The Laxative-Sodium Bicarb Conundrum: What Goes Out, And What Stays In?

Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a salt that breaks down in water to form sodium and bicarbonate. This breakdown makes the solution alkaline, meaning it can neutralise acid. It is often used to treat conditions caused by high acidity in the body, such as heartburn and indigestion.

Some people also use baking soda as a home remedy for constipation, but there is no scientific evidence to support its efficacy for this purpose. In fact, in rare cases, consuming too much baking soda can actually cause constipation.

Sodium bicarb is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water, neutralising acid

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a salt composed of a sodium cation (Na+) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO3−). When dissolved in water, it breaks down into sodium and bicarbonate ions, creating an alkaline solution that can neutralise acid. This property is the basis for its use as an antacid to treat acid indigestion and heartburn. The reaction with stomach acid produces salt, water, and carbon dioxide:

> NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2O + CO2(g)

Sodium bicarbonate is also used to treat other conditions related to high acidity in bodily fluids, such as indigestion, stomach ulcers, and athletic performance. It is further used to treat gum disease, kidney damage, dental plaque, and tooth discolouration. However, there is limited scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for many of these uses.

Sodium bicarbonate is also used in a variety of non-medical applications, including cooking, fire extinguishers, and cleaning agents. In cooking, it is used as a leavening agent, releasing carbon dioxide when it reacts with acid or is heated, causing dough to rise. It is also used to remove odours, as a mild disinfectant, and as an ingredient in mouthwash and toothpaste.

Sodium bicarb is used to treat conditions caused by high acidity in the body, such as heartburn

Sodium bicarbonate is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This makes a solution alkaline, which helps to neutralise acid. This property of sodium bicarbonate is used to treat conditions related to high acidity in the body, such as indigestion and heartburn.

Sodium bicarbonate is available over the counter as an antacid to treat indigestion, and is considered safe and effective by the US FDA. It is also used to treat heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach. It is also used to treat stomach ulcers, dental plaque, tooth discolouration, and athletic performance. However, there is no scientific evidence to support its use in many of these cases.

Sodium bicarbonate is also used to treat more serious conditions, such as lactic acidosis, uncontrolled diabetes, severe primary lactic acidosis, circulatory insufficiency due to shock, and severe renal disease. It is also used to treat hyperkalemia, salicylate overdose, and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Sodium bicarb is used to treat poor kidney function, indigestion, exercise performance, high potassium in the blood, and reviving newborns

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a medication that can be used to treat poor kidney function, indigestion, exercise performance, high potassium in the blood, and reviving newborns.

Poor kidney function

Sodium bicarbonate is used to treat metabolic acidosis in people with kidney disease. Kidney disease, or chronic kidney disease (CKD), is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged and unable to filter blood properly. Metabolic acidosis is a common complication of CKD, occurring when the kidneys cannot remove enough acid from the body. Sodium bicarbonate is an antacid medication that can help to neutralise acid in the body and increase serum bicarbonate levels, helping to maintain the body's pH balance.

Indigestion

Sodium bicarbonate is commonly used as an over-the-counter medication to relieve indigestion, which is caused by too much acid in the stomach. It can be taken in the form of tablets or powder.

Exercise performance

Sodium bicarbonate is sometimes taken by athletes to improve performance in short-term, high-intensity exercise. It is believed to work by reducing acid levels in the body, although its effectiveness for this purpose is disputed.

High potassium in the blood

Sodium bicarbonate can be used to treat high potassium levels in the blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia. It works by decreasing potassium levels.

Reviving newborns

Sodium bicarbonate can be injected intravenously to help revive newborns who are unable to breathe. However, there is limited research on its effectiveness for this purpose.

Sodium bicarb is applied to the skin for chemical burns, dental plaque, earwax removal, eczema, insect bites or stings, infertility, and inflammation

Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a salt that breaks down to form sodium and bicarbonate in water. This breakdown makes a solution alkaline, meaning it is able to neutralise acid. It is often used to treat conditions caused by high acidity in the body, such as heartburn.

Sodium bicarbonate can be applied to the skin to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Chemical burns: Its alkaline properties can help to neutralise the acid in chemical burns.
• Dental plaque: Toothpastes containing sodium bicarbonate may be more effective at removing plaque, especially in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.
• Earwax removal: Ear drops containing sodium bicarbonate can be used to soften earwax, making it easier to remove.
• Eczema: Adding baking soda to a warm bath can help to relieve the itch associated with eczema.
• Insect bites or stings: A paste made from baking soda and water can help to alleviate the itching caused by insect bites. It may also help neutralise bee venom and reduce pain, redness and swelling from bee or wasp stings.
• Infertility: There is limited evidence to support this use.
• Inflammation: Applying sodium bicarbonate to the skin may help to reduce inflammation in the mucous membranes lining the digestive tract.

Sodium bicarb is injected for heart resuscitation, poor kidney function, cocaine toxicity, and pesticide poisoning

Sodium bicarbonate is a medication that helps reduce stomach acid. It is commonly used to relieve heartburn, indigestion, or upset stomach. It is also used to treat disorders caused by a buildup of acid or potassium in the body, such as diabetic ketoacidosis and renal tubular acidosis.

Sodium bicarbonate is also injected for heart resuscitation, poor kidney function, cocaine toxicity, and pesticide poisoning. Here's how:

Heart Resuscitation

The 2020 American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines recommend avoiding sodium bicarbonate during routine cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, some studies have examined its effects during prolonged CPR (>15 minutes) in a prehospital setting. While one study found that sodium bicarbonate use during CPR improved the outcome of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), another study showed that it did not increase the rate of ROSC or survival to discharge and even increased mortality.

Poor Kidney Function

Sodium bicarbonate is used to treat people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) who develop metabolic acidosis, which occurs when too much acid builds up in the body. It helps reduce acid levels, restore pH balance, and potentially slow the progression of CKD. However, one potential risk of this treatment is an increased intake of sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure and interfere with certain CKD treatments.

Cocaine Toxicity

Sodium bicarbonate is a prescription antidote used to reverse cocaine toxicity. It is typically administered as an intravenous (IV) push bolus or infusion.

Pesticide Poisoning

Sodium bicarbonate is mentioned as a treatment for organophosphorus pesticide poisoning in a list of drug interactions. However, no further details are provided.

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