Does bicarbonate of soda help heartburn?

Usually well tolerated

Sodium bicarbonate neutralises stomach acid quickly and is an ingredient in some antacids. It is high in sodium and releases gas, so it is not suitable for regular use, and not for everyone.

Tips

  • Use a pharmacy antacid with clear dosing instead.
  • Speak to a pharmacist first if you have heart or kidney problems, high blood pressure or are pregnant.

Try instead

A pharmacy antacid or alginate

Is it a trigger for you?

Reactions vary a lot between people. Log bicarbonate of soda in the symptom diary for two weeks: it shows how often each food is followed by symptoms. Then try two weeks without it and compare.

Similar foods

Apple cider vinegar Chewing gum

Read the full diet guide →

Sources

  1. Katz PO, Dunbar KB, Schnoll-Sussman FH, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease. Am J Gastroenterol. 2022;117(1):27-56.
  2. NICE. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and dyspepsia in adults: investigation and management (CG184). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2014, updated 2019.