he Surprising Link Between Baking Soda and a Longer Life (Yes, Really)
So here’s something you probably didn’t expect to hear today: baking soda might help you live longer. Seriously.
A new study just published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that keeping your body’s baking soda levels (aka bicarbonate) in balance might lower your risk of dying early. That’s a pretty big deal.
Let’s unpack what they found…
The Study in a Nutshell
Researchers looked at data from the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study, which followed 2,287 healthy adults (ages 70–79) for about 10 years. They tracked a few key health markers like pH, carbon dioxide, and bicarbonate levels to see how those numbers lined up with longevity.
What they discovered was eye-opening: people with low bicarbonate levels had a 24% higher risk of early death. That’s huge.
Dr. Kalani Raphael, a nephrologist (kidney specialist) and one of the study authors, said the findings could help doctors better assess a person’s long-term health just by checking their bicarbonate levels.
Wait, What Does Bicarbonate Even Do?
Great question. Sodium bicarbonate (yep, that’s baking soda!) plays a key role in keeping your body’s pH balanced. When your pH is off—even just slightly—it can affect everything from energy levels to how your organs function. This study suggests that even subtle imbalances might quietly impact how long you live.
But don’t go chugging baking soda straight from the box just yet. Keep reading…
So How Do You Get More Bicarbonate in a healthy way?
Here’s the cool part: it’s all about your diet. If you want to support healthy bicarbonate levels naturally, fruits and vegetables are your best friends.
Foods that are high in potassium and bicarbonate tend to have a negative PRAL (Potential Renal Acid Load) score, which basically means they help your kidneys produce less acid. The more negative the score, the more alkaline (and beneficial) they are for your body’s pH balance.
Try adding more of these to your plate:
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Spinach
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Bananas
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Raisins
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Apples
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Carrots
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Broccoli
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Lemons
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Even coffee (yep, it made the list!)
Quick Note on Exercise: Baking Soda Might Help You Crush Your Workouts
While we’re on the topic, there’s something else baking soda is getting attention for: boosting athletic performance.
Several studies have found that mixing baking soda with water about 60–90 minutes before a workout can help reduce the burn of lactic acid in your muscles. Translation? You might be able to push harder and get more reps in before fatigue sets in.
In those studies, the typical dose was around 90–135 mg per pound of body weight (roughly 2–3 teaspoons for most people), but here’s the catch: some people reported stomach discomfort. If that’s you, try starting with a smaller amount—say, one teaspoon two hours before your workout, and another an hour before.
Bottom Line
Baking soda isn’t just for cookies or deodorizing your fridge. From supporting your body’s acid-base balance to helping you get more out of your workouts, it’s a surprisingly powerful tool for your health—especially when you get it from the right foods.
The takeaway? Keep things balanced, load up on colorful fruits and veggies, and maybe chat with your doctor if you’re curious about your bicarbonate levels.
One small shift can go a long way.
