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Sodium Bicarbonate and Health Concerns

Sodium bicarbonate is a white, soluble powder with a number of different applications. These include acting as a leavening agent in cooking (baking soda) and a retardant in fire extinguishers. Individuals also use sodium bicarbonate, in tablet or powdered form (diluted in water), as a cure for acid indigestion, heartburn and other stomach-related issues. However, there are some sodium bicarbonate health concerns that you should be aware of (especially if you take it frequently).

  1. Headache

    • According to the MedicineNet website, taking more than the recommended dosage of sodium bicarbonate (the dosage will be labeled on the specific product that you are using) is known to cause headaches.

    Nausea and Vomiting

    • Excessive usage of sodium bicarbonate is also linked to nausea, which is a feeling of sickness that is usually accompanied by an inclination to vomit. According to the MedicineNet website, this feeling can also sometimes culminate in actual vomiting (and the vomit will likely be of a coffee-grind consistency).

    Muscle Issues

    • According to the MedicineNet website, excessive sodium bicarbonate intake can also cause problems with your muscular system. This can result in slow reflexes, muscle weakness and, according to Drugs.com, rigidity of the muscles.

    Confusion

    • Taking too much sodium bicarbonate can also lead to confusion or mental stupor. This is likely because sodium bicarbonate contains hydrogen. According to Drugs.com, hydrogen compounds are able to permeate the layer of blood around your brain more easily than bicarbonate compounds, which can result in a drop in pH of the cerebrospinal fluids in your brain.

    Allergic Reaction

    • According to Drugs.com, some individuals may be allergic to sodium bicarbonate. During a reaction, these individuals will often suffer from hives, rashes, chest tightness and swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth or face.

    Bowel Troubles

    • Taking an excess of sodium bicarbonate is known to cause your stools to turn tar-like and black, according to the MedicineNet website.

    Hyperreninemia

    • According to Drugs.com, chronically ingesting sodium bicarbonate may, in rare instances, cause hyperreninemia, which is a condition characterized by an increase of renin in your blood. Specialized cells in your kidneys secrete renin when your body has low blood volume or low blood-sodium levels.

    Hyperaldosteronemia

    • Chronically ingesting sodium bicarbonate can also, in rare circumstances, result in hyperaldosteronemia, or an increase of aldosterone in your blood. Aldosterone is a hormonal steroid that helps regulate the balance of water and sodium in your body.

    Metabolic Alkalosis

    • According to Drugs.com, taking too much sodium bicarbonate may also produce metabolic alkalosis, which is an acidic disturbance caused by excessive concentrations of bicarbonate in your plasma (or the aqueous part of your blood). Alkalosis may also be associated with alkalemia, which is a change in your blood's pH.

    Gastrointestinal Problems

    • Ingesting sodium bicarbonate after eating large meals (or drinking lots of liquids) can cause an increase in gassiness. According to Drugs.com, in rare instances, this problem may escalate into a gastric rupture (or a tear in your stomach lining).

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