Baking soda is a common household ingredient, but claims that it can make 13 health problems “disappear” are misleading. Learn what baking soda may actually help with, what the evidence says, and why seniors should be especially careful about using it internally.
Seniors, Use Baking Soda Like This? What It Can—and Can’t—Do for Your Health
Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, is inexpensive and found in many kitchens. You may have seen claims that drinking or applying baking soda can cure everything from joint pain and digestive problems to infections and chronic diseases.
Those claims should be treated with caution. Baking soda is not a cure-all, and taking it regularly can provide a significant amount of sodium.
1. Occasional Heartburn
Sodium bicarbonate can temporarily neutralize stomach acid and is included in some antacid products. However, it is not appropriate for frequent self-treatment without medical advice.
2. Mouth Odor
A small amount of baking soda is used in some oral-care products because it can help neutralize odors and assist with cleaning. It should not replace regular brushing, flossing, or dental checkups.
3. Surface Stains on Teeth
Baking soda has mild abrasive properties, which is why it appears in some toothpastes. Using a properly formulated toothpaste is preferable to repeatedly scrubbing teeth with household baking soda.
4. Minor Household Cleaning
This isn’t a health treatment, but baking soda can be useful for cleaning kitchen surfaces and reducing unpleasant odors.
What About the Other “13 Health Problems”?
There is no good evidence that baking soda makes 13 diseases disappear. In particular, it should not be promoted as a treatment for cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis, infections, high blood pressure, or other serious conditions.
Why Seniors Should Be Careful
Baking soda contains sodium. Taking large amounts can contribute to excessive sodium intake and may disturb the body’s acid-base and electrolyte balance.
People with high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease, or conditions requiring sodium restriction should be particularly cautious. Baking soda can also interact with some medications and may affect how certain medicines are absorbed.
The Bottom Line
Baking soda can have legitimate uses, including as an ingredient in some antacids and oral-care products, but “13 health problems disappear” is an exaggerated claim. For older adults, regularly drinking baking soda without medical guidance can potentially do more harm than good.
If you are considering baking soda for a persistent symptom, it is safer to identify and treat the underlying cause rather than relying on a viral home remedy.