That headline is almost certainly clickbait. It promises a cure-all, which is a red flag.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has a few evidence-based uses, but it does not make “13 health problems disappear.”
Some legitimate uses include:
- Temporary relief of occasional heartburn when used according to the label.
- Certain medical treatments under a healthcare professional’s supervision.
- Household cleaning and deodorizing.
However, regularly drinking or taking baking soda to treat multiple conditions is not recommended and can be harmful, particularly for older adults. Risks include:
- High sodium intake, which can worsen high blood pressure or heart failure.
- Electrolyte imbalances.
- Metabolic alkalosis (an unhealthy shift in the body’s acid-base balance).
- Interactions with some medications by affecting how they are absorbed.
If a post claims baking soda can cure arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, infections, or dozens of other conditions, there is no good scientific evidence to support those claims.
If you have the full “13 health problems” list or a screenshot of the post, I can review each claim and tell you which, if any, are supported by evidence.
