Gout
Health Benefits

Baking Soda for Gout: Quick, Natural Pain Relief

| Modified on Mar 25, 2024
Baking Soda for Gout

Gout, a painful form of arthritis, can be effectively managed with a simple, natural remedy: baking soda. Known scientifically as sodium bicarbonate, this readily available and cost-effective solution can quickly alleviate gout pain by balancing and alkalizing the body's pH levels.

Optimal Dosage of Baking Soda for Gout Relief

For those suffering from gout, a typical dose of baking soda is 1/2 teaspoon dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of water, consumed 1-3 times daily. This helps to increase the pH levels in the body, which are often low in gout patients. Some people experience a decrease in pain within hours of drinking this mixture. Smaller individuals may only require 1/4 teaspoon per 8 ounces of water.

The Importance of Hydration in Gout Management

Staying well-hydrated is crucial when managing gout. Water not only aids in flushing out toxins and uric acid crystals, which are responsible for gout pain, but also helps in reducing pain exacerbated by dehydration. Therefore, increasing water intake is a key component in the treatment of gout.

Using Baking Soda Topically for Gout

A therapeutic bath can be an alternative for those who cannot consume baking soda. Adding a cup of baking soda to a full bath and soaking for 20 minutes can provide relief. Alternatively, a foot soak with 1/4 cup of baking soda for 30 minutes several times a day can be beneficial.

Safety Considerations and Contraindications

While baking soda is generally safe for gout treatment, it should be used with caution:

  1. Timing of Consumption: It's best consumed on an empty stomach, as taking it on a full stomach can cause discomfort or, in rare cases, stomach rupture.
  2. Health Conditions and Medications: Consult with a healthcare provider before using baking soda for gout if you have chronic health issues or are on medication.

Debunking Myths: Baking Soda and Aluminum

Contrary to some online claims, baking soda does not contain aluminum. This confusion arises from the presence of aluminum in some brands of baking powder, which is a different product. Baking soda is aluminum-free.

Share Your Experience with Baking Soda for Gout

Continue reading below to learn how Earth Clinic readers fared when they tried sodium bicarbonate for gout.

Have you used baking soda as a remedy for gout? We invite you to share your experiences and join our community of readers who have found relief from gout pain using this simple and natural remedy.




28 User Reviews


Posted by CK (Virginia) on 10/13/2023
★★★★★

Gout? It's caused by acid. And a small amounts of baking soda reduces acidity (increases Ph) VERY fast. Had gout eight different times over 40 years. Couldn't even walk. Added one teaspoon of Baking Soda to a small glass of water and drank 3 of them on day one, two on day two and one on day three. Completely gone by the third day, every time. Never fails.


Baking Soda
Posted by Maria (Canberra, Australia) on 06/15/2022
★★★★★

Bi-Carbonate Soda ( baking soda) saved me when on a group tour of Italy. After drinking wine I suffered from terrible inflammation pain in the joint of my big toe. I always carry bi- carb, it's my go to for acidity generally so I put one teaspoonful in a glass of warm water from the tap and drank it down. I was right by the next morning. A full teaspoon loosens my stools so usually I would only use half a spoon but this was urgent as we had a lot of walking to do.


Baking Soda
Posted by WindingDown (CA) on 01/16/2022
★★★★★

I had gout in 2005 lasted 6 weeks before I went to the Dr. he said it was gout. Wrote me a script. NOT MUCH was on the internet back then about home remedies. On a DEEP DIVE I saw someone charging for a cure. I kept searching and found it FREE!

Backing soda and water. YES!! FOR ME in 3 days of twice a day, 1 level teaspoon in water morning and late afternoon fixed 6 weeks of horrible pain in 3 days!!

Another time few years ago pre KETO way of life I was suffering from horrible Fibro pain, worse EVER! Finally went to the Dr she said its my new normal. I said NO WAY, I will surely die!! SO going home defeated, I remembered the gout pain years before. I realize after searching you can get gout everywhere. SO I tried my home remedy. THIS TIME it took a little over a week of 2 a day baking soda and water. IT WORKED THANK GOD!!

I then started Keto way of life, I don't care what anyone says, for me gout is from lots of carbs, like starches and sugars and grains. Since being KETO I do fall off the wagon sometimes but over all my body fibro and CFS issues are WAY BETTER FOR ME! GODSPEED everyone.

