Often referred to as gastroesophageal reflux, acid reflux is a digestive issue that exposes the esophagus to the contents of your stomach. Occasional reflux can often be treated with antacids, H-2-receptor blockers or proton pump inhibitors, which are all available without a prescription. But if you don't have any of these medications at your disposal, you can treat acid reflux with products found in your home, including baking soda.
Acid Reflux
The Mayo Clinic characterizes gastroesophageal reflux as the back flow of digestive juices and stomach contents into the esophagus. The lower esophageal sphincter that separates the stomach from the esophagus can relax abnormally, close improperly or open spontaneously; any of these actions allows the contents of your stomach to escape into your food pipe. This results in the sensation of heartburn, or acid indigestion.
Baking Soda
An old folk remedy for acid reflux is baking soda. HeartburnRelief.com suggests mixing 1 tsp. of baking soda with 1 cup of warm water to help reduce the burning sensation. However, make sure that the baking soda is dissolved before drinking the solution. To combat the salty flavor, consider adding a little honey or even sugar.
Function
Baking soda acts as an alkaline substance in the digestive tract, which helps to neutralize stomach acids. With the reduced acidity, the contents of your stomach are less likely to flow back into your esophagus, thereby reducing the regurgitation and subsequent burning sensation within the chest and throat. If reflux still occurs after drinking the baking soda solution, the stomach contents will be less acidic so they won't necessarily irritate the esophageal wall.
Side Effects
Although the baking soda may reduce acidity and reflux, it can lead to some undesirable side effects, including stomach gas, which causes an increase in belching, cautions Heartburn-Remedies.org. The extra stomach gas can also result in abdominal distention, discomfort and even pain.
Warning
HeartburnRelief.com also warns that prolonged ingestion of baking soda could affect the process of digestion. This is due to the over-neutralization of stomach acids, which may cause a decline in the level of digestive juices. It may also raise your blood pressure, especially when you're prehypertensive or sensitive to sodium, which is found in baking soda. Consult with your doctor if you frequently suffer from heartburn, as this may be an indication of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Aid Reflux and GERD - The Same Thing?
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER) and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Heartburn Relief: Heartburn - Are Antacids or Baking Soda the Solution?
- Heartburn Remedies: Home Remedies Using Baking Soda
