
Avoid If Pregnant or with Pre-existing Conditions: Pregnant women, young children, and people with heart or kidney disease should avoid drinking baking soda.
Interacts with Medications: Baking soda can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of other medications, so it should be taken at least two hours apart.
Consult a Professional: If using under medical supervision, adhere to the amount and frequency specified by a healthcare provider.

Immediate Effects: Neutralizing Stomach Acid

Drinking a teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) in water quickly neutralizes stomach acid. As an alkaline substance, baking soda reacts with hydrochloric acid in the stomach, producing sodium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide gas. This reaction increases stomach pH, offering fast relief from heartburn and indigestion.

The resulting carbon dioxide gas causes fizzing and burping, which can alleviate pressure and bloating.
This method provides temporary relief but doesn't address the root cause of digestive issues.

Potential Mild to Moderate Side Effects

Even small amounts of baking soda can cause side effects, particularly with higher doses or frequent use.

Increased Thirst: The high sodium content can lead to increased thirst as the body tries to balance salt levels.
Stomach Upset: Carbon dioxide production can cause bloating, gas, cramps, and nausea.
Diarrhea: The body may draw water into the digestive tract to manage high sodium, potentially causing diarrhea.

Serious Health Risks and Warnings

Overuse or pre-existing conditions significantly increase the risks of drinking baking soda.

Metabolic Alkalosis

A serious risk is metabolic alkalosis, where blood pH becomes dangerously alkaline. Symptoms include muscle weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

High Sodium and Electrolyte Imbalance

Excessive baking soda intake can cause high blood sodium (hypernatremia) and electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium (hypokalemia). These can strain the heart and kidneys.

Gastric Rupture

Rarely, especially after large meals or alcohol, rapid gas buildup from baking soda can cause stomach rupture, a medical emergency.

Medication Interactions

Baking soda can affect how medications are absorbed or work and should not be taken within two hours of other drugs.

Who Should Avoid Drinking Baking Soda?

Avoid this remedy if you are under 6, pregnant or breastfeeding, have high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems, follow a low-sodium diet, or take other medications.

Comparison: Baking Soda vs. OTC Antacids


Feature	Baking Soda (Home Remedy)	Over-the-Counter (OTC) Antacids
Active Ingredient	Sodium Bicarbonate	Often contain calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, or magnesium hydroxide
Speed of Relief	Very fast (neutralizes acid immediately)	Fast, but sometimes not as instantaneous
Safety Profile	Higher risk of overdose, high sodium, and serious side effects	Generally safer, more controlled dosage, and fewer severe risks
Long-Term Use	Not recommended for long-term use (risk of metabolic alkalosis)	Some OTC options are safe for longer-term management, consult a doctor
Sodium Content	Very high per teaspoon (approx. 1,259 mg)	Varies by product; many are low-sodium

The Proper Way to Use Baking Soda (Safely and Occasionally)

If using baking soda for occasional indigestion under medical guidance, follow these steps to reduce risks:

Use an appropriate amount: Mix the amount a healthcare professional recommends in enough cool water.
Dissolve completely: Make sure the baking soda is fully dissolved.
Drink slowly: Sip the mixture gradually to prevent rapid gas release.
Wait after meals: Take it at an appropriate time after eating, not on a full stomach.
Limit frequency and duration: Do not exceed the daily dose or use for longer than two weeks, as advised by a healthcare provider.

Conclusion: The Risk-Reward Trade-off

While a teaspoon of baking soda can quickly relieve occasional heartburn, its high sodium content and potential for serious side effects like electrolyte imbalance, metabolic alkalosis, and gastric rupture make it risky, especially with improper or long-term use. Safer over-the-counter options exist. For persistent digestive issues, professional medical advice is recommended. Given the risks, using baking soda as a home remedy should be a last resort and done with extreme caution.

For more detailed information on sodium bicarbonate toxicity, refer to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) website.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you should not drink baking soda daily for acid reflux. It is a short-term remedy only. Chronic, daily use can lead to serious health complications like electrolyte imbalance, metabolic alkalosis, and high sodium levels.

For occasional, temporary indigestion relief, follow the guidance of a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate amount of baking soda and the amount of cool water to use. Ensure it is fully dissolved and sip the mixture slowly.

The feeling of bloating is caused by the carbon dioxide gas produced when the alkaline baking soda reacts with your stomach's hydrochloric acid. Burping helps release this gas, providing relief.

People with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and young children should avoid drinking baking soda. It can also interact with certain medications.

Symptoms of a baking soda overdose include nausea, severe vomiting and diarrhea, muscle weakness, convulsions, and irritability. High sodium levels can also lead to dehydration and kidney issues.

Yes, in rare instances, drinking baking soda—especially quickly or after a large meal—can cause stomach rupture due to the rapid buildup of carbon dioxide gas. This is a dangerous medical emergency.

For persistent acid reflux, safer alternatives include over-the-counter antacids (like Tums) and medications like H2 blockers or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Lifestyle changes like eating smaller meals and avoiding trigger foods are also beneficial.