Sodium bicarbonate (sodium bicarbonate density) is a salt that decomposes in water to form sodium and sodium bicarbonate. This makes the solution alkaline, which means it can neutralize acids.

The ability of sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acids can help treat diseases related to high acidity in body fluids, such as indigestion, which is caused by too much acid in the stomach.

People usually use sodium bicarbonate to treat indigestion. It is also used for gastric ulcer, sports performance, kidney injury, Dental plaque, tooth discoloration and many other diseases, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

May be effective for

Dyspepsia (indigestion). Over-the-counter antacid products containing sodium bicarbonate are considered effective against indigestion. They are approved by the FDA.

May be beneficial for

Sports performance. For most people, taking a small amount of sodium bicarbonate orally seems to improve exercise performance.

Drug toxicity that affects sodium channel function (sodium channel blockade). Intravenous injection of sodium bicarbonate seems to help reduce the side effects of drug induced sodium channel blockage. Intravenous injection products can only be provided by healthcare providers.

Mild gum disease (gingivitis). Brushing teeth with sodium bicarbonate seems to be helpful for gingivitis.

May not be effective for

Sudden loss of cardiac function (sudden cardiac arrest). Intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate cannot increase the survival rate of children or adults who experience cardiac arrest outside the hospital. It may even worsen the recovery. Intravenous injection products can only be provided by healthcare providers.

Tissue damage caused by blood flow recovery after blood flow restriction (ischemia-reperfusion injury). Intravenous injection of sodium bicarbonate does not prevent kidney problems in people who have undergone heart surgery. Intravenous injection products can only be provided by healthcare providers.

People are interested in using sodium bicarbonate for many other purposes, but there is not enough reliable information to demonstrate its usefulness.

Oral administration: It may be safe to use sodium bicarbonate appropriately in the short term. Non prescription anti acid products containing sodium bicarbonate are considered safe and effective by the US Food and Drug Administration. Taking high-dose sodium bicarbonate may not be safe. Taking sodium bicarbonate may also be unsafe as it has not completely dissolved into a solution. Gastric rupture and severe changes in electrolyte levels occur.

When applied to the skin: There is not enough reliable information to know whether sodium bicarbonate is safe to use or what side effects it may have.