Baking soda isn't just for baking cookies, deodorizing the fridge or adding to the cat's litter box. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, this household staple has a long and respected history as a home remedy for many ailments, including heartburn. Next time you have heartburn, consider reaching for the baking soda instead of an expensive over-the-counter remedy.
Heartburn
If you're pregnant, overweight or fond of spicy food, you're probably familiar with the tell-tale symptoms of heartburn. This condition often strikes just after you've gone to bed, because gravity no longer keeps acidic gastric juices in your stomach. The burning sensation in your chest may be so intense that it is confused with a heart attack.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate is a base. If you dissolve sodium bicarbonate in water, the bond between the sodium and the bicarbonate part of the molecule breaks. The bicarbonate part of the molecule bonds to hydrogen ions. It can neutralize the acid in your stomach, because it binds to the hydrogen atoms in the hydrochloric acid in your stomach and esophagus.
Dosage
The Mayo Clinic indicates that adults and teens with heartburn should mix 1/2 tsp. of baking soda in a glass of cold water and drink the entire amount. Your pediatrician can suggest an appropriate dose for your child. This can be repeated every two hours. PubMed Health cautions that this should not be repeated for more than two weeks straight.
In addition to baking soda, other forms of sodium bicarbonate -- such as sodium bicarbonate tablets and effervescent powders -- are available in pharmacies, discount houses and grocery stores.
Warning
Frequent heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. This condition is serious, because the constant splashing of stomach acid into the esophagus can transform healthy cells into precancerous and cancerous cells. Suppressing the reflux prevents this from happening. Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medication and surgery.
