Why Not Eat Sodium Bicarbonate? Understanding the Hidden Health Dangers

December 21, 2025 •

4 min read

Case reports have linked the misuse of sodium bicarbonate to severe metabolic abnormalities and even life-threatening conditions, including hemorrhagic encephalopathy. While a common household item often used for baking and cleaning, the unsupervised consumption of sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, carries significant and often underestimated risks that far outweigh its perceived benefits as a home remedy.

Quick Summary

Consuming sodium bicarbonate can lead to dangerous health complications, such as metabolic alkalosis, severe electrolyte imbalances, and gastrointestinal damage, including stomach rupture. The high sodium content can worsen pre-existing heart and kidney conditions, while it interferes with various medications. This common home remedy is not a safe long-term solution.

Key Points

High Sodium Content: A half-teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate contains over 600mg of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure, fluid retention, and heart strain.
Electrolyte Imbalance: Excessive intake can cause serious electrolyte disturbances, including dangerously low potassium levels, leading to muscle weakness, confusion, and heart rhythm abnormalities.
Risk of Stomach Rupture: When ingested in large quantities, the reaction with stomach acid produces significant carbon dioxide gas, which can, in rare cases, lead to a ruptured stomach.
Metabolic Alkalosis: Prolonged or frequent use can cause the blood to become overly alkaline, a condition that disrupts normal body functions and can have severe consequences.
Drug Interactions: The change in stomach acidity caused by baking soda can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of various medications, including certain antibiotics.
Risky for Vulnerable Groups: Children, pregnant women, and individuals with heart, kidney, or liver disease should avoid unsupervised ingestion due to heightened risks.
Better Alternatives Exist: For heartburn and indigestion, safer and more effective over-the-counter antacids are readily available and preferable for occasional use.

The Risks of Consuming Sodium Bicarbonate

While sodium bicarbonate is often touted as a natural antacid or health booster, it's critical to understand that the potential dangers of ingestion are numerous and severe. The risks arise from its high sodium content and its potent alkaline properties, which can disrupt the body's delicate physiological balance. Regular or excessive consumption can trigger a cascade of serious health problems, making safer over-the-counter (OTC) alternatives the preferable choice for temporary relief.

Acute and Immediate Dangers

One of the most immediate and alarming risks of ingesting a large amount of baking soda is the potential for a gastric rupture. The compound reacts with stomach acid to produce a large volume of carbon dioxide gas. This rapid buildup of gas can exert immense pressure on the stomach lining. Though rare, cases of stomach rupture have been documented, particularly after consuming a large meal or binge-drinking, making it a potentially fatal event. Other acute gastrointestinal symptoms include bloating, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as the body attempts to purge the excess sodium.

Systemic Effects and Electrolyte Imbalances

The high sodium load from ingesting sodium bicarbonate can overwhelm the body, causing significant electrolyte disturbances. A typical half-teaspoon contains approximately 630 mg of sodium, a substantial portion of the recommended daily limit of 2,300 mg. The body works to correct this sudden sodium overload by drawing water into the digestive tract, which can lead to severe dehydration. This can cause a dangerous drop in potassium levels (hypokalemia) and chloride levels (hypochloremia). Symptoms of severe electrolyte imbalance include:

Muscle pain, twitching, and weakness
Confusion and disorientation
Seizures
Irregular heartbeat or arrhythmias

Cardiovascular and Renal Strain

For individuals with pre-existing conditions, the high sodium content is particularly dangerous. Excessive sodium intake can increase blood pressure, putting added strain on the heart. Patients with a history of heart disease, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure should avoid ingesting sodium bicarbonate altogether. Furthermore, the kidneys are responsible for filtering out excess sodium and regulating the body's acid-base balance. Chronic or excessive ingestion forces the kidneys to work overtime, and in individuals with renal impairment, it can cause or worsen fluid retention and swelling (edema). While sodium bicarbonate is used medically under strict supervision to manage metabolic acidosis in some kidney disease patients, its unsupervised use is highly risky.

