Why is baking soda good for you when you're sick?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. FDA, over-the-counter antacids containing sodium bicarbonate are considered safe and effective for temporary relief of indigestion. Many people wonder if this household staple offers similar benefits for other common illnesses.

Quick Summary

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can offer temporary relief for certain symptoms of illness, primarily by neutralizing excess stomach acid to ease heartburn and creating an alkaline gargle to soothe a sore throat. This use should be short-term and with caution due to its high sodium content and potential side effects.

Key Points

Heartburn Relief: Small, dissolved amounts of baking soda can temporarily neutralize stomach acid, relieving heartburn and indigestion.
Sore Throat Soother: A warm water and baking soda gargle can neutralize throat acids, loosen mucus, and inhibit bacteria.
High Sodium Content: Baking soda is very high in sodium, posing risks for individuals with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart conditions.
Risk of Overuse: Improper or long-term consumption can lead to electrolyte imbalances, metabolic alkalosis, and in rare cases, stomach rupture.
Safe vs. Unsafe Use: Baking soda is for occasional, short-term symptom relief and is not a substitute for prescribed medication or medical treatment for serious or chronic conditions.
Nasal Irrigation: A saline solution containing baking soda can help to clear congested nasal passages during a cold.

The Science Behind Baking Soda for Sickness

Baking soda is a mild alkali known scientifically as sodium bicarbonate. Its primary function as a remedy for illness revolves around its ability to neutralize acid. This alkaline property is what provides relief for specific ailments, but it's important to understand the mechanism and limitations.

Symptom-Specific Uses for Baking Soda

Heartburn and Indigestion

When you're sick, digestive issues like heartburn can worsen. Baking soda is a proven, short-term remedy for this. By dissolving it in water, you create a solution that can quickly neutralize excess stomach acid. This can alleviate the burning sensation in your chest and throat.

Relief from acid reflux: The sodium bicarbonate directly counteracts the acidity in the stomach, providing rapid relief.
Temporary fix: While effective for occasional use, baking soda is not a long-term solution for chronic acid reflux or GERD.
Proper preparation: Use a small quantity mixed thoroughly in water to avoid side effects.

Sore Throat Relief

A saltwater gargle is a time-tested method for soothing a sore throat, and adding baking soda can enhance its effects. The alkaline solution can neutralize acids in the throat and help break down mucus.

How to make a gargle: Combine a small amount of baking soda and salt in warm water.
Neutralizes acids: The baking soda helps balance the pH in the mouth and throat, which can reduce irritation.
Kills germs: The saline and alkaline solution can help kill bacteria and prevent the growth of yeast and fungi.

Saline Nasal Rinses

For cold and flu symptoms that include a stuffy nose or sinus congestion, a saline rinse with baking soda can be beneficial. It helps to break up mucus and clear nasal passages.

Clear congestion: The solution helps wash away irritants, bacteria, and excess mucus from the nose.
Homemade recipe: Use a mixture of salt and baking soda in sterile, distilled, or boiled and cooled water.
Method of delivery: A neti pot or bulb syringe can be used to irrigate the nasal passages safely.

Important Considerations and Risks

While useful for certain applications, baking soda is not a magic cure-all for illness. Overuse or improper consumption can pose serious risks, mainly due to its high sodium content.

Warning signs of overuse include:

Vomiting and diarrhea.
Stomach cramps and bloating.
Increased thirst.

More severe risks include:

Electrolyte Imbalance: The high sodium content can disrupt the body's delicate balance of electrolytes, leading to dehydration or dangerously low potassium levels.
Metabolic Alkalosis: Large quantities can raise the blood's pH to life-threatening levels, causing symptoms like confusion, muscle twitching, or seizures.
Stomach Rupture: In rare instances, mixing large amounts of baking soda with stomach acid can cause a rapid buildup of gas, leading to a gastric rupture, especially after a large meal.
Medication Interactions: Baking soda can interfere with the absorption of other medications. It is crucial to consult a doctor before using it if you are taking any prescription drugs.

Home Remedy vs. Medical Treatment

For occasional, minor symptoms like heartburn or a sore throat, baking soda can be a quick and effective solution. However, it is not a substitute for proper medical care for more serious illnesses. For persistent or severe symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is essential.


Comparison of Symptom Relief Approaches	Feature	Baking Soda Home Remedy	Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication
Mechanism	Neutralizes excess acid immediately.	Formulated for specific, targeted relief.
Best For	Short-term, occasional relief of specific symptoms like heartburn and sore throat.	Reliable, measured doses for specific issues (e.g., antacids, cough drops).
Sodium Content	Very high, which can be problematic for those with high blood pressure or kidney issues.	Lower and more controlled, if present at all.
Preparation Control	Requires careful measuring to avoid risks of overuse.	Pre-dosed for safety and consistency.
Long-Term Use	Not recommended; can lead to serious health complications.	Safer for regular or prescribed use under medical supervision.
Cost	Inexpensive and readily available household item.	May cost more, but provides safer, more reliable results.

Conclusion

While baking soda's value as a home remedy for sickness is limited, it does offer temporary relief for specific symptoms. Its alkaline properties make it effective for neutralizing stomach acid to soothe heartburn and for creating a germ-fighting gargle to ease a sore throat. However, its high sodium content and potential for serious side effects with overuse cannot be ignored. For anything more than occasional, temporary relief, safer, dedicated over-the-counter products or professional medical advice are the better, more reliable options. Remember that baking soda is a tool for minor, temporary discomfort, not a cure for illness.

For more information on digestive health and safe home remedies, you can visit Healthline's guide on acid reflux: https://www.healthline.com/health/gerd.

Frequently Asked Questions

To use baking soda for a sore throat, mix a small amount of baking soda and salt in warm water. Gargle the solution multiple times daily, but be sure to spit it out afterward.

There is no scientific evidence that drinking baking soda can cure a cold or the flu. While it can help with specific symptoms like congestion via a nasal rinse or a sore throat with a gargle, it is not a treatment for the underlying viral infection.

In small amounts dissolved in water, baking soda is safe for occasional, temporary relief of an upset stomach or indigestion. However, it should not be used as a long-term treatment, and overuse can cause side effects or severe complications.

People with high blood pressure, kidney or heart disease, pregnant women, and children should avoid using baking soda as a remedy. Its high sodium content can be dangerous for these groups.

Baking soda contains sodium, which is an electrolyte. Some homemade electrolyte recipes include a small amount of baking soda, but it must be used cautiously due to its extremely high sodium content. Excessive intake can cause an electrolyte imbalance.

Taking too much baking soda can cause side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and increased thirst. More serious risks include electrolyte imbalance, metabolic alkalosis, and in rare cases, stomach rupture.

Yes, baking soda can interfere with the body's absorption of other medications. You should not take baking soda within two hours of taking other medicines and should always consult your doctor first.