Bicarb of soda

[Ladyprudence]

I've read about someone with CKD taking Bicarb or baking soda, about 1/4 tsp under their tongue every day to stop the steady progression of the disease. I tried it last night and found it to be salty and a bit excessive. Think I ought to check it out with you all before I do it again. Have you heard of doing this and what did you think about it? Thanks

[Ladyprudence]

Well here I go, talking to myself again, but I just read some of the discussion in here from 4 years ago, (before my time), and evidently it's a big NO. So I won't be dosing myself with baking soda again. At least I'll talk to my doctor. Wet noodle for me!

[Vonus5591 in reply to Ladyprudence]

I was going to give it try but now thinking about it. Thanks anyway x

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Bi carb is good if your Co2 levels are low or your uric acid levels are high. Without those two issues, you are eating a bitter and nasty product for nothing. You should always run stuff by your Doctor.

[Ladyprudence in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you.

[userotc]

Its something we may discuss with my mum's nephro in next month or two (case below).

Whilst Im aware of some controversy in the medical field with this, daVita state: "If sodium bicarbonate is considered important for a person’s treatment, then their physician will prescribe a dose of sodium bicarbonate in a tablet form". So the treatment is not a No-No.

Self-treatment may or may not be (although I have details of someone that did that, with excellent results). Does anyone know if bicarb supplementation via a medic could affect insurances eg travel, if added to the Insurance form? It would be a shame if it did when it could (in theory) be self-administered .

Mum's case: We noticed by chance her serum bicarb has been dropping rather quickly, down 18m ago to 23mmol/l so close to 22 level of concern. And it wasnt retested in last labs in Jan so weve asked for a retest. Sadly her nephro seemed unaware of the trend or that it hadnt been retested. He believes there's no risk of acidosis but let's see what the results show.

[Ladyprudence in reply to userotc]

userotc, thanks, I too like the idea of discussing it with the doctor. I think a nephrologist would be the best way for me to go, because they would probably have the most informed answers. My GP is little to no help. She is leaving to practice in another state, and though she's pretty good in some areas, I must say I doubt that I'll miss her because she's probably in over her head on this topic.

[userotc in reply to Ladyprudence]

Sorry your GP not helpful but sadly that's often the case here in UK with CKD (and many other medical conditions tbh!!). Unfortunately my mum's nephro hasn't been great either and I've read similar comments on here but also some better ones. So hit & miss really.

I plan to attend my mum's next, imminent appointment following only remote consultations for a long time (COVID blame!). So I'll try to ensure he's more on her case!

[miraclelady]

Sodium Bicarb has been one of my transplant meds for years. I have taken it daily for almost 30 years. We do watch my CO2 level. Mine is low; that's why I take sodium bicarb. We do adjust dosing according to levels.

[Ladyprudence in reply to miraclelady]

miraclelady, I'm happy to stand corrected. 30 years is a good track record!

[miraclelady in reply to Ladyprudence]

No. You aren't wrong. Just need to check with your doctor and see what your CO2 level is to see if you really need it or not. I got my kidney/pancreas transplant almost 30 years ago. Now, I'm in stage 4 kidney disease, but I will keep doing my part and will keep praying that God will keep me off dialysis. 30 years -- now that's a miracle!!! My kidney is just old now, but I sure am blessed. Best wishes to you!

[Ladyprudence in reply to miraclelady]

Wish you all the best, miraclelady.

[miraclelady in reply to Ladyprudence]

Thank you so much!!!

[Benjamin124]

Taking baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is sometimes discussed, but it's important to approach such remedies cautiously and under medical supervision. Baking soda can affect electrolyte balance and blood pH, which is critical in CKD management. It's best to consult with your healthcare provider before continuing, as they can provide personalized advice based on your specific health needs and condition.

[Ladyprudence in reply to Benjamin124]

Thank you, Benjamin124.

[Researcheverything]

I take a small dose about the 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in a bottle of water after shaking it. I do this about once a week. I discovered it for myself and my nephrologist suggested it daily but daily or two or three times a week was too much for ME. My doctor wants me to try to keep it close to the middle of the scale. Your doctor will guide you.

Carbon dioxide level

[Ladyprudence in reply to Researcheverything]

Researcheverything, does the chart mean you need the baking soda because of a low carbon dioxide level? I appreciate your response and experience.

[Researcheverything]

Yes. Sometimes it has been as low as 19. It is usually closer to 24. I’ve hit 25 a few times and doctor was pleased. Kidneys were pleased. I usually take it before I take anything else in the morning. I used to drink alkaline water but it was hard for ME to hit my desired numbers consistently.