Long-Term Health Consequences and Drug Interactions

Regular consumption of baking soda can create a condition known as metabolic alkalosis, where the blood becomes overly alkaline due to high bicarbonate levels. This can disrupt normal bodily functions and lead to symptoms like shallow breathing, nervousness, and muscle spasms. Over time, this chronic disruption can lead to more severe complications, and it is not a sustainable solution for frequent indigestion. Additionally, the altered pH in the stomach can interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of various medications, including some antibiotics and extended-release drugs.

Sodium Bicarbonate vs. Safer Alternatives


Feature	Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)	Over-the-Counter (OTC) Antacids (e.g., Tums)
Mechanism of Action	Neutralizes stomach acid, but with a potential for rebound acid production.	Contains neutralizing agents like calcium carbonate, formulated for safer relief.
Speed of Relief	Fast, but often accompanied by uncomfortable gas and bloating.	Fast and effective, with less risk of excess gas and abdominal discomfort.
Sodium Content	Very high; a single teaspoon can contain over a quarter of the daily recommended limit.	Low sodium content, making them a safer option for those on a sodium-restricted diet.
Long-Term Safety	Not recommended for long-term use due to high sodium load and risk of metabolic alkalosis.	Generally considered safe for occasional, short-term use, though extended use requires medical consultation.
Side Effects	Bloating, gas, muscle twitching, seizures, potential for stomach rupture.	Typically mild side effects, such as constipation with calcium carbonate.
Drug Interactions	Can interfere with the absorption of many medications.	Interactions are less common but should be discussed with a doctor.

Who Should Avoid Consuming Baking Soda?

Because of its inherent risks, several groups of people should explicitly avoid consuming baking soda without direct medical supervision. These high-risk populations include:

Pregnant and breastfeeding women
Children under 6 years old
Individuals with heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure
People with a history of stomach bleeding or appendicitis
Anyone on a sodium-restricted diet
Patients taking medication with which baking soda could interfere

Conclusion: Prioritize Medical Advice Over Home Remedies

While baking soda's quick neutralization of stomach acid might seem like an attractive home remedy, the risks of ingesting sodium bicarbonate are substantial and should not be underestimated. From immediate dangers like stomach rupture and severe electrolyte imbalances to long-term risks such as metabolic alkalosis and worsening chronic conditions, the unsupervised use of baking soda for medicinal purposes is not worth the gamble. Safer, professionally formulated over-the-counter antacids are widely available and are a far better option for relieving occasional indigestion. For persistent or severe gastrointestinal issues, seeking professional medical advice is always the safest course of action to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. For general health and wellness concerns, relying on well-established and evidence-based practices is always a superior and safer approach. For more information on safely managing digestive health, it's best to consult a healthcare provider or a trusted medical resource, such as the Mayo Clinic on medication safety.

A Final Reminder on Safety

Do not consume baking soda for more than two weeks without consulting a doctor, as persistent symptoms require professional medical attention.
If a large amount of baking soda is accidentally ingested, or if severe symptoms like vomiting, confusion, or difficulty breathing occur, call Poison Control immediately (1-800-222-1222 in the US).
Use OTC antacids as directed and for occasional relief only.
Always read the warning labels on products containing sodium bicarbonate, especially regarding dosage, duration of use, and contraindications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, drinking baking soda can be dangerous, especially in large amounts or for prolonged periods. It can lead to severe electrolyte imbalances, high blood pressure, and in rare cases, a ruptured stomach.

Sodium bicarbonate is the chemical name for baking soda. The terms refer to the same substance, though their grade or intended use may differ (e.g., food-grade for baking vs. medical-grade in a clinical setting).

While it can temporarily neutralize stomach acid, it is not recommended as a regular remedy for heartburn. Safer OTC antacids are available, and overuse of baking soda carries risks like metabolic alkalosis and rebound acid production.

There is no universally safe 'toxic' amount, as risk varies per individual. Recommended dosages for temporary antacid relief are very small (e.g., ½ teaspoon) and should not be exceeded. Larger or frequent doses increase the risk of serious complications.

Eating too much can cause vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and stomach cramps. Severe overdose can lead to metabolic alkalosis, seizures, kidney failure, and heart arrhythmias.

Certain groups should avoid consuming baking soda unless directed by a doctor, including pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and those with heart disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure.

Yes, long-term or chronic use can lead to metabolic alkalosis, worsening kidney or heart disease, and a higher risk of complications from increased sodium load.