Replied by Jgny
(Thousand Islands)
01/16/2022

It also fixes UTI's! Great stuff! :)


Baking Soda
Posted by Brenda (Ottawa) on 08/02/2018
★★★★★

I'm not one to write a review on many things, but I feel a sense of obligation because other people took the time to share their healing story which helped me out. Two days ago I had severe pain in my left ankle that kept me up all night. It couldn't be attributed to overwork or any strain of any sort. I googled my symptoms and figured out I had gout. I love earth clinic and have always turned here for help so I trusted this site for help. I tried 1/2 a teaspoon of baking soda in half a glass of water and took it 4 times. By the end of the day the pain had basically gone and now it is the next day, and I have no pain whatsoever! Thank you Earth Clinic and all who took the time to post.


Baking Soda
Posted by Jon (Bomaderry Nsw ) on 08/12/2017
★★★★★

I have a history of gout and recently started taking Shilajit after reading some of the "hype" about its benefits on the internet. Recently I had a meal at our local club and the following day developed gout in my right foot. I blamed this on something I must have eaten at the club. I started taking sodium bicarbonate and rubbed onion into the foot as well as taking an Epsom salt foot bath and the gout cleared up within a few days.

Several weeks later I developed gout in my left big toe and this was very painful. I did some more research on the internet as the only difference with my diet was my taking Shilajit every day. I then came across several reputable website warning about taking this product if suffering from gout. I stopped taking the Shilajit and started taking small doses of sodium bicarbonate in an 8 ounce glass of water several times a day and just before bedtime. The gout has now subsided as my PH has gone from 6 back up to around 7.5.

According to the websites Shilajit increases uric acid and this is not good for anyone who suffers from gout.

Replied by Rose
(Wigan, UK)
11/02/2017

Is it only my husband who has gout everywhere except his feet? He's had it for about 2 1/2 months and has been wracked with pains, in his hips, legs, shoulders, forearms, wrists and hands. It was only diagnosed as gout after 5 weeks and he was given hip x-rays, blood tests and paracetamol. Then he was diagnosed with gout and given codeine (double dose). We're hoping that the baking soda we've just bought will work. Has anyone else had such a severe dose of gout, and used baking soda?

Also, is baking soda the same thing as baking powder?

EC: No, baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate and two more acids, monocalcium phosphate, and sodium aluminum sulfate.


Baking Soda
Posted by Joe (Nottingham Uk) on 05/15/2017
★★★★★

Baking Soda cures Gout. Really yes really

I'll keep this brief, but a couple of years ago I came down with what must surely be the most painful affliction I have ever experienced namely gout in my big toe, I can only compare the pain to being stabbed with red hot pokers by members of the Devil's own horde. I was about to spend a prolonged summer with my lady travelling in Europe when the gout occured, managed to see my GP (MD) before we left and was prescribed Naproxen - turned out to be a big mistake. These were the tablets from hell - side effects included palpitations, stomach cramps, nausea, hallucinations, fitful sleep, unpleasant vivid dreams but most disturbingly they altered my mood/personality, I literally became a different person a monster very short tempered and aggressive, anyway the summer could have been better, on our return I didn't know if I still had a lady, didn't know if she would ever trust me again, even questioned my sanity. The the only thing I did know for certain was I still had this soddin gout.

I was determined to research gout and its causes and thanks to Dr Google I came across Earth Clinic, and whilst taking Baking Soda on the surface seems preposterous I was desperate to try anything - but surprisingly it works - many thanks EC you have probably saved my relationship you've certainly saved my mobility.

My regimen - start the day by drinking three large glasses of spring water (in total about 1 litre) one of which has a teaspoon of Baking Soda.

Take Ibuprofen as required

Take a glass of water with Baking Soda once or twice more during the day.

I was aware that taking Baking Soda was an unknown and I wasn't sure how much to take so I acquired ph strips, each morning I tested my urine and if acidic took the BS and if alkaline didn't bother of course.

Two days later the gout had miraculously disappeared.

This worked for me - and this is what I have learned

MY gout is caused by physical stress ie. stubbing, hitting knocking my foot - NOT diet I still eat meat, fish vegetables fruit all the usual food I have always eaten (I have to say I don't eat junk tho) I still drink alcohol (probably too much according to the UK health police) and I still start the day with my usual three glasses of spring water and should there be even the slightest hint or suspicion of gout then the Baking Soda reappears.

That's it - it worked for me hope it helps you. This crazy world has ordained that when you see your GP and you need medicine you're likely to be prescribed some chemical that is not working in harmony with your body. I'ts nice to know that sometimes you can take responsibility for your own well being. Take care now.