[userotc in reply to Researcheverything]

Your CO2 numbers are similar in value to the 23 & 22 nmol/l that I referred to above for serum bicarb. Is that coincidence or are they basically the same measurement? Mum not had CO2 result

[Researcheverything in reply to userotc]

I’m not a doctor but this appears to be the same, just different wording.

Google search result

[Ladyprudence in reply to Researcheverything]

I am also a copd patient. Another good reason to consider it. And of course check with my doctor, Researcheverything.

[userotc in reply to Researcheverything]

Yes they do seem to be effectively the same thing as far as the test is concerned. Thanks.

[MinnadeParis]

Hi there, my nephrologist prescribed bicarbonate for me bc my folic acid was getting high. I take 2 pills a day of 650 mg ea. I’ve only been on it for about 2 wks so I haven’t had any lab work to confirm that it works. My neph said it would neutralize the acidity in the blood and joked that I wouldn’t be taking Arm and Hammer. So check your labs and check w your Dr. I have lab work in 3 wks and will post whether it works or not. Personally, IMHO, I don’t think sodium bicarbonate “cures” CKD but may help with some of the side effects that pop up because of it.

Good luck

[Ladyprudence in reply to MinnadeParis]

Thanks, MinnadeParis, I don't think it cures CKD either. If it did, there would already have been a line stretched for miles to get Baking Soda.

[MinnadeParis]

let us know what your Dr says. Btw what is your serum folic level. Reports show 2.0-17.0 ng/ml as normal. My neph put me on sodium bicarbonate bc mine was at 15.0.

As always good luck.

[Ladyprudence in reply to MinnadeParis]

MinnadeParis, I don't know what a serum folic level is. I don't even know how to find my potassium reading. I used to find those things, but My Chart has changed things up and I don't know how to find much of anything. My GP has dropped the ball with me, and as I said, I won't miss her when she leaves in July. On my next visit, I'm going to insist that she show me how to read my chart. Then I'm going back to the nephrologist. Nobody has taken anything about my condition seriously. I now have two very worrisome new symptoms and feel like I'm just giving my life away. Sorry, but I'm pretty worried.

[MinnadeParis in reply to Ladyprudence]

Ask your nephrologist for a renal panel. That will show all your levels and ask that he/she include an A1C. I went to the same PCP for +25yrs. My EGFR dropped 10 points in 3 yrs and she never said anything to me about it. I didn’t know how to read the charts either and was only concerned that I didn’t have diabetes. She retired 2 yrs ago and the new fresh out of med school Dr, that took over, asked me what I was doing about my CKD. I said What? I don’t have that. Then he went thru my lab report and said “get to a nephrologist “. Thankfully I don’t have any other issues and my blood pressure is controlled <120|70. But every 3 months I have a renal panel and see my neph. I found a dietitian and I found this community and gained knowledge. Now I print my labs before I see any Dr. I reasearch any high/low findings and have written ?’s to ask. This community taught me to be your own advocate. Take care. I know how much anxiety this can cause.

[Ladyprudence in reply to MinnadeParis]

MinnadeParis, I am settling down. This morning I pulled up My Chart and methodically went through every Panel report. I pulled the trends to see exactly what has been happening. As of Jan. 24, 2024, My EGFR is at 53.3, My A1c is at about 5, which is in the prediabetic range. Sodium and potassium, still within normal range. Other numbers don't seem to have anybody excited.

My fear was that I still have that odor (ammonia?) coming when I breathe and sediment in my urine.

I still don't think I'm getting my diet right. I have 2 slices of white bread toast most every day; I have pasta and white rice, and that is okay with the doctor, but I don't think so, being now prediabetic.

The nephrologist I visited several months ago has now retired. Wouldn't you know it? I have to find a new one, and get a new GP to replace the one who is leaving. All these things are doable.

Thank you and everyone in here so much for helping me sort through this. It does make you feel empowered to grab the tiger by the tail. Somebody has to do it!

[Halebopp]

I would always check with the nephrologist first. Mine has recommended I take sodium bicarbonate daily & my CKD has been stable for at least 8 years. Everybody’s CKD journey is different.

[tashagirl]

I have been taking 1/4 tsp of baking soda DISSOLVED in 2 oz water two times a day since January and my shortness of breath has disappeared ( it was close to severe at times). Bicarbonate treats acidosis. And my painful leg cramps have really eased! Do not know if it has helped that too? For what it is worth! Please Realize that my nephrologist instructed me to do this! I have stage 4 CKD.

[Researcheverything in reply to tashagirl]

Excellent results 🙂