Evidence supporting the use of: Sodium Bicarbonate
For the health condition: Gas and Bloating
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Sodium bicarbonate (commonly known as baking soda) is scientifically recognized as an antacid. Its use for gas and bloating is based on its ability to neutralize stomach acid by reacting with hydrochloric acid in the stomach to form sodium chloride, water, and carbon dioxide. This reaction can provide temporary relief from symptoms of indigestion, including bloating and excess gas, which are often associated with acid-related discomfort.
Clinical guidelines, such as those from the American College of Gastroenterology, acknowledge sodium bicarbonate as an over-the-counter antacid for short-term relief of dyspepsia and acid indigestion. The carbon dioxide produced during this neutralization may also lead to belching, which can reduce the sensation of bloating for some individuals. However, sodium bicarbonate does not address the underlying causes of gas produced by bacterial fermentation in the gut, and its effects are mainly limited to acid neutralization in the stomach.
There are few recent, high-quality studies specifically examining sodium bicarbonate for bloating, but its antacid properties and rapid onset of action are well-documented. It is not recommended for long-term or frequent use due to potential side effects such as metabolic alkalosis, increased sodium load, and interactions with certain medications. In summary, sodium bicarbonate's use for gas and bloating is scientifically supported primarily when these symptoms are related to acid indigestion, but evidence is moderate and it is not a comprehensive remedy for all causes of gas and bloating.
Other ingredients used for Gas and Bloating
Activated charcoalAllspice
alpha-galactosidase
amylase
apple
artichoke
bacillus coagulans
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black pepper
bасора
chamomile
chen pi
cinnamon
coating
coconut milk
cucumber
turmeric
dandelion
fennel
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
gentian root
ginger
greek mountain tea
green banana
cellulase
horseradish
isomalto-oligosaccharide
quassia
lactobacillus gasseri
lemon
licorice root
lipase
lovage
mastic gum
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
mint
okra
oregano
pancreatin
parsley
pear
Peppermint
pineapple
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
psyllium
raspberry
rhubarb root
sage
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
triphala
Wasabi
xylanase
bentonite
cascara sagrada
tangerine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
goldenrod
yarrow
bile salt
prickly ash
elecampane
flowering quince
dogwood
fern
sweet flag
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
queen of the meadow
polyphenols
caraway
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
wood betony
paw paw
horehound
Sichuan pepper
Alginic acid
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
geranium
Akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Actinidin
Agastache
Angelica
Acacia
Agrimony
Anamu
Amomum
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Agrimonia pilosa
Antifoam agent
Bifidobacterium
Buttermilk
Blue Flag
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Butea monosperma
Bitter Grass
Bael
boldo
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
Bacteria
banana
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Cumin
Centaury
Chinese Silkvine
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Chervil
coconut oil
Coriander
Centaurium erythraea
Cyathula
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Chlorophytum
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Capers
Chanca Piedra
Campylandra fimbriata
Chenopodium
Colombo
Centipeda
Cubeb
Carob
Chirata
Cha de bugre
Carlina
Calamus
Cosmos
Costus
Castor Oil
Colocynth
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
Dianthus
Dimethylpolysiloxane
Dragonhead
Dill
Dolichos
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
English Horsemint
Enzyme Blend
Eupatorium
Embelia
Fiber
Fomes fomentarius
Frangula
Fernbush
Fleabane
False Calumba
Four leaved grass
Genipap
Gnaphalium
Gentian
Garlic
Gentianella alborosea
Glechoma hederacea
Grains of Paradise
Gardenia jasminoides
Gentiana calycosa
Glucofrangulin
Galangal
Guazuma ulmifolia
Heartsease
Homalomena
Helicteres isora
Hemicellulase
Horsemint
Jicama
Jalap
Javanese Long Pepper
Khella
Karaya Gum
Kefir
lemon balm
Lactobacillus plantarum
Lime
Large-leaf Gentian
Lilium polyphyllum
Litsea
Laggera pterodonta
Lophira lanceolata
Luffa
Lodhtree
Lycopodium
Lysimachia
Linalool
Mentha haplocalyx
Mountain Pepper
Mustard
Myrcene
Mace
Mountain mahogany
Mesquite
Morning Glory
Meadowsweet
Marigold
Nardostachys
Natsudaidai
Neral
Osha
Orris
Operculina turpethum
Oryza Sativa
Ovate Buchu
Parsnip
Phragmites
Piper chaba
Psacalium peltatum
Prepared Aconite Tuber
Pediococcus pentosaceus
Prunus
Probiotics
Peucedanum
Piper retrofractum
Polydimethylsiloxane
portulaca
Prickly Pear Cactus
Pimpinella
Potash
Palo Azul
Quince
Rue
Rockweed
Rose
Rhus coriaria
Rhamnus Nakaharai
Rhubarb
Spanish Needle
Sete sangrias
Sweet Annie
Snakeroot
Southern Tsangshu
Southernwood
Shen Qu
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Semiaquilegia
Savory
Sida cordifolia
Scirpus
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Sweet Bay
Stone Root
Servicetree
Sassafras
Sword Bean
Sedanenolide
Thuja
Taraxacin
Tamaricaceae
Traveler's Joy
Tarragon
Tansy
Tiger Nut
Tulbaghia
Taka amylase
Tamarind
Teri Pod
Taraxol
Vinegar
Viburnum
Verbena
Violet
Vidanga
Wax Gourd
Water Pepper
Wulinshen
Weak Jumby Pepper
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Yerba buena
Yellow Nut Sedge
Yacon
Zingiberene
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Sodium Bicarbonate
Acid IndigestionBelching
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Fatigue
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Indigestion
Inflammation
Kidney Stones
Oral Surgery
Poisoning (general)
Psoriasis
Rashes and Hives
Sinus Infection
Sore Throat