Excess intake of sodium bicarbonate can cause numerous health problems, although consumed in a moderate dose should not be harmful. In fact, this can provide relief to those suffering from stomach problems. However, we must be careful not to exceed the correct doses.
In the event that a person has taken high doses of bicarbonate in a short time, this can produce a reaction with accumulation of gases, which could cause the rupture of the stomach walls.
In addition, the possible prolonged and excessive use of sodium bicarbonate increases the risk of chloride and potassium deficiency, increased sodium levels, metabolic abnormalities and worsening of kidney disease.
In fact, it has also been found that excess bicarbonate can lead to arrhythmias in some people. However, this is not entirely clear about the degree of involvement of the cardiovascular system in healthy people without comorbidities. In this aspect, what can we consider as an excess of bicarbonate?
Excess bicarbonate
In adults and adolescents the recommended dose is one tablespoon of baking soda each time, that is, two grams dissolved in a glass of Water. It is possible to repeat it after two hours if symptoms persist, between 1 and 4 times a day, depending on what I prescribe, but we must avoid reaching the limit of 6 grams per day.
This always depends on age, because for those older than 60 years the dose is lower. In the case of children under years old, recommends the use of bicarbonate.
Main contraindications of taking bicarbonate
In this sense, sodium bicarbonate is contraindicated in the following cases:
People allergic or hypersensitive to the active ingredient.
Those who suffer from hypocalcemia and hypochlorhydria.
Patients with appendicitis or intestinal obstruction.
Those who suffer from kidney or liver failure.
Side effects of excess sodium bicarbonate
In the case of consuming bicarbonate with water, it is possible that we experience an excess of sodium bicarbonate in our body. This can produce various side effects, as the body tries to correct the salt imbalance that this excess produces.
The most common side effects of excess sodium bicarbonate are the following:
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea or constipation.
