Who should not drink bicarbonate of soda?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to medical experts, drinking bicarbonate of soda is not safe for long-term use and carries serious health risks. It is crucial to understand who should not drink bicarbonate of soda, as this common home remedy can be dangerous for individuals with certain pre-existing medical conditions or those taking specific medications.

Quick Summary

Bicarbonate of soda poses serious health risks for many individuals, including those with kidney disease, heart failure, and high blood pressure, due to its high sodium content. It can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalances, metabolic alkalosis, and interfere with medications. Specific populations like pregnant women and children should also avoid it.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: People with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease must avoid bicarbonate of soda due to its high sodium content, which can worsen fluid retention.
Metabolic Alkalosis Risk: Overuse can lead to a dangerous disruption of the body's acid-base balance, a condition known as metabolic alkalosis, with symptoms like confusion and muscle twitching.
Avoid During Pregnancy and for Children: Bicarbonate of soda is unsafe for pregnant women and children, who are particularly vulnerable to its high sodium levels and associated risks.
Significant Drug Interactions: It can alter the absorption and effectiveness of many medications, including certain antibiotics, diuretics, and blood pressure drugs.
Not a Long-Term Solution: Bicarbonate of soda should only ever be considered for occasional, short-term relief under medical advice, as chronic use is hazardous.
Stomach Rupture Potential: In rare but serious cases, consuming large amounts, especially after a heavy meal, can cause gastric rupture due to a buildup of gas.
Dangerous Electrolyte Shifts: Overuse can cause severe electrolyte imbalances, such as high blood sodium (hypernatremia) and low blood potassium (hypokalemia).

High-Sodium Health Conditions

Bicarbonate of soda is chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, meaning it is very high in sodium. For many people, especially those with pre-existing health issues, this high sodium load can be extremely dangerous. Consuming excessive sodium can cause the body to retain fluid, which places significant strain on vital organs.

Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure

Individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure (hypertension) must strictly monitor their sodium intake. The extra sodium from bicarbonate of soda can cause fluid retention, increasing blood volume and placing an additional burden on the heart. This can worsen conditions like congestive heart failure and lead to dangerously high blood pressure. In vulnerable patients, high sodium intake can even trigger arrhythmias. Overdosing on baking soda has been linked to severe complications, including cardiac arrest in some cases.

Kidney and Liver Disease

For people with compromised kidney or liver function, the risks are particularly high. Healthy kidneys filter excess sodium and waste products from the blood, but damaged kidneys cannot perform this function efficiently. The high sodium content can overwhelm the kidneys, leading to severe fluid retention (edema) and worsening the existing kidney damage. While some medical professionals prescribe sodium bicarbonate for specific kidney conditions under strict supervision, self-medicating is extremely hazardous. Liver disease can also impact the body's ability to regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, making bicarbonate of soda a risky choice.

Metabolic and Electrolyte Imbalances

Metabolic Alkalosis

When ingested, bicarbonate of soda neutralizes stomach acid. However, consuming too much or using it long-term can disrupt the body's natural acid-base balance, a life-threatening condition known as metabolic alkalosis. This happens when the blood's pH becomes too alkaline. Symptoms can include confusion, muscle twitching, tremors, nausea, and vomiting. Severe alkalosis can harm the heart and decrease blood flow to the brain.

Electrolyte Dangers

Besides affecting blood pH, overuse can lead to dangerous electrolyte imbalances.

Hypernatremia: Excessive sodium levels in the blood, which can cause dehydration, seizures, and kidney failure.
Hypokalemia: Abnormally low potassium levels, which can lead to heart arrhythmias.
Hypocalcemia: Low calcium levels, which can cause muscle cramps or spasms.

Pregnancy, Children, and Specific Conditions

Pregnancy

Bicarbonate of soda is not recommended for pregnant women. The high sodium content can lead to fluid retention and high blood pressure, both of which are concerning during pregnancy. It can also potentially increase the risk of pH imbalances in bodily tissues. A healthcare provider should always be consulted for safer alternatives for pregnancy-related indigestion or heartburn.

Children

Children, especially those under six, should not be given bicarbonate of soda. Due to their smaller body mass, children are highly susceptible to overdose and toxicity from the high sodium levels. In children, this can potentially cause seizures, breathing difficulties, and high blood sodium levels.

