Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Drink: Myths, Benefits, and Risks Debunked
Key points
- Lemon Juice: Contains citric acid, which gives it a low, acidic pH of around 2-3.
- Baking Soda: Also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a base (or alkaline substance). When dissolved in water, it forms a solution with a pH of about 8.3.
A simple mixture of lemon juice, baking soda, and water has gained significant traction online as a "miracle" health tonic. Promoted by influencers and circulated widely on social media, this drink is credited with a wide range of benefits, from kickstarting weight loss and detoxifying the body to even fighting serious diseases.
But how do these bold claims stand up to scientific scrutiny? This article delves into the chemistry behind the fizz, evaluates the evidence for its purported health benefits, and outlines the significant risks associated with this popular home remedy.
What Happens When You Mix Lemon Juice and Baking Soda? The Science Behind the Fizz
Before exploring the health claims, it's essential to understand the basic chemistry at play. The fizz you see when you combine these two common kitchen ingredients is a classic acid-base reaction.
- Lemon Juice: Contains citric acid, which gives it a low, acidic pH of around 2-3.
- Baking Soda: Also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a base (or alkaline substance). When dissolved in water, it forms a solution with a pH of about 8.3.
When mixed, the citric acid reacts with the sodium bicarbonate to neutralize each other. This reaction produces three things:
- Sodium Citrate: A type of salt that acts as a buffer, resisting drastic pH changes.
- Water (H₂O).
- Carbon Dioxide Gas (CO₂): This is the source of the bubbles and fizz.
This same reaction is what gives some baked goods their lift, as the carbon dioxide gas creates tiny air pockets in the batter. While the science is simple, the health implications are far more complex.
Debunking the 'Miracle' Health Claims
Many of the most popular claims about this drink are not supported by credible scientific evidence. Let's break down the most common myths.
Myth 1: The 'Alkalizing' Effect and Body pH
A core claim is that this drink can "alkalize" the body, creating an environment where diseases can't thrive. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of human physiology.
The human body has highly effective, tightly regulated systems to maintain a stable blood pH level between 7.35 and 7.45. What you eat or drink has a negligible impact on your blood pH. While the mixture can temporarily neutralize acid in your stomach and affect the pH of your urine, it does not alter the overall pH of your body. A significant shift in your body's pH would indicate a severe medical issue requiring immediate attention, not a change in diet.
Myth 2: A Magic Bullet for Weight Loss and Detox
There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that a lemon juice and baking soda drink can burn fat or speed up metabolism. As noted by health experts at MedicineNet, claims that baking soda aids weight loss are unfounded. Any minimal weight loss experienced is likely due to increased hydration from the water, which can help you feel full, rather than any magical property of the ingredients.
Similarly, the concept of a "detox" is misleading. Your liver and kidneys are incredibly efficient at filtering and eliminating toxins from your body. This drink does not possess any special properties to "cleanse" your system beyond simply providing hydration, which is vital for organ function.
Myth 3: An Unfounded and Dangerous Cancer 'Cure'
Perhaps the most dangerous claim is that this drink can prevent or cure cancer. This theory is based on the oversimplified idea that an alkaline environment can inhibit cancer cell growth. While some studies explore the cellular environment around tumors, there is absolutely no evidence that drinking this concoction has any effect on cancer in humans.
Relying on such remedies and forgoing proven medical treatments can have devastating consequences. Always consult with an oncologist or healthcare professional for cancer treatment.
Potential, Evidence-Based Benefits (with a Dose of Caution)
While the "miracle" claims are unfounded, the drink may offer one limited, short-term benefit.
Temporary Relief for Heartburn and Indigestion
Because baking soda neutralizes stomach acid, the mixture can function as a temporary, homemade antacid. Many over-the-counter antacids, in fact, contain sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. According to a study cited by Medical News Today, sodium bicarbonate can effectively neutralize stomach acid.
However, this comes with a major caveat. It can be very difficult to get the proportions right at home. Too much baking soda can cause gas and diarrhea, while too much lemon juice can trigger acid reflux and worsen symptoms. For reliable relief, a properly formulated OTC antacid is a much safer choice.
The Risks and Side Effects of Long-Term Use
Regularly consuming a lemon juice and baking soda drink is not recommended and can lead to several health problems.
1. Digestive Discomfort and Imbalances
The carbon dioxide gas produced can cause bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. Over time, frequently neutralizing your stomach acid can disrupt its natural balance, impairing digestion and the absorption of key nutrients.
2. High Sodium Intake and Cardiovascular Strain
Baking soda is very high in sodium. A single teaspoon contains over 1,200 mg of sodium—more than half the recommended daily limit for many adults. Regular consumption can increase blood pressure, strain the kidneys, and be particularly dangerous for individuals with cardiovascular disease or hypertension.
3. Dental Enamel Erosion
The citric acid in lemon juice is highly corrosive to tooth enamel. While baking soda is a base, the mixture doesn't completely eliminate this risk. Frequent exposure can wear away enamel, leading to increased tooth sensitivity, cavities, and discoloration.
4. Potential for Metabolic Alkalosis
According to Drugs.com, ingesting large amounts of baking soda can disrupt the body's pH balance and lead to a serious condition called metabolic alkalosis. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, muscle twitching, and confusion.
How to Prepare it (If You Choose to Try It)
If you decide to try this drink for occasional, short-term heartburn relief, do so with extreme caution. A commonly cited recipe is:
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 cup (8 ounces) of water
Stir until the baking soda is fully dissolved and the fizzing subsides.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying any home remedy, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or kidney disease, or if you are taking any medications.
The Verdict: A Trend to Approach with Skepticism
The lemon juice and baking soda drink is not a miracle cure-all. Its most celebrated benefits—weight loss, detox, and alkalizing effects—are myths not supported by science. While it may offer temporary relief from indigestion, this minor benefit is overshadowed by significant health risks, especially with long-term use.
For better health, focus on proven strategies: a balanced diet, regular exercise, proper hydration with plain water, and consulting with medical professionals for health advice.
References
- Medical News Today: "Baking soda and lemon: What are the health benefits?"
- Healthline: "Baking Soda for Weight Loss: Does It Work?"
- The Well by Northwell: "Is Baking Soda And Lemon Juice Worth The Hype?"
- Drugs.com: "What are the risks of drinking baking soda?"
About the author
Fatima Al-Jamil, MD, MPH, is board-certified in gastroenterology and hepatology. She is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at a university in Michigan, with a clinical focus on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and motility disorders.