The Truth About Baking Soda Water: Helpful OR Harmful?
Did you know about “baking soda water” trend?
As a certified health coach, I often get asked about home remedies and if they work. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is one such remedy.
Most people know it for baking, but it has many other uses: from cleaning to personal care, baking soda is a staple in many homes. I’m sure you’ve used it countless times.
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but recently, it has gained attention for its potential health benefits, especially when mixed with water.
My family has long used baking soda mixed with water as a stomach tonic. They believed it helped with indigestion and heartburn. This is how we used baking soda at home, before I found out it had many other uses.
However, I always wondered how much was it helping us in terms of health. So, since the topic is back, I want to take a closer look!
It’s all over tik tok trends…
TikTok has changed how we get information, especially about health.
The platform is full of short, engaging videos that often go viral (I love it I must say. It is most entertaining at times!).
One such trend is drinking baking soda water. People claim it offers many health benefits, from weight loss to better kidney function.
But how much of this is true?
Let’s look at the common claims and see what experts say.
Common claims about baking soda water
1. Heps you lose weight
TikTok Claims
Many TikTok users say baking soda water helps with weight loss. They claim it can boost metabolism, burn fat, and even suppress appetite. Videos showing dramatic before-and-after transformations have millions of views.
However, as a health coach, I must say that experts are sceptical. There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that baking soda can help with weight loss. It’s a myth spread by social media. Weight loss is best achieved through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Scientific Evidence
Current research does not support the claim that baking soda water can lead to weight loss. Studies show that lifestyle changes, like diet and exercise, are more effective for weight management. While baking soda may have some benefits, weight loss is not one of them.
2. Lowers blood pressure
TikTok Claims
Some TikTok users believe that baking soda water can help lower blood pressure by neutralising stomach acid and reducing overall acidity in the body. They argue that this can lead to better heart health.
Experts, however, caution against this claim. While baking soda can neutralise stomach acid, it does not have a significant impact on blood pressure. In fact, too much sodium from baking soda can be harmful to those with high blood pressure.
Scientific Evidence
There is no strong scientific evidence to support the claim that baking soda water can lower blood pressure. High sodium intake is linked to increased blood pressure. It’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or health routine.
3. Improves kidney function
TikTok Claims
Claims on TikTok suggest that baking soda water can improve kidney function and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. Some users even share personal stories of how it has helped them manage their condition.
Some studies indicate that sodium bicarbonate can slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, but this should only be done under medical supervision. Self-medicating with baking soda can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor before trying new treatments.
Scientific Evidence
Research on the benefits of baking soda for kidney function is ongoing. While some studies show promise, they are usually done under controlled conditions and medical supervision.
4. Enhances athletic performance
TikTok Claims
Athletes on TikTok claim that baking soda can enhance performance by neutralising lactic acid buildup during intense exercise. They argue that this can lead to better endurance and less muscle fatigue.
While there is some evidence to support this claim, it is not recommended for everyone. Baking soda doesn’t directly combat muscle acidity during intense exercise. Instead, when consumed, it increases blood bicarbonate levels. This extra bicarbonate acts like a buffer, helping to absorb some of the acid produced by your muscles during high-intensity workouts.
By managing the overall acidity in your body, this process can delay fatigue and potentially improve athletic performance. Essentially, baking soda provides your body with additional resources to handle the acid buildup that occurs during strenuous exercise, potentially allowing you to work out harder or longer before exhaustion sets in.
Scientific Evidence
Studies have shown that baking soda can improve performance in high-intensity activities by buffering lactic acid. However, the benefits must be weighed against the potential risks. Please consult a healthcare provider before adding baking soda to your fitness routine.
5. It alleviates heartburn
TikTok Claims
Baking soda is known to neutralise stomach acid, and TikTok users claim it can help with heartburn. They suggest that a small amount of baking soda mixed with water can provide quick relief.
Experts agree that baking soda can help with occasional heartburn, but it should be used sparingly and not as a long-term solution. This is how we used it growing up at home. Not very often, just every now and then, with the occasional heartburn. While baking soda can provide temporary relief, overuse can lead to other health issues. And always it is best to consult a doctor for chronic heartburn.
Scientific Evidence
Scientific evidence supports the use of baking soda for temporary relief of heartburn. However, long-term use can lead to other health issues, like metabolic alkalosis. It’s essential to use it responsibly and consult a healthcare provider for chronic conditions.
