Baking soda—also known as sodium bicarbonate—is a common kitchen staple used for baking, cleaning, and even soothing indigestion. But what happens when you consume it daily, especially in a dose like ½ teaspoon? While it may offer some surprising health benefits, its effects on the kidneys are particularly noteworthy—and not always positive.
What Is Baking Soda?
Baking soda is a compound made of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. It’s alkaline, meaning it can neutralize acids. Because of this property, it’s sometimes used medically to treat conditions like acid reflux or metabolic acidosis—a condition where the body becomes too acidic.
Potential Kidney Benefits (Under Medical Supervision)
In controlled clinical settings, sodium bicarbonate has been used to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with metabolic acidosis. A well-known 2009 study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that CKD patients who took sodium bicarbonate supplements experienced a slower decline in kidney function compared to those who didn’t.
Why? Healthy kidneys help maintain the body’s acid-base balance. When kidney function drops, acid builds up in the blood. Baking soda can help neutralize that excess acid, potentially reducing strain on the kidneys.
However—this treatment was carefully monitored by doctors, with precise dosing based on blood tests and individual health status.
Risks of Daily Self-Supplementation
Taking ½ teaspoon (about 2–3 grams) of baking soda daily without medical supervision can pose serious risks, especially for your kidneys:
- High Sodium Load:
Just ½ tsp of baking soda contains about 620–700 mg of sodium. For people with kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart conditions, this extra sodium can increase blood pressure, cause fluid retention, and worsen kidney function over time. - Alkalosis Risk:
Overuse can make your blood too alkaline (a condition called metabolic alkalosis), leading to nausea, muscle twitching, confusion, and even arrhythmias. The kidneys must work harder to correct this imbalance—potentially causing harm. - Electrolyte Imbalances:
Chronic baking soda intake can disrupt potassium, calcium, and chloride levels. Low potassium (hypokalemia), for example, can affect heart rhythm and muscle function—and the kidneys play a central role in regulating these electrolytes. - Not Safe for Healthy Kidneys Long-Term:
Even if your kidneys are healthy now, routinely altering your body’s pH without need may stress renal systems unnecessarily. There’s no evidence that healthy people benefit from daily baking soda—and potential for harm exists.
Who Should Avoid It?
- People with kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart failure
- Those on a low-sodium diet
- Individuals taking diuretics, steroids, or ACE inhibitors (baking soda can interact with these)
- Anyone with edema (fluid retention)
While baking soda has legitimate medical uses—including in specific cases supporting kidney health under strict supervision—taking ½ teaspoon daily on your own is not recommended. For most people, it offers no proven benefit and carries real risks, especially to the kidneys and cardiovascular system.
If you’re considering baking soda for a health concern, consult a healthcare provider first. Your kidneys work hard to keep you balanced—don’t throw them off course with well-intentioned but unguided remedies.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Always speak with a qualified health professional before starting any new supplement regimen.