There are seemingly limitless ways to enjoy coffee. There are purists who drink it black, and aficionados who add milk and/or sugar. But that’s only the tip of the coffee culture iceberg. Cafe menus often include flavors like caramel, vanilla, hazelnut, Irish cream, or maple syrup. At home, people may add salt, coconut oil, butter, honey, protein powder, and more. But when you think you’ve seen it all, TikTokers began adding baking soda into their morning cup of coffee.
The Benefits of Adding Baking Soda to Coffee
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Coffee is widely beloved, but some people can’t participate in the craze. “It can speed digestion by stimulating the production of stomach acid, exerting a laxative-like effect that can result in an upset stomach or diarrhea if you have a sensitive stomach,” said Maddie Pasquariello, MS, RDN, to the Skimm. Moreover, excess coffee can lead to inflammation and damage in the colon lining. “This is not something most of us have to worry about, of course, but if you have Crohn’s disease, IBS, or ulcerative colitis, it’s worth speaking with your doctor or dietitian about what type of coffee and how much might be best for you.”
There’s a clear reason why certain guts are more affected by coffee: it’s acidic. “Coffee contains malic acid, citric acid, and acetic acid (among others), and these compounds are released from beans when you brew them,” Pasquariello said. “In turn, this results in elevated levels of stomach acid and can also lead to an upset stomach and symptoms of acid reflux, such as chest pain and nausea.”
Enter baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, which is alkaline. When added to coffee, it can balance pH levels. “Coffee is mildly acidic with a pH of around five, which can contribute to feelings of nausea and abdominal discomfort for those who are sensitive to it,” said Pasquariello. “Because baking soda is alkaline with a pH of eight, it can help bring the overall pH of your coffee up to a more neutral level [of seven], as well as help neutralize stomach acid in general.” For this reason, baking soda is sometimes used as a short-term acid reflux remedy. The dosage typically involves about 1/2 teaspoon dissolved in a 4-ounce glass of water. But for coffee, most recommend only a small pinch of the stuff.
Does Baking Soda Make Coffee Taste Bad?
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Anyone who has tried a baking soda-in-water solution can testify that it tastes awful. Even a small whiff could tell you that. Fortunately, the flavor vanishes in a morning brew. People even report an improved coffee taste, even without the additions of milk and sugar. It stands to reason that as sodium bicarbonate decreases gut-irritating acidity, it also decreases bad-tasting acidity. For those who hate the ambiguity of “a pinch,” Pasquariello recommends starting with a small amount of baking soda, even less than a quarter teaspoon. “If you’re brewing more than a few cups, you can consider adding a few pinches, and even up to a half teaspoon of baking soda for a full pot of coffee,” she explained. Baking soda might be the perfect touch to coffee, naturally more acidic,c such as light roasts or cheaper beans, suggests Chowhound. The powdery addition won’t completely get rid of the acidity, after all, that’s a distinct part of coffee’s flavor profile, but it may help a particularly sharp brew.
How Much is Too Much Baking Soda
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In general, it’s better to err on the side of less baking soda. Not just for the sake of palatable coffee, but for the sake of the digestive system. Healthline emphasizes that the 1/2 teaspoon in 4 ounces of water is only a temporary solution for acid reflux. For one, there’s only limited research on its efficacy. Additionally, acid reflux can be indicative of a disorder like gastroesophageal reflux disease. So if it’s recurring for over two weeks, speak to a doctor. Keep in mind, a long-term overuse of baking soda (7 doses in one day, or 3 if you’re aged 60+) can lead to negative side effects, including increased stomach acid and cardiac arrest. Therefore, Poison Control discourages baking soda home remedies and recommends taking Tums for acid reflux and heartburn. Speak to your doctor before adding baking soda to coffee if you are pregnant, drinking alcohol, on a low-sodium diet, have underlying health conditions, or are taking medications such as NSAIDS, antibiotics, or drugs for digestive disorders.
Baking Soda for Weight Loss?
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Despite what social media trends may say, there’s no research that supports the theory that baking soda aids weight loss. The body naturally regulates its acidic and alkaline levels, no matter what a person consumes. People who swear by this method may have lost weight from consuming more liquids, which has been scientifically proven to work. And if people are trying to lose weight by adding sodium bicarbonate to coffee, there’s no need. A 2018 meta-analysis indicates that caffeine can aid weight loss since it is an appetite suppressant and can improve exercise performance. Just be mindful of coffee drinks that are more“dessert in a cup” than an actual cup of joe. You don’t need to drink it black; enjoy a few teaspoons of sugar with whole milk or half-and-half, recommends GoodRX. And of course, baking soda is completely optional.
Read More: 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Baking Soda You Should Know