Warnings and Contraindications
Everything needs to be taken in balance.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is generally well tolerated. However, high doses may cause headache, nausea or irritability. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: muscle weakness, slow reflexes and confusion, swelling of the feet or ankles, black tar-like stools, coffee-ground vomit. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not use if you are on a sodium restricted diet unless directed by a doctor. Ask a doctor or a pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug. Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs. Do not administer to children under age 5 without careful consideration. To avoid injury do not take sodium bicarbonate until the powder is completely dissolved and it is very important not to take baking soda when overly full from food or drink. Consult a doctor if severe stomach pain occurs after taking this product.
“I nearly died after taking this stuff,” said William Graves, who suffered a rupture through the wall of his stomach in 1979 after taking baking soda mixed in water for indigestion after a big meal. The 64-year-old resident of Bethesda,Md., who is editor of National Geographic Magazine, said that only emergency surgery saved his life and that six more operations were needed to repair the damage. Though there are only a few documented cases users need to know of the dangers.
Adverse reactions to the administration of sodium bicarbonate can include metabolic alkalosis, edema due to sodium overload, congestive heart failure, hyperosmolar syndrome, hypervolemic hypernatremia, and hypertension due to increased sodium. In patients who consume a high calcium or dairy-rich diet, calcium supplements, or calcium-containing antacids such as calcium carbonate (e.g., Tums), the use of sodium bicarbonate can cause milk-alkali syndrome, which can result in metastatic calcification, kidney stones, and kidney failure.
In rare cases, metabolic alkalosis develops in a person who has ingested too much base from substances such as baking soda (bicarbonate of soda). Severe metabolic alkalosis (ie, blood pH >7.55) is a serious medical problem. Mortality rates have been reported as 45% in patients with an arterial blood pH of 7.55 and 80% when the pH was greater than 7.65.
Administration of sodium bicarbonate in amounts that exceed the capacity of the kidneys to excrete this excess bicarbonate may cause metabolic alkalosis. This capacity is reduced when a reduction in filtered bicarbonate occurs, as observed in renal failure, or when enhanced tubular reabsorption of bicarbonate occurs, as observed in volume depletion.[1]
Metabolic alkalosis is the most common acid-base disturbance observed in hospitalized patients, accounting for approximately 50% of all acid-base disorders.
• Severe alkalosis causes diffuse arteriolar constriction with reduction in tissue perfusion. By decreasing cerebral blood flow, alkalosis may lead to tetany, seizures, and decreased mental status. Metabolic alkalosis also decreases coronary blood flow and predisposes persons to refractory arrhythmias.
• Metabolic alkalosis causes hypoventilation, which may cause hypoxemia, especially in patients with poor respiratory reserve, and it may impair weaning from mechanical ventilation.
• Alkalosis decreases the serum concentration of ionized calcium by increasing calcium ion binding to albumin. In addition, metabolic alkalosis is almost always associated with hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can cause neuromuscular weakness and arrhythmias, and, by increasing ammonia production, it can precipitate hepatic encephalopathy in susceptible individuals
The physical signs of metabolic alkalosis are not specific and depend on the severity of the alkalosis. Because metabolic alkalosis decreases ionized calcium concentration, signs of hypocalcemia (eg, tetany, Chvostek sign, Trousseau sign), change in mental status, or seizures may be present.
Symptoms of Alkalosis
• Confusion(can progress to stupor or coma)
• Hand tremor
• Light-headedness
• Muscle twitching
• Nausea, vomiting
• Numbness or tingling in the face or extremities
• Prolonged muscle spasms (tetany)
Tell your doctor if you have: pre-existing heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, or any allergies. Because this medication contains a large amount of sodium, remind your doctor if you are on a low sodium diet. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Small amounts of sodium bicarbonate have been found to be present in breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor even though he or she probably will not be fully aware of the benefits since they have never tried using it as a systemic medicine for chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes.
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take and ask him about dangers and side effects that are common with such drugs. This medication has the potential to interact with many medications. Do not take any other medication within 1 to 2 hours of taking an antacid. If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include irritability, muscle rigidity, and seizures.
Before taking sodium bicarbonate, tell your doctor if you are taking:
• mecamylamine (Inversine)
• methenamine (Mandelamine)
• ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• antacids
• a tetracycline antibiotic such as tetracycline (Sumycin, Achromycin V, and others), demeclocycline (Declomycin), doxycycline (Vibramycin, Monodox, Doxy, and others), minocycline (Minocin, Dynacin, and others), or oxytetracycline (Terramycin, and others)
You may not be able to take sodium bicarbonate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up. Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat, light and moisture.
