Identification

• Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO3), a crystalline white solid, most commonly appears in a powdered or pressed tablet form. Sodium bicarbonate is commonly known as baking soda, when used in cooking as a "raising agent," adds carbon dioxide to the baking mixture. Baking powder is simply sodium bicarbonate with cream of tartar added to reduce alkalinity. Sodium bicarbonate is an excellent alkaline source to neutralize a variety of acidic chemical compounds in food.
  
  

Mechanisms of Action

• Sodium bicarbonate is very effective in lowering the pH of balance of any acidic solution. The human stomach contains highly acidic compounds that break down the components of food and liquids. As the stomach is an active muscle, it churns and squeezes the contents to facilitate food breakdown as it releases primarily hydrochloric acid with an extremely low pH. When this digestive activity is disrupted because of the stomach content's composition, volume or pH, it can lead to irregular stomach contractions and cause acid reflux (heartburn) up towards the esophagus. Sodium bicarbonate ingested orally quickly mixes with the stomach's contents to reduce the overall pH or acidity.
  
  In baking, sodium bicarbonate's release of carbon dioxide bubbles at high temperatures produces a more "porous" result. There are literallly hundreds of little spaces and hollows produced within bread, cakes and cookies that result in pleasing texture and mouthfeel.
  
  The carbon dioxide bubbles when introduced in the stomach, merely get exhaled or absorbed into the bloodstream with little to no effect on body metabolism.
  
  

Significance

• Sodium Bicarbonate and water bring quick relief to intestinal distressglass with water image by Alexander Ivanov from Fotolia.com
  
  Dozens of home remedies exist for indigestion and heartburn, but most do not address the discomfort caused by stomach acid imbalance. Teas, milk, lemon juice, yogurt and juices do not lower pH as effectively and as quickly as sodium bicarbonate because they are not strong alkalinizing agents..
  
  As it metabolizes through the lower half of the digestive tract, sodium bicarbonate can also act to reduce the acidity in urine to help treat uric acid renal stones. In rare cases, the compound is administered orally under a physician's care to treat certain forms of renal failure and tubular acidosis.
  
  

Considerations

• Over-the-counter sodium bicarbonate remedies often contain other substances, some active, some inert. Aspirin is the most common added active ingredient. These additions can produce undesired effects such as ringing of the ears, irritability and dizziness. The products also contain high amounts of sodium, which is a concern for those persons on a low sodium diet.
  
  

Precautions & Warnings

• Discuss the risks and benefits of occasional sodium bicarbonate use with your physician as it concerns your personal health. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should consult with their physician before ingesting high amounts of this compound.