Evidence supporting the use of: Bicarbonate
For the health condition: Dyspepsia

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Bicarbonate (commonly as sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda) has been used for over a century as an antacid to treat dyspepsia (indigestion). Its mechanism of action is well understood: it neutralizes gastric hydrochloric acid, forming salt, water, and carbon dioxide, thereby providing rapid symptomatic relief from heartburn and epigastric discomfort. The use of bicarbonate as an antacid is documented in pharmacology textbooks and supported by clinical guidelines, including those from the American Gastroenterological Association, which lists it among over-the-counter antacid options.

However, the evidence for its effectiveness in dyspepsia is mainly based on pharmacological plausibility and historical clinical use, rather than robust modern randomized controlled trials. Sodium bicarbonate's rapid onset of action is effective for short-term symptomatic relief, but it is not recommended for chronic management due to potential side effects such as metabolic alkalosis, sodium overload, and rebound acid hypersecretion with prolonged use.

Clinical reviews recognize bicarbonate’s utility for acute, occasional dyspepsia symptoms, but recommend caution. It is generally less preferred compared to other antacids (like calcium carbonate or magnesium/aluminum compounds) for regular use. In summary, the use of bicarbonate for dyspepsia is scientifically justified for short-term relief, though the overall quality and depth of evidence would be rated moderate (3/5).

More about Bicarbonate
More about Dyspepsia

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allspice
aloe vera
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barberry
basil
myrobalan
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betel
bilberry
black pepper
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rice
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dandelion
fennel
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
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marshmallow
mustard seed
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peppermint oil
phellodendron amurense
plantain
plum fruit
raspberry
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
triphala
gastrodia
cardamom
papaya
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neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
peony
boxthorne
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
chrysanthemum
dioscorea
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hyacinth bean
sweetgums
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
wood betony
white oak
indigo leaves
enzymes blend (proprietary)
geranium
Avens
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
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Ajuga
Anserina
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Asam gelugor
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Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Ananain
Abuta
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Arisaema
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Blackthorn
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banana
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Colocynth
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Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
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Products containing Bicarbonate

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.