Make sure you only take a small amount of baking soda solution at any given time, since alkaline substances can neutralize most if not all acids in the stomach, causing the stomach to create more acid. This can, in turn, lead to more heartburn, which will cause you to ingest more baking soda solution and start a dangerous cycle.
Folic acid is needed by the body to utilize Vitamin B12.[2] Antacids, including sodium bicarbonate, inhibit folic acid absorption.1 People taking antacids are advised to supplement with folic acid.
[2] Russell RM, Golner BB, Krasinski SD, et al. Effect of antacid and H2 receptor antagonists on the intestinal absorption of folic acid. J Lab Clin Med 1988;112:458–63.
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Thanks for the handy hints doc:-)
Its a pity the general medical gurus refuse to accept anything But drugs and to do No reading outside of the regimented Pharma issues.
The too busy excuse ,is a sad cop out.
Learn muscle testing and let your body tell you if you need it. Always, test to be sure.
I have a question with ref to this sentence in the article:
“”"Get two amps of bicarbonate,” I say to the intern. The jugular line takes seconds, and I flush it with sodium bicarbonate. This probably will correct the blood’s extreme acidity, which I suspect is driving up the potassium…..”"”
I have a friend who is diabetic and also has Parkinson’s (for 17 yrs). He is presently in hospital with multiple fractures from being hit by a car. I was visiting him when the nurse arrived to give him some pills. They are giving him potassium. A diabetic has acid blood so is this a good idea giving him potassium? Seems to me from reading your article they should be trying to alkalize his body, why potassium?
Also, you should have seen the food they were feeding to a diabetic… This man, prior to his accident had changed his diet to include a ton of vegetables & some fruit, fish no meat or cheese, and had in 2 months reduced his fasting blood sugar from 350 to 150, only thru a dietary change….in addition to that, he had his Parkinson’s tremblings so under control from spending time body building that his doctor said that if he didn’t know he had Parkinson’s he would never be able to guess it…he had made the tremors totally disappear and had changed his life….Poor guy, he is now back to square one, but he is very courageous….
the use of sodium BiCarbonate suggess the use of Alkaseltzer…. Is this a good version, as it contains aspirin.
Would not a sensible thing be to take one’s saliva ph before taking baking soda and if already above 7 ph, not to take it?
Thank you,
Lucretia
Harry,
Aspirin should never be taken on a regular basis. We do not recommend this. There are many possible side effects from aspirin including bleeding ulcers. Take the sodium bicarbonate by itself.
Sincerely,
Claudia French RN, LPHA
Assistant Director, IMVA
Hi Lucretia,
Yes it is always a good idea to check pH before taking bicarbonate, and we recommend everyone get some pH strips and do this. Let your pH be your guide to taking bicarbonate, and if it is 7 use bicarbonate with reservation. It may be that your diet is keeping you alkaline!!!
Sincerely,
Claudia French RN, LPHA
Assistant Director, IMVA
I was under the impression that Baking soda was very very safe ?
This e-mail indicates some very serious reactions if not having
the right information.
I have bought the book ” Poor Mans Cancer cure ” I guess I better read it again.
Sincerely
Bill Sangster
I seem to have problems getting the maple syrup and bicarbonate of soda to bind. How long should it be cooked and how hot?
Clarence,
The instructions state to cook the bicarb and maple syrup together for about 5 minutes over not too high heat. When I did this I did not have a problem with binding. It came out ok.
For others with questions about sodium bicarbonate dosing I would refer you to Dr. Sircus article about this at: http://www.imva.info/news/oral-dosages-of-bicarbonate.html
Sincerely,
Claudia French RN, LPHA
Apparently sodium bicarbonate should not be used with aluminium.
Are there any possible negative interactions between sodium bicarbonate or magnesium chloride and titanium implants?
I had to have hip replacements because I had a congenital hip deformity and the joints wore down much earlier than usual. The operations were very successful and I consider myself to be ‘normal’ again. However,I like to be sure what I take is safe.
Thanks.
Carla
well the bakeing soda an maple syrup help cronic lukema lois
Carla,
Glad you had successful surgery!
We are not aware of any problem using magnesium or sodium bicvarbonate with titanium implants, but please check with your primary care doctor.
