A drink made with water, lemon, and baking soda is sometimes promoted online for digestion, “alkalizing” the body, or other health benefits. However, many claims are exaggerated, and the mixture is not appropriate for everyone.
A commonly used recipe is:
- 1 glass (about 240 mL) of water
- Juice from ½ a lemon
- ¼ teaspoon of baking soda
Stir until the baking soda dissolves.
A few important cautions:
- Baking soda is high in sodium. Regular use can increase sodium intake substantially.
- Large amounts can cause stomach upset, bloating, electrolyte imbalances, and other health problems.
- People with high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease, or those on sodium-restricted diets should be especially cautious.
- It does not meaningfully change the body’s overall pH, which is tightly regulated by the body.
- It is not a substitute for medical treatment.
If you’re considering drinking it regularly, it’s best to discuss it with a healthcare professional who knows your medical history. If you tell me what benefit you’re hoping to get from it (e.g., heartburn, digestion, weight loss, kidney stones), I can explain what the evidence shows.
