Sodium Bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda is an antacid used in the treatment of heartburn. It comes in tablet or capsule form, but it mixture can also be formulated at home.
- Baking soda neutralizes the acid in the stomach to give relief to heart burn
- It can be taken by both adults and kids, but at different dosages
- It is not an advisable treatment for patients who have issues with fluid and electrolyte issues
What is Heartburn?
- Heartburn is the common term given to Acid Reflux Disease
- This is when stomach acids rise up through the esophagus giving patients that burning sensation
- It is considered a form of indigestion
- Increase acidity in the stomach may be caused by a number of factors.
- Medication, home remedies, and lifestyle changes can help to treat heartburn
Causes of Heartburn
Some of the common causes of the condition include:
- Eating too much too fast
- Eating high-fat foods
- Eating spicy foods
- Obesity
- Certain medication – there are some drugs that can lead to an increase in the production of gastric acid
Baking Soda for Heartburn Recipe
There are many different recipes to taking Baking Soda as a treatment for heartburn. Here are some suggestions.
- Dissolve 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda in one 8 oz glass of water
- Dissolve 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 1 tablespoon of honey in a cup of water
Be careful not to take sugar with Baking Soda as sugar can also lead to an increase in the acidity of the stomach.
How to Take Baking Soda for Heartburn
- Take once to relieve the pain
- Dosage may be repeated for up to 2 to 3 times a day, but not for longer than 2 weeks.
Despite the widespread use, some clinical trials suggest there is no marked difference between the results of patients who have been treated with baking soda and those treated with placebo.
Lifestyle Changes for Patients With Heartburn
- Eat Smaller Meals More Frequently – this decreases the strain on the stomach and can help prevent heart burns
- Avoid trigger foods – patients are going to be able to determine what their trigger foods are. Once triggers have been pointed out, it is important to avoid them. Common triggers include:
- High Fat Foods
- Sugary Foods
- Foods High in Insoluble Fiber
- Avoid smoking and drinking – these can lead to an aggravation of the condition
- Exercise Regularly
- If Overweight, Lose Weight