Baking soda may be the safest and most effective of all antacids.

Still, it contributes to the bone loss of osteoporosis in the same way as the other antacids. By interfering with the normal digestive process, it keeps us from absorbing the minerals in our food, including calcium. (Learn more about how this works.)

With that in mind, remember part of the physician's oath: "First, do the patient no harm." Baking soda antacid does less damage to the human body than any other antacid when used as directed; that is why I feel it may be the best antacid - it offers relief with minimal harm and no known serious side-effects if you follow the directions.

Baking soda antacid is a white powder that helps regulate the pH of liquids. pH changes can be buffered - simple chemistry can keep a substance from being either too acidic or too alkaline.

Both extremes are harmful to humans, with the exception of normal stomach acid during the normal digestive process. Stomach acid is normally produced beginning with a pH of around 1.5 or so, and gets weaker as it 'gets used up' during digestion.

When an 'upset stomach' occurs from overeating, from spicy foods, etc., the stomach is thought to produce 'excess stomach acid'. What often happens is the stomach produces too little stomach acid, and the food is unable to be digested.

Regardless of whether there is too much or too little stomach acid, the buffering effect of baking soda can easily solve the problem. A new balance can be achieved by drinking a glass of water with a little baking soda.

Antacids come in many forms; baking soda is one of the oldest, safest, and most effective, with no known long-term side effects when used for occasional indigestion.

From Arm and Hammer:

"Think of pH as a see-saw, with acidic pH tilting one way, alkaline pH tilting the other way, and neutral pH when the see-saw is level.

When ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda comes in contact with either an acidic or an alkaline substance, it's natural effect is to neutralize that extreme pH - tilting the see- saw back toward level.

And beyond that, baking soda has the capability to resist further changes in the pH balance - keep the see-saw level--this is called buffering."

This neutralizing and buffering capability is the science behind how baking soda works for many things, including the discomfort of occasional acid indigestion - also known as gastritis, gastric reflux disorder, GERD and others.

Here are the instructions for using baking soda as an antacid, from the ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda website, along with their cautionary warnings.

If you compare these warnings with those of H2 Blockers and Proton Pump Inhibitors, you will find warnings of baking soda to be reassuring rather than risky and dangerous.

From Arm and Hammer:

"Calm that rumbly in your tummy with ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda.

It is safe and effective as an antacid to relieve heartburn, acid indigestion, sour stomach, and upset stomach due to these symptoms when used as directed.

Warnings:

• Do not use if you are on a sodium restricted diet unless directed by a doctor.
• Ask a doctor or a pharmacist before use if you are taking a prescription drug. Antacids may interact with certain prescription drugs.
• Do not administer to children under age 5.
• STOMACH WARNING: TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY, DO NOT TAKE UNTIL POWDER IS COMPLETELY DISSOLVED.
• IT IS VERY IMPORTANT NOT TO TAKE THIS PRODUCT WHEN OVERLY FULL FROM FOOD OR DRINK.
• Consult a doctor if severe stomach pain occurs after taking this product.
• Stop use and ask a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks.

Directions:

• Add 1/2 teaspoon to 1/2 glass (4 fl. oz.) of water every 2 hours, or as directed by physician.
• Dissolve completely in water. Accurately measure 1/2 teaspoon.
• Do not take more than the following amounts in 24 hours:
• ---Seven 1/2 teaspoons.
• ---Three 1/2 teaspoons if you are over 60 years.
• Do not use the maximum dosage for more than 2 weeks.

Other Information:
Each 1/2 teaspoon contains 616 mg sodium.
Refer to the ARM & HAMMER® Baking Soda package for detailed instructions before using."

Compared with the high-powered,risky current prescription drugs and OTC drugs, baking soda is a safe, natural, effective home-remedy for acid indigestion and GERD.

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