Many everyday kitchen items can double as simple home remedies, often replacing products you might store in your medicine cabinet. Baking soda is one of the most versatile examples. While most people already know about its cleaning power and its usefulness in cooking, many are surprised to learn that sodium bicarbonate has also been studied for its potential role in supporting kidney function when used appropriately and under medical supervision. (Updated Dec 15, 2023)

Kidneys and Baking Soda: How They’re Connected

The endocrine system produces a wide range of hormones and enzymes that help break food down into nutrients the body can absorb. Part of this system involves signaling the pancreas and kidneys to create sodium bicarbonate, a compound that plays an important role in neutralizing acids and regulating the body’s internal pH levels.

During digestion, the pancreas produces both enzymes and bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acids, ensuring that food can be properly processed as it moves through the digestive tract. The kidneys also produce bicarbonate, partly to help defend themselves against potential acid-related damage.

Kidneys act as the primary regulators of the body’s “acid–base balance,” meaning they help maintain a stable blood pH. When the blood becomes too acidic—a condition known as acidosis—it can lead to inflammation and contribute to several chronic health problems. To counter this, the kidneys release bicarbonate to raise the pH back toward a healthy range. Conversely, if the blood becomes too alkaline, the kidneys excrete excess bicarbonate into the urine. Maintaining this balance is essential for normal cellular and metabolic function.

For individuals with advanced kidney disease, this balancing process becomes more difficult. Many eventually require dialysis, a medical treatment that filters and cleans the blood outside the body. Dialysis not only removes excess fluid and toxins but also helps stabilize blood pH when the kidneys can no longer perform this task on their own.

What Scientific Studies Have Suggested

Research from the U.S. National Institutes of Health has explored the use of bicarbonate during dialysis sessions. Some findings suggest that dialysis solutions containing bicarbonate may provide more protective and restorative benefits compared to standard solutions, though more research is still needed.

A notable study from the Royal Hospital in London also examined how sodium bicarbonate might influence the progression of chronic kidney disease. In this study, 134 patients with advanced kidney disease and metabolic acidosis were observed over the course of a year. A randomly selected subset received a small daily tablet containing sodium bicarbonate. Interestingly, these patients experienced a rate of kidney decline that was closer to what is expected during normal aging, rather than the accelerated decline typical of their condition. Overall, their health deterioration slowed by nearly two-thirds compared to the control group, and fewer of them progressed to end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis.

Professor Magdi Yaqoob, one of the lead researchers, commented that this was the first randomized controlled study of its kind and that sodium bicarbonate—when used correctly—showed promising potential in reducing inflammation and limiting harmful chemical reactions in the kidneys.

Similarly, Dr. S.K. Hariachar, a nephrologist at the Renal Hypertension Unit in Tampa, Florida, noted that these findings aligned with what some clinicians had observed in practice. He described the study as meaningful because it provided scientific support for therapeutic approaches that had already shown anecdotal benefits in slowing the need for dialysis.

How Sodium Bicarbonate Has Been Used

Some wellness protocols circulate online describing how individuals at risk for developing kidney disease have used sodium bicarbonate. These routines emphasize dissolving the powder completely in water and avoiding its use on an overly full stomach. While these methods have been shared by various practitioners, it is important to understand that sodium bicarbonate can affect electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and digestion. For that reason, medical supervision is essential before starting any routine.

A commonly discussed protocol includes the following stages:

Day 1
– Begin with 1/2 teaspoon of dissolved baking soda taken sublingually (held under the tongue).

Days 2–5
– Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of table salt into 1.5 liters of drinking water and consume throughout the day for several days.

Day 5 onward
– Reduce the mixture to 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/3 teaspoon of salt in drinking water.
– If nausea or discomfort occurs, some people switch back to sublingual intake only.

These steps are widely shared, but they are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. Sodium bicarbonate can interact with medications, affect blood pressure, and cause imbalances in people with heart or kidney problems. Therefore, consulting a healthcare provider before beginning any bicarbonate-based treatment is crucial.