The combination of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and lemon water has become a popular home‑remedy drink that many people use for a range of purposes, from supporting digestion to helping balance body pH. The idea is simple: baking soda is a mild alkaline compound, and lemon is acidic, so when mixed with water they react and can produce a fizzy drink that some believe offers health effects.
While this mixture has been shared widely on social media and in wellness circles, it’s important to look at what science says, how to prepare it safely, and who should use it with caution.
How to Prepare the Drink
To make a basic baking soda and lemon water drink at home:
- Start with clean, warm water — about 250–300 ml (one glass).
- Add juice from fresh lemon — typically the juice of half a lemon.
- Stir in baking soda — usually about ¼ to ½ teaspoon.
- Mix until the bubbles settle and the powder dissolves completely.
- The mixture will fizz and foam briefly due to the reaction between the baking soda and lemon acid. Once the reaction subsides, the drink becomes a mild‑tasting, slightly alkaline beverage.
- Because baking soda is a salt, good quality drinking water should be used, and amounts should be measured carefully to avoid ingesting too much sodium.
Why People Use It
There are several reasons people choose to drink baking soda with lemon water:
- Digestive comfort: Some individuals use it to calm occasional heartburn or indigestion because baking soda can temporarily neutralize stomach acid.
- Alkalinity claims: A common belief is that it can help balance the body’s pH — though the scientific basis for this in healthy people is limited.
- Hydration with flavor: Lemon water alone is a popular alternative to plain water because of its refreshing taste, and some add baking soda for texture and perceived effect.
- Each purpose has different expectations and should be understood separately from medical treatment.
Possible Benefits
1. Temporary Heartburn Relief
Because baking soda can neutralize stomach acid, a diluted solution may provide short‑term relief from mild heartburn or acid indigestion. However, it is not a cure for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease or serious digestive disorders. Overuse may actually worsen symptoms in some cases.
2. A Source of Vitamin C
Lemon water, independent of baking soda, supplies vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system. Most people get sufficient vitamin C from a balanced diet, but lemon juice can be a tasty way to add small amounts.
3. Refreshing Hydration
Drinking lemon water encourages fluid intake, which supports hydration and may reduce reliance on sugary drinks.
Recommended Dosage
If choosing to drink this combination for occasional use:
- Measure carefully: No more than ½ teaspoon of baking soda per glass of water is generally advised.
- Timing matters: Some people find it helpful on an empty stomach in the morning, while others prefer it between meals.
- Limit frequency: Using it occasionally is safer than consuming it multiple times daily without medical supervision.
- Because baking soda contains sodium, people with high blood pressure or on salt‑restricted diets should limit how much they consume.
Safety and Potential Risks
While often safe for occasional use, the mixture can pose risks if used excessively:
- High sodium content: Baking soda has significant sodium, which can raise blood pressure or worsen heart conditions in sensitive individuals.
- Digestive imbalance: Regular neutralization of stomach acid could interfere with normal digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Alkalosis risk: Very high intake of sodium bicarbonate can alter blood chemistry and lead to metabolic alkalosis, a potentially serious condition.
- Pregnant people, children, older adults, and individuals with kidney, heart, or gastrointestinal disease should consult a healthcare provider before using baking soda drinks.
What the Evidence Really Says
Scientific research supports that baking soda can neutralize stomach acid temporarily, but there is limited evidence for many of the broader health claims often associated with the lemon water mixture. For example, the idea that it can significantly “detoxify” the body or permanently alter overall pH balance is not supported by clinical studies in healthy adults. The body tightly regulates its internal chemistry, and small changes in diet are unlikely to override metabolic systems.
Bottom Line
Mixing baking soda with lemon water is a simple home concoction that some people find mildly helpful for occasional heartburn or refreshing hydration. However, it should be used in moderation and with caution, especially by individuals with health conditions. Always consult a medical professional if you plan to use it frequently or for specific health issues.
