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Baking Soda Remedy for Acid Reflux

| Modified on Sep 26, 2024
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Baking soda has been used to treat digestive problems for generations. This simple but very effective natural remedy works quickly to relieve acid reflux.

How Much Baking Soda Should I use for Acid Reflux?

Add ½ teaspoon baking soda to 4-6 ounces of water, mix it completely and take it internally. This baking soda water will not taste bad, just somewhat salty. It will not only neutralize the acid in your stomach, it will neutralize the acidic feeling in your esophagus as well.  Ideally, the baking soda remedy is taken at least 30 minutes after a meal. Taken with a meal, it can neutralize stomach acid before it has time to digest your food, which is the purpose of the stomach acid.

It is quite likely that the baking soda will cause you to burp, so plan ahead if you don’t want this burp to come while you are around your coworkers or at a social event! This burp will help you to feel better. The burp is a result of the sodium bicarbonate mixing with your stomach acid and producing carbon dioxide gas.

Baking Soda for Acid Reflux - Cautions

If your stomach is overly full of food or drink, baking soda may not be the best option because the resulting carbon dioxide gas in your stomach can make the overly full feeling worse, especially if you are unable to burp. There may also be the rare concern of the stomach actually rupturing from severe distention.

Anyone on a salt restricted diet, with kidney disease or high blood pressure or taking prescription medications should consult a doctor before using baking soda for acid reflux.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Posted by JACKIEDE (MID FLORIDA) on 04/01/2021
 ★★★★★

Any acid in the stomach can be prevented by a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda 2-3 times a day with tap water (not hot or cold). Ever since doing this, I have had no problems - can eat anything now!

Read up on this for yourself...actually helps cure lots of other small health problems and brightens your teeth too! Simple baking soda is a cheap cure for me!

Replied by Janice
(Michigan)
04/03/2021

Do you do this on an empty stomach, or after a meal?

LittleWing
(Boston)
04/06/2021

You can do either. If you've had the wrong thing to eat and you're getting heartburn you can take it then. If you have constant trouble with heartburn you can do either. Maybe once in the morning and then again before bed.

Baking Soda
Posted by B Mcgowan (Usa) on 11/24/2016
 ★★★★★

Acid Reflux ... half teaspoon baking soda and water ... instant relief.

Baking Soda
Posted by Ranee (Indy) on 04/03/2016
 ★★★★☆

I as well have been suffering from acid reflux or Gerd, 30 mg of Prilosec a day and no longer seems to help. The only remedy I've found so far is 1/4 tsp of baking soda in 3 or 4 oz of water, keeps acid out of my throat at night.

Baking Soda
Posted by Shata (California) on 11/02/2013
 ★★★★★

I haven't had a episode of acid reflux, and been this uncomfortable in years. So I've been gambling with the things I eat and so forth. Had to do a quick look up of measurements of baking soda to water. Having a episode to any degree of discomfort is torment. I immediately remember my first epic episode with acid reflux. A whole month of not being able to hold food down for more than 30 mins, felt as if I had food poisoning for 30 days. Being in so much pain I just laid in bed and cried and couldn't move or sleep. Being woke out of my sleep violently from sharp pains as if someone was cutting me. Losing about 100 lbs in 3. 5 months and being mentally scared really turns a light on. Don't over look acid reflux DISEASE as just heart burn or something to take care of when symptoms are present. Really make a life change. Detoxing periodically, eating healthy and exercising is the closest you will get to a cure. My 20 mins are up so back to sleep for me.

Baking Soda
Posted by Will (Memphis, Tennessee ) on 01/23/2013
 ★★★★★

Baking soda for acid reflux - I can't believe how much this helped me out tonight. I am a 27 year old man, and I when I tried to go to bed I was almost in tears and could barely stand up the pain was so bad. I have never had a spell like this before in my life. It was even hard to breath. After the unbearable pain came back a third time in 2 hours, I was on the verge of going to the hospital. I started googling symptoms on my phone and eventually figured out my problem. Thank God I found this site and tried the baking soda. It was almost instant relief. Baking soda worked like a charm. Thanks so much for this site.