Sincerely,
Claudia French RN, LPHA
IMVA
Dear Lois,
Dr. Tulio Simoncini believes that baking soda will help in Leukemia, so should the maple syrup and baking soda.
Sincerely,
Claudia French RN, LPHA
IMVA
Would one use sodium bicarbonate as maintenance? If so, what dose, how often.
Thank you
When I take magnesium or use bicarb as a buffer with my vit c or if I take a bath with Epsom salts, I get a sudden & often severe wave of all over fatigue & muscle weakness.
Any idea why this might happen?
My blood pH (in ABG) is always slightly alkalotic eg 7.47. Could this mean when I take bicarb etc my body/blood becomes too alkaline?
I take digestive enzymes daily due to poor digestion.
I also have Chronic Fatigue & shortness of breath.
Thank you very much for your feedback/opinion … It is greatly appreciated.
Not sure about the bicarbonate, but magnesium is well known for its muscle relaxing effects and this could be why you feel the wave of all over fatigue after taking it. It is often recommended for assisting in better sleep at night.
Sincerely,
Claudia French
IMVa
Hello, i have been experimenting with taking baking soda with water to help with various issues, which i think it is helping. However, since i began doing this, i missed my period. I am always regular, and i am wondering if the baking soda could possibly be the cause.
Thank you,
christy
Christy,
We are not aware of sodium bicarbonate causing missed periods.
My wife is taking oxycodone and oxycontin for pain due to a tumor, which I know many other cancer patients take. Both our Doctor and Pharmicist said that ingesting sodium bicarbonate along with these meds could negatively affect their respitory system and told us not to do it. Is this more suppresion of alternative methods or could this really be dangerous?
Dear Ed,
Sodium Bicarbonate , if it raises the pH too fast and you become too alkaline too fast, can affect the respiratory system.
Respiratory side effects have included suppressed respiratory drive, due to increased venous CO2 concentraation, especially if given too rapidly http://www.drugs.com/sfx/sodium-bicarbonate-side-effects.html
Oxycontin/Oxycodone is an opioid and one of the side effects of this pain killer is often slowed breathing….so a combination of the two may not be a good idea.
Dear Claudia, Kindly throw in some light–What minimum dose of sodium bicarbonate, a prof. training body-builder, with a high protein diet ( I know it’s not healthy, but sport demands…) should take? I know pH test should be done first, but I can’t convince my husband about it, so I think if I give him 1/2 tsp bicarb twice a day won’t do any harm…after all, body-builders eat up to 80 egg whites a day+ lots of whey powder (must be very acidic!). How long is it safe to continue with bicarb? Thank you!
Dear Victoria,
Do not become overzealous with dosages of sodium bicarbonate. Only under special circumstances can bicarb be used liberally. (cancer treatment and even then with breaks in treatment needed Please read this essay again on the contraindications for sodium bicarbonate use. Not only should pH be checked at the beginning of treatment, but it should be checked daily to make sure your partner does not go above 7.4. While your partner may indeed be acidic due to his diet it is much safer to alter his diet to keep an alkaline pH. When our partners do not agree it is so much more difficult to provide safe care. Perhaps you can convince him to read the Bicarbonate book by Dr. Sircus. Over alkalinization can lead to very serious problems including heart attack!
Having said that, the recommendations on the box of Arm and Hammer sodium bicarbonate state that no more than 7 half tsp. should be taken in a 24 hour period, and no more than 3 half tsp if over age 50.
Dear Claudia, thank you so much for advice! It help me convince my husband to get pH tests, and I guess you are right, I was getting overzealous, so I’ll be careful. All the best,V.
Dear Claudia
Please advise – my niece of 4 years of age has a tumor growing on top of her adrenal glands. It is too big for surgery. We have bought all the ingredients for the maple syrup bicard remedy – as the cancer is aggressive and at stage 3 we need to know what dose we are looking at and how often. please can you help us. Also how long before we see anything work? I have heard it is pretty fast. We only heard about this Wednesday and are very stressed please help please!
Dear Overwhelmed,
You must contact Dr. Sircus for a personal consultation to get the dosages necessary to treat your niece’s tumor. He will need a complete history in order to give you dosages. You will also have to check her pH levels daily and aim for pH of 8 which should be held for a week or so and then a pause in treatment is necessary….I hope you have read the sodium bicarbonate book available at IMVA publications.
