investigating baking soda addition for healthy liver

[Bloomwithgrace]

Hi everyone,

I am curious about using baking soda to help alkalize the body and if this could be helpful or harmful for stage 4 liver disease.

A holistic health care provider suggested this regime:

1/4 teaspoon Red Mill (not Arm and Hammer) baking soda in 4 oz of water with this schedule...

1 dose once a day for (1) week 7 am

1 dose twice a day 7am/7pm for (1) week

1 dose (3) times a day (once every 8 hours) for (1) week

1 dose (4) times a day (once every 6 hours) for (8) weeks then discontinue

What are your thoughts on this regime for overall health especially regarding the liver?

Thanks!

[Sunnyskies33]

Baking soda is very very high in sodium so please check with your doctor.

[nash2 Partner]

very risky, it doesn't seem like that practitioner is very knowledgeable about liver disease

Based on the available research, here are the key effects of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) ingestion in the context of stage 4 liver disease:

Acid-Base Balance:

Sodium bicarbonate can affect acid-base balance in the body, which is particularly important as patients with advanced liver disease often experience metabolic acidosis

Both too low or too high serum bicarbonate levels are associated with increased mortality risk in patients with chronic liver disease

Precautions and Risks:

Sodium bicarbonate must be used with extreme caution in patients with advanced liver disease due to:

Potential fluid retention issues

Risk of electrolyte imbalances

Possible complications with ascites management

Any over-the-counter use should be carefully monitored by healthcare providers

Metabolic Considerations:

While sodium bicarbonate can help manage acidosis, in liver disease it requires careful monitoring because:

The liver's reduced function affects acid-base regulation

There's risk of developing metabolic alkalosis if over-supplemented

Sodium load can worsen fluid retention common in cirrhosis

System-Wide Effects:

Sodium bicarbonate supplementation can affect multiple body systems:

May influence the renin-angiotensin system

Can impact fluid balance

Affects mineral metabolism

These effects are particularly significant in the context of advanced liver disease where multiple organ systems are already compromised

IMPORTANT: Any use of sodium bicarbonate in stage 4 liver disease should be:

Prescribed and monitored by healthcare providers

Carefully dosed based on individual patient factors

Regularly assessed for effectiveness and complications