I got a question today from a reader about gout and baking soda. Specifically, she asked, “What is the recipe for the baking soda method? Warm water and baking soda?”
I mention on my gout and baking soda page that up to a teaspoon of baking soda can be dissolved in water. You can use warm water if you wish. You are not restricted to water - almost any fluid will dissolve baking soda.
You are not restricted to drinking it. Sprinkling on, or mixing with, food is another common way to take baking soda for gout. I even remember reading somewhere of a guy who brushed his teeth with it, and claimed it prevented gout that troubled his brother.
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As you may know, I don’t use baking soda at the moment for fear of adversely affecting my already high blood pressure. I’d love to hear your views on baking soda.
How do you take baking soda?
What benefits have you seen?
Please add your comments here.
I got another related message recently, it’s not exactly about baking soda, but as it’s about pH I thought I’d mention it here.
The message is from someone looking for scientific research about the benefits of alkalizing the body to reduce uric acid. Specifically how the serum availability of calcium or phosphates help neutralize uric acid.
As this is a subject close to my heart, I’ve added it at to my new Gout Forum.
Please add your responses to the Gout and pH topic.
I am a 45 year old Man, with a 7 year history of Gout. I am a little overweight but play badmainton 3 times a week, Golf once a week and do walking. I have been trying to control my Gout by using a “herbal” remedy and drink 2 lits of (Tap) water a day. However I still get the attacks.(unrestricted diet.)
The attacks seem to be once every 3 months or so, and last about a week but I had 3 attacks on my Knees in as many months at the back end of 2006.
After this I was advise by my Doctor that I reqired Allopurinol otherwise my attacks would carry on.
At this stage I ran across the Baking soda as a “cure” for Gout.
I did a 14 day course of 1 tea spoon a day, with no attack for about 6 weeks.
Then I have had 2 attacks on my feet. In both cases I drank half a teaspoon of Baking soda with 600mg of Ibuprofen, following this up 4 hours later with the same.
In both cases the Gout goes very quickly away.
Does it work. it works for me thats for sure!
I have suffered attacks of gout now for five years,mainly in my R big toe. Recently i suffered bad attacks in the same place and both my ankles,i now get recurring minor attacks in all these joints which i have been managing with nsaids. I tried baking soda(3 half teaspoons a day) instead for about 5 days and it appeared to work,but after i stopped the minor attacks came back within 24 hours. Does this mean i would have to take it all the time,or have i not given it long enough?
I’m no expert on baking soda - I’ve not taken it as my blood pressure is already quite high.
As I understand it, you should take baking soda everyday, irrespective of any pain. You are alkalizing the body to help get rid of uric acid, so just because the pain has gone, the uric acid is still there.
You have to remember that managing pain and managing uric acid are two separate phases of gout management. Take whatever suits you to manage the pain, but you must have regular uric acid checks to make sure the level stays below 6mg/dl
My naturopath told me to take a pinch or more of baking soda in Vichy water 4 times a day. For my gout. I didn’t do it till I read this forum. Then I did it, and within a day I have nogout symptoms (before I did this I had pains going up from my feet to my ankles. Baking soda is amazing.
That’s great news Heather.
Remember, you still need to get your uric acid checked to make sure it stays below 6mg/dL.
That way you ensure that uric acid crystals (urate) don’t build up without notice and cause joint damage later.
More news on how to check uric acid levels very, very, soon
P.S.
Your email address bounces, and I can’t find a contact form on your website. Let me know if you want the site link in your comment back
Thanks. Yes I would be interested to know how you check the uric acid.
I am amzed that baking soda works so well. I take a pinch in plain water now twice a day and my gout pain has not come back.
I am so happy about that.
My husband is in the midst of an attack right now and I would love to know if baking soda is still and option or is it a no no now? I thought I read somewhere that it wasn’t a good idea.
It will do no harm as far as gout is concerned, but be very careful if blood is raised as baking soda can push it higher. If your husband is taking any other medication, he should consult the doctor before taking baking soda.