4 diseases you can treat with SODIUM BICARBONATE

4 diseases you can treat with SODIUM BICARBONATE

Sodium bicarbonate has several legitimate medical uses, primarily due to its ability to neutralize acids. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that it’s not a universal remedy, and its use should often be guided by medical professionals. Here are some of the conditions where sodium bicarbonate is used:

1. Metabolic Acidosis:

• This condition involves an excess of acid in the body, often due to kidney disease, uncontrolled diabetes, or severe dehydration. Sodium bicarbonate helps to neutralize this excess acid, restoring the body’s pH balance.

2. Acid Indigestion/Heartburn:

• As an antacid, sodium bicarbonate can temporarily relieve heartburn and acid indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid. However, it’s not recommended for long-term use, as it can disrupt the body’s electrolyte balance.

3. Urinary Alkalinization:

• In certain medical situations, it’s necessary to make the urine less acidic. Sodium bicarbonate can be used for this purpose, which can be helpful in:
  • Preventing certain types of kidney stones.
  • Aiding in the elimination of some drugs during overdoses.

4. Hyperkalemia:

• This is a condition of high potassium levels in the blood, which can be dangerous. Sodium bicarbonate can help to shift potassium from the blood into cells, therefore lowering the blood potassium levels. This is a serious condition and should be treated by medical professionals.

Important Safety Notes:

• Medical Supervision: The use of sodium bicarbonate for medical purposes should ideally be under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Potential Risks:
  • Overuse can lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can have serious health consequences.
  • It can interact with other medications.
  • People with high blood pressure should be very cautious due to the sodium content.
• Not a Cure: Sodium bicarbonate is not a cure for underlying diseases. It addresses imbalances, but the root cause of the imbalance has to be addressed.

Therefore, while sodium bicarbonate has valid medical applications, it is not a “cure all” and should be used with caution.