Baking Soda
Posted by Joshua (Lebanon, Pennsylvania) on 08/11/2012
 ★★★★★

Hi everyone suffering from acid reflux. No need to for expensive medicines. Two things are necessary: take bicarbonate of soda, which is simple baking soda (not baking powder), and reduce your acid intake by cutting down on acid-rich foods such as alcohol, meats, fish, sugars, oils, fried foods. No need to cut these out completely, rather just cut down and take at least a level teaspoonful of baking soda daily (best in the morning) in a glass of water or juice. Oh, also drink plenty of water each day. Three quarts (liters) of water a day for adults. Sounds like a lot of water but once you start taking more water, you will crave it! Eat more vegetables which are alkaline-rich foods and very necessary for good health. Happy health!

Replied by Drmikedo
(Northumberland, Pa, Usa)
10/22/2012

My favorite use of this is to make Sodium citrate to treat acid reflux. Works by neutralizing and then buffering the stomach's acidity. Does not cause the rebound effect of calcium containing solutions (calcium stimulates the body to secrete more acid, as acid is required for its absorption). Can easily be made by combining 4oz of orange juice with 1/2 tsp of baking soda.

This combined with a diaphramatic release (see accupressure) will cure most cases of episodic acid reflux.

Baking Soda
Posted by Leo (Port Saint Lucie, Fl) on 10/18/2011
 ★★★★★

I woke up at 12:30 at night with a most painful and horrid bout of acid reflux. I drank the baking soda and water and it basically worked. I felt like I wasn't under attack anymore.

Baking Soda
Posted by Axa (Newark, Ca) on 06/03/2011
 ★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

My uncle, recently past away and he had regular acid reflux. He used baking soda as a remedy to ease his pain, however after 10-15 years of doing this he eventually went to the ER and it was discovered that half of his large intestines had deteriorated. There could be a lot of factors involved here, and I am no doctor, but I sure as heck am staying away from taking in chemicals like baking soda to try and alleviate a problem. There is a difference between trying to cure a symptom and a problem. Find the root of the problem and solve that for long-term impact.

Replied by Shivagreg
(Kiamesha Lake, Ny)
10/30/2011
★★★★★

There is not a more benign chemical on the face of the earth than sodium bicarbonate, and nothing is better to neutralize an acid stomach. A little carbon dioxide will be given off - you will burp - and that is that. You can't take too much - it's essentially non-toxic. And your stomach will naturally adjust it's pH to digest the food you eat. The idea that sodium bicarb would cause some disease is sheer ignorance. It's never happened.

The cure for acid reflux and an acidic stomach is a diet rich in green vegetables, tomatoe products, citris fruits, and milk or yogurt - in other words, basic reacting foods. Starches - which break down into sugar - are to be avoided. That includes especially potatoes and white flour, and, of course, sugar. Period. Shun oils, don't eat fried foods of any kind, and no alcohol. Beef is very fatty - You're better off eating a bit of non-fried chicken if you want some meat.

And that's how you cure acid reflux. If you think you might have ulcers, get checked for it. A quick course of anti-biotics should wipe them out; then treat your stomach well by watching what you put in it. If you're interested, look up Edgar Cayce's advice on diet - it's a good place to start. Good luck!

Replied by Dee
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
02/26/2012

I have to disagree about starches, I am a diabetic, I eat green vegetables, I do not eat flour, sugar, very limited dairy products, I drink water, and have acid reflux. I also eat tums, and take prilosec, nothing seems to work!

Replied by Brother Helper
(Pittsburg, California)
03/12/2012
★★★★★

My wife used it. And she's cured from GERD. Sodium bicarbonate is the best treatment for aciditis of all sorts. even cancer cure.

Replied by Sickboy
(Valpo, In)
05/06/2012

brother helper how long and how much did your wife take to cure the GERD? I believe I have GERD (i heard it can cause asthma like symtoms) I took a little seems to help, but can you be detailed on the amount, how many times a day, and how long to take it. Thanks

Replied by Marty
(Chattanooga, Tn)
11/25/2016

You should not be eating tomatoes if you have GERD. You are only asking for trouble! Also, acidy fruits, try to limit. Most Dr's will tell you to avoid tomatoes, onions, chocolate, fried foods, and spicy food.