6. Detoxifies the body
TikTok Claims
Some TikTok users believe that baking soda water can detoxify the body by balancing pH levels and removing toxins. They argue that this can lead to better overall health…
Experts argue that the body has its own ways to detoxify, mainly through the liver and kidneys. In fact, the idea that baking soda can detoxify the body is largely unfounded. The body’s natural detox processes are probably more than enough for maintaining health.
Scientific Evidence
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that baking soda water can detoxify the body. The body’s natural detox processes are enough for maintaining health. It’s essential to rely on scientifically-backed methods for detoxification.
Additional insights
TikTok & health trends
TikTok has become a powerful platform for spreading health trends, both good and bad. The platform’s short, engaging videos can quickly go viral, reaching millions of users. While some trends are based on scientific evidence, others can be misleading or even dangerous. It’s crucial to approach these trends with scepticism and seek professional advice.
Scientific studies on baking soda
Research on baking soda’s health benefits is ongoing. Some studies show potential benefits in specific medical conditions, but these are usually done under controlled conditions and medical supervision.
It’s essential to rely on credible sources and consult healthcare providers before trying new remedies.
Expert opinions on baking soda water
Health experts generally advise caution when it comes to ingesting baking soda regularly.
While it has some legitimate uses, like treating occasional heartburn, its benefits for other health claims are NOT WELL-SUPPORTED by scientific evidence.
Now, let’s look at the potential risks of baking soda water
Metabolic Alkalosis
Consuming large amounts of baking soda can lead to metabolic alkalosis, a condition where the body’s pH is too high, which can be dangerous. Symptoms include confusion, muscle twitching, and nausea. Electrolyte Imbalances
Too much baking soda can cause electrolyte imbalances, leading to symptoms like muscle weakness, cramps, and irregular heartbeats.
Increased Blood Pressure
High sodium intake from baking soda can increase blood pressure, posing risks for people with high blood pressure or heart conditions. It’s essential to use baking soda responsibly.
In conclusion, many of the health benefits trending on TikTok are NOT SUPPORTED by scientific evidence
While baking soda water has some legitimate uses, many of the health benefits trending on TikTok are NOT SUPPORTED by scientific evidence. It’s essential to approach such trends with scepticism and seek professional medical advice before incorporating them into your health routine.
Final thoughts
Baking soda can be helpful for specific conditions when used correctly. However, it is not a cure-all and should not be consumed in large amounts without medical supervision.
It’s essential to rely on scientifically-backed methods and consult healthcare providers for personalised advice.
Recommendations for health-conscious individuals
For those interested in natural and holistic approaches to health, like myself, it is essential to rely on scientifically-backed methods and consult healthcare professionals before trying new remedies.
Always approach health trends with scepticism and prioritise your well-being!
FAQs
What are the benefits of drinking baking soda water?
Drinking baking soda water can provide temporary relief for heartburn and may have some benefits for athletic performance. However, many of the other claimed benefits are not supported by scientific evidence.
Can baking soda water help with weight loss?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that baking soda water can aid in weight loss. Weight loss is best achieved through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Is it safe to drink baking soda water every day?
Consuming baking soda water every day can lead to potential health risks, such as metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte imbalances. It’s essential to use it responsibly and consult a healthcare provider for personalised advice.
Can baking soda water lower blood pressure?
There is no strong scientific evidence to support the claim that baking soda water can lower blood pressure. High sodium intake from baking soda can increase blood pressure, posing risks for people with high blood pressure.
How does baking soda help with heartburn?
Baking soda neutralises stomach acid, providing temporary relief for heartburn. However, it should be used sparingly and not as a long-term solution.
Can baking soda water detoxify the body?
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that baking soda water can detoxify the body. The body’s natural detox processes, mainly through the liver and kidneys, are enough for maintaining health.
Helpful resources
- Contributors WE. Baking Soda: What Can It Do for You? WebMD [Internet]. [cited 2024 Aug 24]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/baking-soda-do-dont.
- Rogers K. Baking soda water: The benefits and risks of this health trend. CNN [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Aug 24]. Available from: https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/09/health/baking-soda-water-benefits-risks-wellness/index.html.
- Hadzic M, Eckstein ML, Schugardt M. The Impact of Sodium Bicarbonate on Performance in Response to Exercise Duration in Athletes: A Systematic Review. J Sports Sci Med [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2024 Aug 24]; 18(2):271–81. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6544001/.
- Al-Abri SA, Olson KR. Baking Soda Can Settle the Stomach but Upset the Heart: Case Files of the Medical Toxicology Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. J Med Toxicol [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2024 Aug 24]; 9(3):255–8. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3770998/.
