Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai
Mumbai, June 30: A common kitchen staple, found in nearly every household, is now showing tremendous promise in slowing the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) — a condition affecting millions worldwide. A new study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has brought to light the remarkable benefits of sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, in managing CKD.
CKD is a progressive condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter blood efficiently, leading to the dangerous buildup of waste and fluids in the body. While conventional treatment includes medication, dialysis, or even transplant, researchers have now identified daily baking soda supplementation as a safe and effective way to slow down kidney damage.
The findings emerged from a two-year clinical trial involving 134 adults with moderate to advanced CKD and low blood bicarbonate levels. The participants were split into two groups — one received oral sodium bicarbonate, and the other continued with standard care.
The results were striking. Those on sodium bicarbonate showed a significantly slower decline in kidney function — a drop of only 1.88 ml/min per year in creatinine clearance (CrCl), compared to 5.93 ml/min in the control group. Furthermore, only 9% of the baking soda group experienced rapid kidney decline, compared to 45% in the standard treatment group. The risk of progressing to end-stage kidney disease requiring dialysis was also drastically lower — 6.5% versus 33%.
Notably, the nutritional status of patients also improved. Increased protein intake, higher serum albumin levels, and muscle mass were recorded among those taking bicarbonate, indicating better overall health and resistance to the muscle-wasting effects often seen in CKD.
One of the hidden complications of CKD is metabolic acidosis, a condition where the body becomes too acidic due to poor kidney function. Sodium bicarbonate, being alkaline, neutralizes this excess acid, thereby reducing kidney stress and damage.
Importantly, concerns about potential side effects, such as fluid overload or elevated blood pressure due to sodium content, were not supported by the study — with no significant adverse events reported.
Until now, CKD treatment primarily focused on managing blood pressure and diabetes. This new research marks a paradigm shift — highlighting the importance of correcting metabolic acidosis as a direct intervention to protect kidney function.
With its affordability and accessibility, baking soda may soon become a simple yet powerful tool in the fight against kidney disease — offering hope and healing right from the heart of the kitchen