Baking Soda
Posted by Shotzie (Lynchburg, Va) on 04/05/2010
 ★★★★★

Last night I had such an attack of gastric acid reflux I thought I was going to have a heart attack and die. I am not exaggerating. I tried everything ice, tums, milk.... Then I went on line and googled your site. I tried the baking soda 1/4 tsp in 8 oz of water and what a difference. WOW I am singing your praises today. Did sleep upright in the recliner finally got some sleep. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Why hasn't a doctor told me this before? Today I do have some chest congestion ( I think I got some acid in my lungs) but what a difference. I have bookmarked your site and will be here again. Thanks so much!!!

Replied by Jane
(New York)
10/02/2010
★★★★★

I have tried may home remedies but nothing has given me the relief that baking soda has given, I would strongly recommend this.

Replied by Mckenziee
(Bluefield Va, Virginia)
11/15/2010

I have acid reflux so bad, that it bends me over double, feels like a ball of fire right in the top part of my stomach, I mix a teaspoon of baking soda and half glass of water, and drink it, and within a min a so it is totaly gone, no medicines the dorctor has perscribed me worked, I mean none, this worked a mirace!!!

Replied by Brian
(Baltimore, Md)
03/01/2011
★★★★★

I have pretty bad acid reflux. I've tried changing my diet, staying away from foods that are obvious starters for attacks. Nothing works. Somedays I wake up with it. A friend of the family, who is a doctor in rural michigan, turned me on to the idea of using baking soda and water. It kills the condition almost instantly when you have attacks. It is no cure... but man it is way cheaper than tums and boy does it ever work better.

Replied by Trudy1989
(Waverly, Ohio)
04/07/2011
★★★★★

Amazing, I just woke up with my most horrible acid reflux attack ever. was trying anything and everything to take away the burn and hurt. I started searching on the web for quick relief remedies. I came upon this one with the baking soda. WOW, WOW, WOW - I am amazed at how quickly it helped, literally minutes!!! Now I think I can go back to sleep - just 30 minutes ago I was bawling with discomfort!! Thank you for recommending baking soda in water - I know I will always have it on hand from here on out.

Replied by Kareng
(Sugarland, Texas, Usa)
04/07/2011

I have suffered with Acid Reflux for a couple of years. In the beginning I could take these remedies and get relief as well. As it progressively got worse nothing would help and it would even occur when I drank only water or ate very little raw food. Through much research and experiments to find the CAUSE, I found that a good vegiterian Enzyme mixture, and a superior Acidopholis/Preboitics combo along with Liver and Gallbladder Support have solved the problem. I also found that I am sensitive to Nightshades (like peppers and tomatoes), these cause pain everytime! I believe this sensitivity along with my Gluten intolerance, Adrenal Fatigue and weight problems are just symptoms of Candida and Heavy Metal Toxicity. Through much Stress and poor health throughout my life I stuggle with these myriad ailments constantly. I have learned to look at everything as a symptom and then to search out the cause. So often we treat the symptom instead of the cause, which only gets us temporary relief.

Replied by Cherie
(Jacksons Gap, Al)
08/31/2011
★★★★★

I honestly cannot believe that this worked! I was spending the weekend @ our lakehouse in AL. I woke up @ 2am with horrendous heart burn & relux. I have suffered from this condition on & off for most of my life, taking both over-the-counter & prescription medicines. Unfortunately, I was far far away from an open pharmacy or convenience store, and in desperation researched the internet for a possible home rememdy. Thank goodness I stumbled upon this site!!! The overachiever that I am, instead of using 1/4 tsp. of baking soda, I used 1/2 tsp. In 8 oz. of water. Though it was a little bitter, I drank all of it. After about 15 - 20 minutes, most of my reflux was gone. I was able to go back to sleep. This is truly a simple but effective cure. Yea!!!

Baking Soda
Posted by Thepointedhat (Sacramento, Ca, Usa) on 02/06/2010
 ★★★★★

I, too, have used baking soda (Bicarb Soda) as a remedy for acid reflux. As opposed to adding it to a full glass of water, however, I add 1/8 teaspoon to approximately 2 ounces of water, and top with two drops of peppermint essential oil. I can then down it in one go. The peppermint oil helps disguise the taste of the soda, and has the added benefit of also being a natural remedy for indigestion and heartburn - hence its use in a certain, pink, chalky liquid I'm sure we're all familiar with.

Since discovering this remedy, I've stopped buying commercial antacids altogether. Baking soda is so much more effective - and budget friendly, too!

