What is the drink that reduces heartburn, helps relieve digestive discomfort and improves gastric health?

Many people experience heartburn, a feeling of heaviness or burning in the stomach, especially after eating heavy, fatty, or spicy meals. Although in most cases these aren't serious conditions, these digestive symptoms can affect daily well-being and cause discomfort . Therefore, many natural solutions have gained popularity as alternatives for relieving these discomforts occasionally.

One of them is sodium bicarbonate water , a simple drink prepared by dissolving a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. This traditional home remedy has been used for generations to neutralize gastric acidity . According to Dr. Domingo Carrera , nutrition specialist at the Medical-Surgical Center for Digestive Diseases (CMED) , "it's a mineral salt with antacid effects ." Carrera explains that "it's obtained from a mineral called natron and has a basic pH, which neutralizes the acidic environment in the body. It's harmless and helps kidney function."

How it acts in the body

Sodium bicarbonate acts as an antacid because it chemically reacts with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach , neutralizing it and temporarily lowering gastric pH. This can provide relief from the symptoms of reflux, heartburn, or mild indigestion. Additionally, by helping to maintain a less acidic environment in the body, it contributes to improving the feeling of digestive well-being after heavy meals.

Its ease of preparation and low cost have made this drink widely used, but it's important to keep in mind that it should be consumed sparingly and in a controlled manner . Dr. Carrera himself warns that "the mentioned quantities should not be exceeded or used for too long," as it could cause adverse effects such as alkalosis or interference with some medications. According to Carrera, it should not be taken more than twice a day or for more than 15 consecutive days.

This beverage has also been used to relieve minor throat inflammation and even to soothe mouth sores through mouthwashes, thanks to its mildly alkaline action. Due to its ability to regulate the body's acidic environment, it has also been mentioned in preliminary studies on kidney failure, although these uses should always be evaluated under medical supervision.

Despite its effectiveness as an occasional remedy, this homemade solution is not recommended for replacing prescribed medical treatments or for continuous use. It is also not recommended for people with high blood pressure, as it contains sodium, nor for people during pregnancy or breastfeeding without professional advice. Therefore, baking soda water can be a temporary option to relieve digestive discomfort and reduce heartburn , provided it is used with caution and within a responsible healthcare approach.