Baking soda is not a first-line treatment option for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). More research is necessary to determine whether it can benefit RA symptoms.
RA is a chronic condition that occurs when a person’s immune system causes inflammation and damage to the joints.
Treatment typically aims to reduce or stop inflammation to relieve symptoms and prevent further joint damage. Dietary changes may be one way people can fight inflammation due to arthritis.
This article will examine whether baking soda can benefit people with RA, including the potential risks, how to use baking soda for RA, and when to speak with a doctor about the condition.
A 2020 research paper highlights that people with RA often experience changes in symptoms after eating certain foods.
The paper’s authors suggest an anti-inflammatory diet may benefit people’s symptoms. However, they state that more research is necessary.
A 2018 study suggests baking soda could help to prevent immune system overreactions after testing a baking soda and water mixture on rats and then on humans.
The study’s authors suggest baking soda causes an anti-inflammatory response. They also suggest baking soda may cause macrophages, a type of immune cell, to stop boosting inflammation and, conversely, start reducing it.
Proinflammatory M1 macrophages reduced in number, while anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages increased in number. The researchers observed this anti-inflammatory effect in as little as 1 hour after consumption of the mixture.
They concluded that baking soda could be an inexpensive, safe, effective, and easily accessible way to reduce inflammation in the body, benefitting a range of inflammatory conditions, including RA.
Taking baking soda
- metabolic alkalosis, which is a condition in which the body’s pH rises to more than 7.45
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- muscle pain and twitching
- abnormally slow breathing
- unpleasant taste in the mouth
- nervousness or restlessness
- urinating more often than usual
- tissue damage or tissue death if it mistakenly gets into surrounding tissues while being administered into a vein
Everybody is different, so different people may require different amounts of baking soda to have the desired effect without the risk of side effects.
The humans in the 2018 study received 2 grams of baking soda dissolved in 250 mL water.
People with RA should speak with their doctor before using baking soda to manage or relieve their symptoms. Doctors can advise the safest way to use baking soda and help a person consume the correct amount.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends the following tips to help manage RA:
- Try to stop smoking, if you smoke.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Get regular exercise.
- Try to get enough quality sleep.
- Maintain good dental hygiene.
- Manage stress.
While baking soda is something anyone can buy from a grocery store, a person should still talk with their doctor before taking it for any health issue.
This is particularly important for people taking other prescription or over-the-counter medicines or supplements, some of which may interact with baking soda.
People with RA should also speak with a doctor if they experience any side effects of baking soda.
Some research suggests that the anti-inflammatory properties of baking soda may help with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, more research is necessary.
People with RA should speak with their doctor if they want to incorporate sodium bicarbonate into their treatment routine, as it can interact with other medications and cause side effects.
Side effects of baking soda can include headaches, an unpleasant taste, and nausea.