Please conact Luciana : [email protected] to arrange a consultation with Dr. Sircus about your neice’s condition and the treatment options.
i used using 10 days protocol baking soda last month but still no improvement, can i repeat the process again and how long will it take?
Victor,
After taking a break for about a week you can begin using sodium bicarbonate again. How much were you using? Did you also alter your diet to more alkaline foods? Cut down on meat and sugars? Did you drink two glasses of water with i/2 of a squeezed fresh lemon per day? Did you increase your intake of green leafy vegetables?
Hello,
I have been taking something called ALKA POWDER CAPSULES. They contain 1200 mg Sodium Bicarbonate, also Potassium Bicarbonate and Tri-sodium Citrate. Does that sound good to you? Why the extra ingredients? My Naturopathic doctor has had me taking this for cancer treatment. He started me on a very high dose…4 caps every morning. Now I only take one because it was giving me stomach pain. Please let me know what you think of this supplement.
Hi Olga,
We generally don’t like to comment on other products, especially when we are not familiar with them. And we don’t know about this one you have been advised to take. I can tell you that we do know of products that combine the various salts together and they can be very useful in some cases. They tend to balance each other out when needed. Dr. Sircus is familiar with Robert Young’s pHour salts Phour salts contain four different carbonate salts: sodium bicarbonate (the active ingredient in baking soda), magnesium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and calcium bicarbonate. I can only assume the product your naturopath recommended is similar. This type of product acts to alkalinize in a similar manner to sodium bicarbonate, but with the additiion of the other mineral salts. They should only be used under a doctors supervision to prevent the possibility of overdoing the potassium etc.
Hello,
I was using the maple syrup and baking soda for about 3 weeks and it made me feel so much better. I am now in thailand and Maple syrup is hard to find is there a substitute? I tried sugar and a half teaspoon Baking soda and had a bad reaction (hand shakes, lightheadedness, panic attacks…)and spent 1 hour sucking limes to get acid back into my body. Is this a reaction to the baking soda or is there maybe aluminum in the baking soda. Is lime juice a good treatment for this side effect?
Steve,
Dr. Sircus’ recommends molasses as a substitute for maple syrup….it has many more nutrients. Never heard of the reaction you are talking about….limes cause the body to become MORE alkaline despite the thought that these are acidic…in the body they caluse alkalinity. Could your blood sugar have gotten too low? reactions to this are similar to your description.
Who knows what kind of sodium bicarb is sold in Thailand? Whatever you get, it should say only 100% sodium bicarbonate on the package………no additives whatsoever. Then there should be no aluminum in it.
Hi,
I think the Warnings and Contraindications should be the first article on your website, because some people could easily think that seeing this product is sooo good, there could be no side effects!
Its not as simple as it reads & some people could damage their health by taking it!
Thanks Leonardo,
Even the least toxic substances can have ill effects on a person…..for example, too much water can ause problems for some. Dr. Sircus uses very natural products , nurtitional medicine if you will ….and there is little chance that these will cause a problem. Of course that always depends on how well a person’s system is functioning in general. Are there digestive problems or kidney problems that might render something more risky to take???? Yes there are and when we come upon any new treatment or substance, you should all research that substance as you know your body best, before you make a decision. Warnings and Contraindications are always included in Dr. Sircus’ books and we encourage everyone to read those chapters carefully. Thanks!
Help I am addicted to a substance called ENO which contains sodium bicarbonate 50% and sodium citrate mixture. What should I do about this I dont know if my blood has high PH but I do have some of the symtoms stated above. I just can stop myself eating this stuff.
Rebecca,
You don’t mention how “addicted” you are to ENO……it is used for baking and for digestive problems and sold mostly in Europe.
We are not familiar with ENO and when I looked it up the pkg. stated that there was a 30g limit per 24 hours.
If you are using this too often and feeling symptoms you need to go to your local pharmacy and get some pH papers and check that.
If you are indeed overloading with sodium bicarbonate you need to cut down on using this product.
Thank you Claudia for your advice. Yes you are right it is sold mostly in Europe but I get my supply from Asian stores that sell the stuff too. I go through 100g bottle easily within 3 days. I am also getting very dry mouth. I will go to the pharmacy and pick up the pH papers. What is the safe range on the Ph paper?
Hi Rebecca,
Safe pH range is 6.5 to 7.3 or 7.4. It should be marked on the packaging.
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