Baking Soda Side Effects – Sodium bicarbonate is a popular chemical compounds used in cooking. It also has a cultural relevance and has often been used as an alternative medicine to deal troubles like heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, rashes, and hair loss. It can also be used for reducing acid in urine and may also prevent different metabolic problems.
Related: Baking Soda Uses For Beauty & Health.
However, like any other product, there are certain sodium bicarbonate side effects that you should know about. If you are healthy, a normal dosage will not harm you. When taken through the mouth, five times more than the normal dosage, it can cause upset stomach, constipation or vomiting.
However, there are certain side effects of baking soda that are rare but should be known about.
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1. Metabolic Alkalosis
In general, baking soda side effects are close to none; but if taken in quantities more than a normal kidney could process, may cause metabolic alkalosis. Metabolic Alkalosis decreases cerebral blood flow with a reduction in the perfusion of tissue, which may cause seizures, decreased mental status or intermittent muscular spasms.
It also cuts down coronary blood flow leading to refractory arrhythmias. So, if your body is low on acid content or if you have a metabolic syndrome, consider talking to your doctor before consuming it orally.
2. Milk-Alkali Syndrome
Milk-Alkali Syndrome is one of the most common side effects of baking soda, which is caused due to a combination of baking soda with calcium rich foods or supplements. Common signs and symptoms of the milk-alkali syndrome include poor appetite, headache, dry mouth, poor appetite, etc.
It is easily avoidable if you do not take too much of calcium. However, higher doses or non-observation of symptoms can cause renal failure, kidney stones or metastatic calcification.
3. Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia or hypopotassemia stands for low potassium level in the blood. It is, in fact, one of the prime side effects of sodium bicarbonate. If you have been diagnosed with low potassium or deficiency, consider skipping baking soda. Its symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, constipation, etc.
4. Soda Loading
Quite often, many athletes take up to five tablespoons of baking soda with water (spread over the entire day) to reduce lactic acid buildup and to increase their performance. It can also reduce fatigue as sodium bicarbonate reduces blood acidity.
However, recent studies like the one on MedlinePlus indicates that large doses or unmonitored consumption can have negative consequences, causing medical complications in the long run such as diarrhea, nausea, muscle spasms, seizures, etc. caused due to ‘soda loading.’ So, discuss sodium bicarbonate side effects with a practitioner before consuming it for sports.
5. Contraindication
According to Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology, side effects of sodium bicarbonate can be pronounced in people with renal problems, cardiovascular complaints, high blood pressure. So, they should not at all consume sodium bicarbonate. Pregnant women should avoid its oral consumption as well.
Also Read: How Exercise During Pregnancy Is A Good Choice.
Side effects in such people can include aggravated onset of heart diseases, elevate blood pressure levels alongside heartburns, gas and vomiting. It can even result in hypernatremia causing fluid retention, edema or weight gain. If you are looking for what helps with heartburn Then try baking soda.
6. Neurovascular Conditions
According to pediatric literature, infusion of hyperosmolar sodium bicarbonate can result in intraventricular hemorrhage. Administration of sodium bicarbonate can significantly reduce the pH of the cerebrospinal fluid, which can result in coma.
Therefore, patients with auto-immune disorders or other medical conditions should consider talking to a doctor.
Baking Soda Side Effects should be taken into account before consumption. Heavy oral use should be avoided. However, it is still an excellent natural remedy for people, and an appropriate consumption quality can help many individuals. And you must know these baking soda health benefits also.
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