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How Effective Is Baking Soda for Gout?

Kesha Ward
Kesha Ward

There are a number of home remedies that are touted as effective for bringing gout sufferers relief, including the use of baking soda. Baking soda can be an effective treatment for gout because the bicarbonate soda raises the body’s pH level. In some cases, relief can be experienced within as few as 24 hours after the compound has been ingested.

Gout sufferers experience pain as a result of a buildup of uric acid in the joints. This acid can also affect the kidneys and cause kidney stones if there are too many uric acid crystals there. The use of baking soda for gout counteracts the uric acid by creating an alkaline environment in the body. Baking soda is an inexpensive remedy that can easily be added to an anti-gout diet. For effective treatment of the condition, 0.5 teaspoon (2.3 g) of baking soda is added to 8 fluid ounces (236.5 ml) of cool water. The mixture is consumed after the baking soda completely dissolves.

When taking baking soda for gout, the solution of water and baking soda should be taken four times a day. The last dose of the day should be taken just before sleep to help reduce or completely eliminate attacks.

Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.
Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.

Although many people believe that taking baking soda is completely harmless, there can be side effects if too much is consumed. Overuse can cause high blood pressure, appetite loss, and upset stomach. There is a significant amount of sodium in baking soda, so the person taking it should reduce salt in other parts of his diet. Individuals who use this remedy should also regularly check their blood pressure.

Jar and a scoop with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
Jar and a scoop with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).

In addition to taking baking soda, gout sufferers must also work to decrease their stress levels, since gout attacks can be induced by stressful events. Learning stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing, and meditation can be helpful to reduce the frequency of attacks. Diets that are low in fat, animal protein, and alcohol and high in complex carbohydrates and plant-based foods can also help.

Consuming plant-based foods can help ease the symptoms associated with gout.
Consuming plant-based foods can help ease the symptoms associated with gout.

Before taking baking soda for gout, sufferers should speak with a medical professional. Although home treatments can be highly effective, a healthcare provider will be better able to recommend the appropriate remedy. He or she will also be able to identify any contraindications of taking baking soda for the condition.

Discussion Comments

bluedolphin

@literally45-- I take half a tablespoon, four times a day. A single tablespoon per day would not work for me.

I think baking soda works for some people with gout and doesn't work for others. I've had luck with it but my sister-in-law, who also has gout, has not. Baking soda is also not suitable for everyone. It has salt in it, so people with high blood pressure or heart disease cannot use it.

literally45

@fBoyle-- How much baking soda are you taking? Are you also taking medication for gout?

Baking soda works for me but I am taking my gout medication regularly. I used to get gout attacks despite my medications. I have not had any new attacks since starting baking soda. I take a tablespoon per day, sometimes half a tablespoon when I feel that I can't stomach it. This seems to work.

Make sure that your baking soda is fresh. If you're using one that was sitting around in your kitchen for a while, it might not be effective.

fBoyle

I've been taking baking soda daily for two week and have not noticed an improvement in my gout. I'm not sure that this remedy works at all.

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    • Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.
      Full fat dairy products can exacerbate gout.
    • Jar and a scoop with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
      Jar and a scoop with baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
    • Consuming plant-based foods can help ease the symptoms associated with gout.
      By: chiakto
      Consuming plant-based foods can help ease the symptoms associated with gout.
    • Overweight individuals have an increased risk of developing gout.
      By: Dave
      Overweight individuals have an increased risk of developing gout.
    • The main symptom of gout is an elevated level of uric acid in the blood.
      By: p6m5
      The main symptom of gout is an elevated level of uric acid in the blood.