What is the risk of baking soda?

December 19, 2025 •

4 min read

According to poison control experts, ingesting too much baking soda can cause significant electrolyte imbalances and lead to life-threatening complications. The risk of baking soda is primarily associated with consuming large amounts, not with its typical use in baking. Excessive sodium intake and the production of carbon dioxide gas are the root causes of its adverse effects.

Quick Summary

This article outlines the serious health risks associated with ingesting excessive amounts of baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate. It covers the dangers of high sodium intake, metabolic alkalosis, potential gastric rupture, and adverse reactions with medications and pre-existing conditions.

Key Points

Ingesting large quantities is dangerous: Excessive consumption of baking soda can lead to serious health complications, far beyond a simple stomach ache.
High sodium content is a major risk: Baking soda contains a high concentration of sodium, which can cause hypernatremia, or dangerously high sodium levels, leading to vomiting, dehydration, and kidney issues.
Metabolic alkalosis is a severe side effect: Overuse can disrupt the body's pH balance, causing metabolic alkalosis, which can lead to seizures and irregular heartbeats.
Potential for gastric rupture: The reaction with stomach acid can produce a rapid buildup of gas, which in rare instances can cause the stomach to rupture.
Interferes with medications: Baking soda can alter the absorption and effectiveness of many prescription medications, including antibiotics and heart medication.
Avoid for certain health conditions: Individuals with high blood pressure, heart problems, or kidney disease should avoid consuming baking soda without medical advice.
Safer alternatives are available: For treating indigestion, using regulated over-the-counter antacids is a much safer option than attempting a home remedy with baking soda.

Understanding the Dangers of Excessive Baking Soda Consumption

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate ($NaHCO_3$), is a common household item prized for its leavening properties in baking and its ability to neutralize odors and stomach acid. However, when consumed in large, unmonitored quantities, its chemical makeup can pose serious health risks. The dangers stem from its extremely high sodium content and its reaction with stomach acid. This article details the potential hazards and emphasizes why caution is necessary when using it as a home remedy.

The Perils of High Sodium Intake

One of the most immediate concerns with consuming too much baking soda is the massive influx of sodium into the body. Just half a teaspoon contains approximately 630 mg of sodium, which is over a quarter of the recommended daily limit for many adults. A sodium overload, known as hypernatremia, can cause a cascade of health problems. The body attempts to correct this imbalance by pulling water into the digestive tract, which results in significant vomiting and diarrhea. If left untreated, severe cases can lead to serious dehydration, kidney failure, and even seizures. People with pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease are particularly vulnerable to these effects.

Metabolic Alkalosis: A Life-Threatening Imbalance

Consuming large amounts of an alkaline substance like baking soda can upset the body's delicate acid-base balance, leading to a condition called metabolic alkalosis. This is where the blood's pH level becomes too alkaline, causing life-threatening complications if left unaddressed. The symptoms can include confusion, muscle twitching, seizures, and even respiratory failure. Metabolic alkalosis can also induce hypokalemia (low potassium levels) and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), further disrupting normal bodily functions.

The Threat of Gastric Rupture

When baking soda reacts with the stomach's hydrochloric acid, it produces a significant amount of carbon dioxide gas. While a small amount provides temporary relief from heartburn, a large dose can cause gas to build up rapidly and dangerously. In rare but alarming cases, particularly after a large meal or alcohol consumption, the pressure from this buildup can cause the stomach to rupture. This is a medical emergency that can be fatal and underscores the critical importance of moderation. Safer over-the-counter alternatives are widely available for occasional indigestion.

Adverse Drug Interactions

For individuals on medication, ingesting baking soda can be especially risky. Sodium bicarbonate can alter the absorption and effectiveness of various drugs by changing the acidity of the stomach and altering excretion rates.

Antibiotics: Some tetracycline and cefpodoxime antibiotics may become less effective.
Iron Supplements: The absorption of iron can be inhibited.
Rosuvastatin: Blood levels of this statin drug can be affected.
Other Medications: It can also interact with certain corticosteroids and heart medications, creating a dangerous combination.

For this reason, a doctor should always be consulted before using baking soda as a home remedy, especially for those on long-term medication regimens.

Comparison of Baking Soda and Over-the-Counter Antacids


Feature	Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)	OTC Antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox)
Primary Function	Neutralizes stomach acid, provides temporary relief.	Neutralizes stomach acid, providing temporary relief.
Formulation	Pure sodium bicarbonate powder.	Formulated with safer, more controlled ingredients like calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide.
Sodium Content	Extremely high; ~630 mg per half teaspoon.	Typically contain lower sodium or are sodium-free.
Risk of Overdose	High, potentially severe consequences due to sodium overload and gas production.	Low; safer dosing instructions on packaging.
Side Effects	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metabolic alkalosis, gastric rupture.	Generally mild side effects when used as directed.
Drug Interactions	Can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of many medications.	Specific interactions depend on the ingredients; generally safer.
Long-Term Use	Not recommended; can lead to systemic problems.	Generally not recommended for prolonged periods without a doctor's advice.

Conclusion: A Potent Chemical, Not a Panacea

While baking soda is a versatile and common household item, its use as a self-administered health remedy carries significant risks, particularly when used improperly or in excess. The combination of its high sodium content and gas-producing reaction with stomach acid can lead to severe and potentially fatal conditions like metabolic alkalosis and stomach rupture. For occasional indigestion, safer, well-regulated over-the-counter antacids are the recommended choice. Individuals with pre-existing health issues, such as heart or kidney disease, or those taking other medications should avoid consuming baking soda without medical supervision. When in doubt, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional to find a safe and effective solution for any health concerns. As highlighted by the National Poison Control Center, proper dosage and an understanding of the risks are crucial. For emergency information, contact a poison control center immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

While a small, dissolved amount may temporarily neutralize stomach acid, it is generally not recommended as a safe long-term solution. Over-the-counter antacids are a much safer alternative with less risk of overdose or severe side effects.

An overdose can occur with surprisingly small amounts for some individuals, especially children, pregnant women, or those with underlying health issues. For adults, manufacturers recommend limited, spaced-out doses, and serious toxicity can result from ingesting too much.

Yes, due to its very high sodium content, excessive baking soda can place a strain on the kidneys and potentially lead to kidney failure in cases of severe sodium overload. People with existing kidney conditions are at particular risk.

Symptoms can include severe vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, muscle spasms, convulsions, irritability, and swelling in the feet or lower legs. In serious cases, it can cause confusion or seizures.

Anyone with heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, pregnant women, and children should avoid ingesting baking soda without strict medical guidance. Its high sodium content makes it especially dangerous for these groups.

Mixing baking soda with an acid like lemon juice can still create a potentially dangerous reaction. It produces a large volume of carbon dioxide gas, which can cause significant gastric distention and bloating. The ratio can be difficult to control, making OTC options safer.

You should not use baking soda for heartburn for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor. Persistent heartburn may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.