Baking Soda for Gout

Sodium bicarbonate or more commonly called baking soda is among one of the most talked about gout relief remedies. At first glance, it does make perfect sense. Gout is caused by high uric acid and baking soda is a well-known base with applications ranging from baking, meat tenderizing and as neutralizing agent for acids found in the laboratory.

It has also many uses medically. When dissolved in water it used as antacid to treat acid ingestion and heartburn from hyperacidity. It is also useful for neutralizing the urinary system in cases of aspirin overdose or uric acid renal stones. In fact, it has also been used to aid treatments in chronic kidney failure. The odds are stacked high that using baking soda for gout can indeed be a viable option for lowering uric acid in the blood.

Clinical Studies

There is however little literature or clinical studies conducted to prove beyond a doubt that baking soda can lower uric acid in the blood or ease inflammation and pain in a gout attack. Skeptics will surely advise against taking baking soda as a treatment for gout.

It is however used well in the treatment of hyperkalemia, a condition of high potassium in the blood that causes abnormal heart rhythms. When there are insufficient sodium ions in the blood, intravenous solution of sodium bicarbonate is also used to treat acidosis or the increased acidity in the blood and tissues. It is even used under medical supervision in pulmonary resuscitation in cases of respiratory acidosis. But is high uric acid level considered acidosis? It is a form of metabolic acidosis for sure but only during renal acidosis when urea and the metabolic uric acid accumulate in the kidneys that baking soda is advised to be used.

Nevertheless this did not prevent gout patients resistant to conventional gout medicines from using baking soda and their claims have been astounding.

Baking Soda for Gout – Testimonial

Gout patients who have tried baking soda swear to its efficacy. The recommended dosage is ½ teaspoon dissolved in water taken once during the day and before going to bed. In one testimony published, the effect was felt on second day of taking baking soda. Similar claims can also be found in numerous gout forums online.

They do caution that clearance has to be sought from the doctor as baking soda can have adverse side effects especially when taken in massive amounts. There are also those who said that they have tried baking soda and did not experience improvement in their gout symptoms. One thing is apparent; it does not work for everybody! In cases where it worked, there was no single effective dosage.

Baking Soda Side-effects

Baking soda is high in sodium; one teaspoon contains 48% of the recommended dietary allowance. This is bad news for gout patients who also have renal and heart condition. High sodium aggravates high blood pressure and severely affects renal functions. Gout commonly occurs with renal and heart conditions. As always, seek guidance and clearance from a doctor before taking baking soda for gout.