Baking soda for seniors: what it can—and can’t—do
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has some legitimate medical uses, but claims that one baking-soda method can treat 13 common health problems are generally exaggerated.
Legitimate uses
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Heartburn: Sodium bicarbonate can temporarily neutralize stomach acid, but it isn’t a good routine treatment for frequent heartburn.
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Some forms of metabolic acidosis: Doctors may prescribe bicarbonate for specific medical conditions, particularly certain kidney disorders. This requires medical monitoring.
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Oral care: Baking-soda toothpaste can help remove plaque and neutralize acids, but ordinary fluoride toothpaste remains important for preventing cavities.
Why seniors should be cautious
Swallowing baking soda adds a substantial amount of sodium. Excessive use can cause electrolyte disturbances and metabolic alkalosis and may be particularly risky for people with high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease, or those taking certain medications.
It should not be promoted as a treatment for diabetes, kidney disease, urinary infections, arthritis, cancer, high blood pressure, or “detoxification.”
If you’re considering it for heartburn
Occasional heartburn may sometimes be treated with an appropriate over-the-counter antacid, but recurrent heartburn should be evaluated rather than repeatedly treating it with baking soda.
Bottom line: Baking soda is useful in specific circumstances, but there isn’t a safe recipe that treats 13 unrelated health problems. For older adults in particular, regularly drinking baking-soda mixtures without medical advice can create more risk than benefit.
