Does baking soda help with gas?

Does baking soda help with gas? Can baking soda relieve gas and bloating? Bicarbonate is a remedy that we have known about for many years. People use it for many different things, to varying effects. After much research, I will explain to you how to use baking soda to treat gas.

Baking soda is a highly effective treatment for occasional acid reflux and gas. You have to dissolve 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda in a medium glass of water and drink it very slowly to avoid diarrhea and gas. We can repeat this procedure every 2 hours. (Reliable sources 1*, 2*, 3*)

Sodium baking soda has a good review from almost everyone; what they have used it for, it has worked for them.

Gas affects all of us. At times it can even make us have an awful time in front of people we do not want. Not all of us give the same importance to gas, and of course, not all of us are affected in the same chronic way.

According to many experts, sodium bicarbonate of soda has been used to put an end to gas or diminish it greatly. It is one of the best remedies that exist for things that deal with our stomachs.

You can use baking soda for gas in several ways; you can even mix it with many other things to make it more effective. Here I will explain everything you need to know.

What exactly is baking soda?

The main thing is to know what precisely baking soda is. You cannot start taking any remedy without knowing exactly what you are ingesting.

Bicarbonate, also known as sodium carbonate or soda ash, is a white compound obtained from Natron's mineral. This mineral can be found at the bottom or margins of sodium-rich lakes. We can also find it in lava as efflorescence.

Bicarbonate is a very water-soluble compound. It decomposes completely, forming carbon dioxide and water. This incredible decomposition is what makes it so unique for neutralizing all kinds of acids in the stomach.

Bicarbonate is also present in most of the antacids we have today. It relieves heartburn and indigestion, but it is even more special for eliminating gas, which can concern us so much.

It is so effective that many pharmaceuticals use it in medicines such as Alka-Seltzer or Omeprazole.

Most common uses of baking soda

Its most common use is for the stomach because it relieves many things in this area. Bicarbonate is a wonderful element that reduces acidity and it is a neutralizer of stomach gases. It acts by eliminating the excess of harmful acid that tends to accumulate in our stomach and causes so many problems.

You may think that baking soda is a remedy that doctors would not approve of, but no, you're mistaken. Bicarbonate is a fundamental element in the treatment for:

• Gastric hyperacidity.
• Stomach gas.
• Heartburn.
• Reflux.
• Indigestion.

But you cannot always take this, or more specifically, if the symptoms persist, you should visit a doctor.

What precautions should you take before taking baking soda?

Do not ingest bicarbonate excessively

Bicarbonate is a highly recommended remedy for our body, but like all things, if we do them excessively it can cause us harm. You cannot take baking soda for more than a week daily; you can use it once a day once a week, and everything is fine. Excessive and prolonged use can cause systemic alkalosis.

Avoid binding with dairy products, such as milk

You have to keep bicarbonate kept away from food and drink containing dairy products. It is best if you do not ingest them simultaneously, nor should they be mixed. It is best to wait at least 1 hour after eating to take some bicarbonate, as it will not react well with dairy products. In the case of consuming it simultaneously with dairy products, it causes a great increase in gas production. Even mixing them could cause gastric distension in our stomachs.

Avoid taking baking soda 3 times on the same day

We already said that everything in excess is wrong, so taking bicarbonate three times a day is considered excessive. You should avoid it completely. If it does not eliminate gas or relieve heartburn, consult a doctor.

You have to be careful when you are taking medications

You should be very careful when you are taking any medication prescribed by your doctor; bicarbonate may not be the most advisable solution for you. If you are taking any medication, please consult your doctor or a pharmacist beforehand so that he/she can instruct you.

This is especially advisable since baking soda can interact with many common medications. Sometimes baking soda can enhance or decrease the effectiveness of the medicines we take.

Bicarbonate interacts with medications such as:

• Ketoconazole is a special antifungal.
• Medicines that have high iron content, such as those consumed by anemic people.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs that do not contain steroids.
• Also, with some medicines to treat Parkinson's disease.

The truth is that these interactions are somewhat possible to avoid if you are careful. The best thing to do is to allow at least two hours between the time you take the medication and the time you ingest the bicarbonate. The fact that it enhances the medication you are taking can be as alarming as diminishing its effectiveness.

Bicarbonate can also have a great impact on analytical tests. You must be very careful with this. If you are going to do any blood test, the best thing to do is tell your doctor that you have been taking bicarbonate before taking it.

Can I take baking soda for gas in pregnancy?

You should not use antacids containing sodium bicarbonate for gas during pregnancy because they can cause fluid retention. Also, you have to avoid antacids containing magnesium trisilicate because they may pose risks to the baby.

You can take antacids such as ranitidine, cimetidine, famotidine, and nizatidine instead. You can use these drugs in any trimester of pregnancy because they fall into the B category of risk during pregnancy. (4*)

What happens if we abuse baking soda?

When we abuse bicarbonate in a big way, it can cause fatal side effects. It can increase gas, acidity and even cause us to vomit profusely.

It can cause systemic alkalosis in our stomach. Systemic alkalosis is the complete opposite of excess acid in our gut. It can cause weakness in our muscles, excessive anxiety, and shortness of breath.