Replied by Gina
(Morgantown, Wv)
08/28/2011

Pepermint oil is a trigger for a lot of people who suffer from Gerd. Please make sure it isn't one of your triggers before trying. Otherwise, you will just be adding to the problem.

Replied by Saab
(Mtl, Canada)
09/03/2011

same here, I suffer more if I take mint juice or mint extract to soothe my stomach problems, as it causes acid reflux ( I believe I have low stomach acid)

better to try baking soda, or aloe vera gel

Replied by Scar1ett
(Lethbridge, Alberta)
10/17/2012
★★★★★

I just wanted to mention that I have read that peppermint is bad for acid reflex and I have tried it, and found it true. It made everything worse. Baking soda has worked for me for years. A doctor once told me to be careful because there is a lot of salt in it. Does anyone know if that is true?

Baking Soda
Posted by Krisstyle (Compton, Ca) on 02/19/2009
 ★★★★★

I was on EC site on the 18th. I had a co-worker tell me about the baking soda awhile back but I never tried it. I read some testimonials and I tried it last night because I always get it so bad in the morning. Ted said thats when the acid acts up. But I declare, I drink half a glass of alkaline water with half tsp of baking soda 15 min before I went to bed and this morning was the best. I went to urinate for atleast 2 min. I kid you not and I didn't sit during the night. I definitly will keep you posted. Thanks

Replied by Robert
(Palm Coast, Florida)
11/26/2009

Taking two little teaspoons of Baking Soda stirred very well eliminate the acid buildup in your stomach and can relieve the Belching and the burning in your stomach. IT DOES NOT CURE acid reflux, but especially around Thanksgiving you can actually get some sleep during the night and not take fizzy things that only relieve it for a few minutes. Baking soda dissolved very well! It really helps the ACID reflux!

Replied by Andrea Dixon
(Chico, Ca)
11/27/2009

You can also drink club soda.

Baking Soda
Posted by Gina (Newport, UK) on 12/23/2007
 ★★★★★

Thank you for this site. I had lump in throat, uncomfortable in the back discomfort in the chest area. ACID REFLUX was taking over. Now honestly I do not have any symptons I drank southern comfort last night for the first time in years. The cure for me was, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in the morning and night, still taking omeprazole in the day. NO CHOCOLATE OR FAT WHAT SO EVER. Porridge for break fast. No more pain. Honest.

Baking Soda
Posted by Len (Chicago, IL) on 10/25/2006
 ★★★★★

I had astounding relief from ACV at first but sometimes it doesn't help. It seems like I need to maintain a balance of acidity. So I still use ACV once in a while. I use 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda to 4 ounces of water in the evening, helps a lot. I seem to get some help from Melatonin occasionally. There is a study on the net that showed success with Melatonin but the dosage is still being debated. If I wake up with pain I immediately take some Alkaseltzer in water which provides the best quick relief. These things are allowing me to live with this. Of course I don't eat after 7:00 PM. Best wishes, Len.

Replied by Hector Vargas
(Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia)
01/18/2009

I just wanted to ask Len to check the ingredients of Alkaseltzer --Basically, baking soda and aspirin. I believe that aspirin does more harm than good to the stomach. Perhaps the baking soda alone would do a better job. More economically, too.

Thank you all for the comments on the site. They're very helpful. Hector

Baking Soda
Posted by Hazel (USA) on 08/30/2006
 ★★★★★

A pinch of Bi-Carbonate of Soda mixed with diluted orange juice or fruit juice as it will make the Bi-Carbonate of Soda fizz, when it does you need to drink it straight away, I have been using this for acid indigestion for the last 20 years and have found it to work every time. This cures all forms of acid indigestion and as my husband suffers from diverticulitis, I give him this to neutralize the acid. Hope this works for you as much as it has for me.

Baking Soda
Posted by Sandra (Huntington Beach, CA) on 03/24/2006
 ★★★★★

Wow, I am so glad I found your site as my body is desperate for a natural cure! I have been on proton pump inhibitors for over a year and still have acid with reflux. I have just started my own research for an alternative to drug therapy. I have not got a pH tester as yet but the baking soda has made a difference. I am concerned that I do not have enough stomach acid to digest my food though??? Help! Thanx.


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