Dealing with Heartburn: The Odd Remedy of Baking Soda
The inconvenience of going through a heartburn episode can be temporary for some, but last days for others. Since it’s a naturally occurring condition, it can strike at any moment, even if you try to avoid food items that can trigger it. Besides purchasing expensive over-the-counter (OTC) medication, one home-based solution gaining popularity is the use of baking soda. Although it can seem like an odd remedy, there’s plenty of surprising truths to its effects, along with some dangers you should consider.
Experiencing the difficulties of heartburn
Heartburn is a symptom affecting over 15 million Americans daily. The tightness in your chest and throat can occur due to high stress levels, lack of sleep, and eating particular foods. Additionally, it can result from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which entails more severe complications if left untreated.
The burning sensation is followed by a vomit-like taste in the mouth, leading to coughing and other symptoms. Although it can happen sporadically, it occurs more frequently due to specific lifestyle factors. The pain you feel occurs when your lower esophageal sphincter relaxes and allows stomach acid and other undigested food back into the esophagus. Although its symptoms lead to temporary minor discomfort, continuous exposure to stomach acid can deteriorate your esophagus’ lining.
Discovering baking soda as a heartburn solution
Taking doses of sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, has potential heartburn relieving properties. It’s a primary ingredient of many OTC antacids brands, making it a possible home-based remedy without paying a high price tag. Baking soda works by neutralizing your stomach acid, mitigating any potential risk of making them flow back to your esophagus. Dissolving a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a 4-ounce glass of water is generally the best way to receive it as a home-based treatment. Remember to sip it slowly and in increments to avoid any potential risks of diarrhea. If heartburn persists, you can take another dose after two hours.
Although it can seem like a simple solution, there are many rules you need to observe to ensure the right dosage. First, it’s best to take sodium bicarbonate at least two hours after taking other forms of medicine. Otherwise, your adjusted metabolism and stomach acid may not function properly in giving your prescription’s effect. Also, you should know if your physician put you on a sodium-restricted diet. Taking in sodium bicarbonate can be harmful to your body in large amounts, especially if you have appendicitis.
Understanding the risks of using baking soda as a remedy
It’s important to remember that home-based remedies will vary in effect, even if many people report their positive results. Unlike prescription medication, you do not receive an accurate dosage that will match your condition’s needs. Because of this, you can suffer potential side effects like increased thirst, stomach cramps, and kidney diseases. Thankfully, you can avoid these risks by getting a professional medical opinion from your doctor. Doing so will also educate you on the proper method of undergoing this treatment if you want to push through with it.
Conclusion
Remember to consult your physician before you try any home-based solutions and medications. It’s important to listen to medical experts and to receive a professional opinion. For example, they may permit you to undergo this home-based treatment but under a specific dosage. An active line of communication with your doctor will prevent you from being at risk of baking soda’s side effects.
Before you start considering acid reflux treatment with baking soda, it’s best to consult official sources that can point you in the right direction. If you need reliable safety tips and medical advice for your heartburn, check out our blog for the resources you need.
If you’re looking to treat your heartburn, visit our Heartburn No More website for some extremely useful tips.
