Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a salt made up of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions. It is typically found as a white crystalline solid or a fine powder, although tablets and capsules containing sodium bicarbonate are also available.
Baking soda is a common home remedy for acid reflux, but should not be used too frequently.
Baking soda is primarily used in baking as a rising agent, but it is also used in other ways, including as an ingredient in dental hygiene products and as a natural cleaning agent.
In addition to being used as an antacid, sodium bicarbonate is used in certain medical situations to make the blood and urine more alkaline.
Treating acid reflux
As it has an alkaline pH, baking soda is a common remedy for the relief of heartburn and acid reflux. It works by neutralizing the excess stomach acid that causes symptoms.
In general, adults and children over 12 years take ½ teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate powder mixed with a glass of water every 2 hours until symptoms go away. The dosage of tablets and other forms of sodium bicarbonate varies, so always follow the directions on the label.
Doctors only recommend using baking soda temporarily, at the first onset of symptoms. This is because other problems may develop if the body becomes too alkaline.
As with other medications, it is important to talk to a doctor about suitable dosages of sodium bicarbonate.
Children under 12 years old should always have their dosage prescribed by a doctor. Antacids are not commonly prescribed to children under 6 years of age.