People for whom the use of baking soda is not recommended

Baking soda is not recommended for:

Children under 11 years of age.

Children tend to have delicate stomachs. Pediatrists don't recommend baking soda for them. If a doctor tells you that you can consume it and it will help you, you can ingest it under their supervision.

People with specific diseases

Bicarbonate is not recommended for those who are hypertensive or have kidney problems.

Likewise, people who have liver or heart problems should avoid consumption. To ingest bicarbonate, it must be under medical supervision that the doctor has indicated directly.

Bicarbonate is not recommended for pregnant women

To ingest bicarbonate, pregnant women must discuss with a doctor who supervises them regularly. Even if they are breastfeeding, it is not recommended. 

People allergic to bicarbonate or with metabolic or respiratory alkalosis should avoid ingesting bicarbonate. It can be very harmful to them.

Other uses you can give to baking soda 

Experts recommend the following remedies. Baking soda has many uses that you can apply for other problems. It is time to explain it to you and also what you should do for gas.

Antiseptic 

You can use sodium bicarbonate as a treatment to relieve any mouth ulcers or blisters that you may have. In turn it also relieves minor sore throats, some burning, if you apply it as a mouthwash by gargling.

Culinary element 

This is a well-known and very effective remedy. Typically people resort to it when it comes to some ingredient for cooking, mostly in baking.

Baking soda serves as a substitute for yeast because it reacts with the components of milk. This causes a bubbling effect and, in turn, makes the dessert much fluffier. It can also be a primary element to rectify the acidity of some food already made and cooked.

Remedy for gas with baking soda

Does baking soda relieve gas? It is best to use it on an empty stomach and one or two hours after meals. Baking soda is an excellent natural antacid to combat these stomach acids that often appear and torment us.

Drinking water helps to relieve gas from the body, as it also has antibacterial properties. It serves to alleviate a myriad of digestive problems that are related to microbes.

The gases produced in the body are not malignant or caused by any disease, and it is something natural. However, if this problem begins to aggravate or get worse, it may be necessary to resort to a health professional.

Sodium bicarbonate is one of the most common, effective, and important products that cannot be missing in our lives. It is best to relieve or eliminate gas quickly and safely.

How much baking soda to relieve gas?

Below, I will leave you the ingredients for the preparation.

Ingredients to prepare the remedy for gas: 

• A ¼ teaspoon of baking soda.
• Lemon juice or it can be three fingers of water and squeeze a lemon.
• Half a glass of water (100 m)

How to prepare the remedy for gases:

1. The first thing you should do is add the lemon juice or squeeze the lemon into the glass of water.
2. The second thing is that after adding the lemon to the water, you should add the baking soda.
3. Immediately you must stir it very well and drink it in one gulp.

Other benefits that baking soda can bring to your life 

Soothe and heal insect bites

It can soothe and heal an insect bite or a minor burn. As in the case of mosquito bites, flea, and tick bites. To relieve the bite, you must make a kind of paste that we will explain below:

1. The first thing you should do is mix 2 to 3 measures of baking soda.
2. The second thing you must have is a measure of water or almond oil.
3. The third thing to do is mix these two ingredients until you have a thick paste and apply it to the affected area.

Important tip: You must be very careful when dealing with biting insects or ticks that carry their heads under the skin. As a precaution, you should consult a pharmacist or doctor.

As a preventive measure, you can apply baking soda directly to various areas. Sprinkle baking soda on carpets or cushions where you keep pets or animals. Use one to 2 tablespoons to keep away mites, fleas, and ticks.

Soothe the pain of sunburns

This is the same recipe with a compress to be poured on the skin as a soothing remedy. It is highly effective, almost like a moisturizer with an antibiotic.

Baking soda helps fight dental plaque 

Baking soda helps and is ideal for removing the debris that remains between the teeth. These residues are the cause of cavities.

The same effect it has on the stomach, neutralizing acids helps fight cavities and freshens breath. In addition to whitening teeth, it is ideal to start using it as a mouthwash. It is easy to prepare by adding a tablespoon to a glass of water, and that's it.

Helps cure fungus 

These other effects that baking soda has are antifungal, which are known to remedy fungal infections. Just add a little baking soda powder to your socks or stockings before putting them on. This powder will absorb the moisture produced by your feet throughout the day.

You can also do this by diluting 4 tablespoons of baking soda in warm water (1 liter) and soak your feet for 15 minutes.

Baking soda improves physical performance

Consuming baking soda before any physical activity, exercise, or routine high-intensity training improves your performance. Also, it helps to delay and alleviate fatigue produced by this same physical activity.

This is because your muscle cells produce lactic acid. It is a compound that lowers cellular pH and causes pain in the body. That is why sodium bicarbonate acts against the high pH level.

Conclusion

In summary, baking soda is effective for gas. It is a good helper in relieving our stomach problems.

You have to try it if you are one of those who suffer from gas, heartburn, binge eating problems, heartburn, or stomach pain. Sodium bicarbonate can become your ally as long as it is administered in the right way.

Finally, I want to tell you that you cannot ingest it in a long and continuous way; everything in excess is wrong. If this mineral is abused, it can cause side effects that would affect us badly.

Medically reviewed and approved by Nataniel Josue Alvarez M.D.