Other Conditions to Note

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Bicarbonate of soda is generally avoided in DKA as it can increase blood acids called ketones.
Edema (Swelling): Individuals prone to fluid retention should avoid it due to the high sodium content.
Milk-Alkali Syndrome: People with high blood calcium levels should not take it, as it can increase the risk of this condition, which can cause kidney problems.

Drug Interactions with Bicarbonate of Soda

Bicarbonate of soda can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of numerous medications. It alters stomach acidity, which can change how certain drugs are processed by the body. A person should not take bicarbonate of soda within two hours of taking other medications.

Medications Potentially Affected:

Antibiotics: Some antibiotics, like cefpodoxime and tetracycline, may be less effective.
Diuretics (Water Pills): Taking it with potassium-sparing or thiazide diuretics can lead to dangerously low potassium levels.
Aspirin: The body may eliminate aspirin faster, reducing its effect.
Blood Pressure Medication: Bicarbonate of soda can counteract the effects of some blood pressure drugs.
Corticosteroids: Can worsen the sodium retention and potassium loss effects of corticosteroids.

Comparison: Baking Soda vs. Safer Alternatives


Feature	Bicarbonate of Soda (Baking Soda)	OTC Antacids (e.g., Tums, Maalox)
Primary Function	Neutralizes stomach acid via high alkalinity.	Neutralizes stomach acid with ingredients like calcium carbonate or aluminum hydroxide.
Primary Active Ingredient	Sodium Bicarbonate (very high in sodium)	Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Hydroxide, Aluminum Hydroxide (low or no sodium)
Dosage Control	Self-measured powder, easy to misuse or overdose.	Precisely measured tablets or liquids, lower risk of overdose with proper use.
Long-Term Use	Not safe for chronic use due to high sodium, electrolyte risks, and metabolic alkalosis.	Some formulations are designed for more regular use under medical supervision, with fewer risks associated with sodium overload.
High-Risk Groups	Dangerous for individuals with heart, kidney, or liver disease, pregnant women, and children.	Safer alternatives for many high-risk groups, though consultation with a doctor is always best.
Drug Interactions	Significant interactions with many medications, altering absorption and efficacy.	Interactions can occur, but products with specific warnings and clear labels make them easier to manage.
Potential Severity of Risks	High. Can lead to stomach rupture, severe electrolyte imbalance, and metabolic alkalosis.	Lower. Side effects are typically less severe when used as directed.

Conclusion

While bicarbonate of soda is a readily available household item, its use as a medicinal remedy carries significant risks, especially for certain individuals. Its high sodium content and potential to cause dangerous electrolyte and metabolic imbalances make it unsuitable for those with heart, kidney, or liver disease, as well as pregnant women and children. Furthermore, it can interfere with many prescription medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects. For temporary relief of indigestion, safer over-the-counter alternatives are widely available and recommended. Any persistent symptoms should be addressed by a healthcare provider to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. For reliable heart health information, consider visiting the American Heart Association.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bicarbonate of soda may provide occasional, temporary relief for some adults if taken in a very small dose (e.g., ½ teaspoon dissolved in 4 ounces of water). However, it is not a safe long-term solution and should only be used after consulting a healthcare provider, especially if you have other health conditions.

Individuals with kidney disease should avoid drinking baking soda because its high sodium content can cause fluid retention and place a severe strain on already compromised kidneys. This can worsen their condition and lead to complications.

If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), drinking baking soda can be very dangerous due to its high sodium load. This can cause significant fluid retention, increase blood volume, and elevate your blood pressure to unsafe levels.

No, it is not safe to give bicarbonate of soda to children, particularly those under six years old, without a doctor's explicit instruction. They are more susceptible to overdose and serious side effects from the high sodium content.

Bicarbonate of soda is highly alkaline, which can change the pH of your stomach and interfere with the body's absorption or elimination of many drugs, including some antibiotics, diuretics, and heart medications.

Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the body's blood becomes too alkaline due to excessive intake of an alkaline substance like bicarbonate of soda. This can cause a range of symptoms from confusion and muscle cramps to more severe cardiovascular and neurological issues.

Safer alternatives for occasional indigestion include common over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids, which have controlled dosages and lower sodium content. For persistent symptoms, consulting a doctor is the best course of action.