Baking Soda
Posted by Paloma (South Carolina) on 06/03/2016
★★★★★

Gout *** Mix 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda in 1 cup of water and drink in the morning and at night. This will change your PH balance. I hurt from gout for 3 days straight. Terrible pain and I could hardly walk. Looked up natural remedies for gout and found what I mentioned above. It worked WONDERS!!! So much relief in maybe 2 hrs tops:) Time varies with each person. I have shared this with many of my patients, family, and friends ...anyone that will listen and is open to try it. It's the simple things, praise the Lord!!


Baking Soda
Posted by Carol (Mombasa, Kenya ) on 03/18/2016
★★★★★

For gout - use bi-carbonate of soda.


Baking Soda
Posted by Bman (Paducah, Ky) on 03/01/2015
★★★★★

I cannot believe I found this website. I first experienced gout at age 41. Standard symptom - right large toe knuckle. Thought it was broke when I woke up. Took Colchicine .6 3x a day until you know what started. Problem gone. Then occasional flare over last 6 years until this last year. Several flares, with the last one going on for three weeks. Started in my left foot arch(top). Went and got a shot (steroid), took Colchicine. Went away for a week, came back in my right foot toe knuckle. went back to doctor after taking pills for a few days, got another steroid shot. Foot better next day. Next day same foot, same spot, took Colchicine 3x day till flushing began. Foot somewhat better for couple of days, joint very stiff.

After 3-4 days, again started Colchicine and indomethacin 3x a day. Day 1, no real relief and that evening foot swelled bad, no rest. Second day same, until tonight I found this website. I literally could not bend the joint at all.

It took 4 oz of water mixed with baking soda completely dissolved. About an hour later, I have almost full motion!!! I'm amazed!!! Thanks for this website!


Baking Soda
Posted by Ricky (Bush La.) on 02/02/2015
★★★★★

I have had terrible gout in the past. I was so desperate at one point I looked up home remedies and found that taking 1/2 a tsp. baking soda in a large glass of water 3 times a day works for me [every time] over nite, for at least ten years. It seems not to work for everybody but I always keep some on hand. Good luck, Ricky


Baking Soda
Posted by Shan (Usa) on 04/05/2014
★★★★★

Had gout for a week, found this web site, used baking soda, 1 teaspoon in a glass of water. Next day jumped out of bed no pain gout gone and did not have to spend a heap of money on doctor appointments and medication that did not work, thanks earth clinic you are the best.

Replied by Shane
(Australia)
05/12/2014

That last post about 1 teaspoon of baking soda and water was not from Shan in the USA , it was from shane in Australia.

Replied by Dan
(Ubon, Thailand)
01/21/2015
★★★★☆

I have had Gout for two months now. Seems to stay with me even though I have quit drinking any alcohol, sodas, now I just drink water. I am trying to figure out what foods triggers it with no results. Yesterday I came on your website and started the Baking Soda Remedy since I cannot find the products for the other Remedies here in Thailand. Started with one half teaspoon last night and Ibuprofen (2 tabs of Advil) and the same this morning. I am about 25% better and will take another one half teaspoon tonight. I am interested in any reports of side effects of the baking soda! Have any been reported on this website? Thanks-More later.

Respectfully, Dan


Baking Soda
Posted by Michel (Manila) on 07/09/2013

For gout, take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water - every 4 hours.

Replied by Lisa
(Cleveland, Georgia)
08/11/2013
★★★★★

I've had muscle/joint stiffness in my right big toe for 10 days now and it has just gotten worse. I have been trying toe flexing exercises and massaging my foot. It felt good but didn't help. It took three days for me to remember this sites name! I have it book marked now. Every other website didn't even mention Gout nor baking soda. I had been taking ACV for four days now (with the mother). Not much of a difference, if any. I wasn't even going to try the baking soda at first. But, after reading that it only took a day I decided to give it a try. I had a glass of water sitting in front of me and the baking soda was just a few feet away. Within 2 hours, I barely noticed any pain in my foot. I'm only 44 years young. I eat well and I am a yoga and zumba instructor. I run, bike and hike when I'm not doing my first two hobbies. Gout be gone!

Replied by Shesgg
(Nw Ohio)
01/20/2014
★★★★★

I was also taking Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother for days and not much improvement in fact, I was in agony, crying, frustrated with the pain...

I have High Blood Pressure so I was reluctant to try baking soda but I decided to eliminate all other salt just to try this. I have heard nothing but good results. My pain didn't subside until the next day but it did subside. In fact, I'm sitting here practically pain free today because of the baking soda, I'm convinced. Just yesterday, I was sitting here crying.

There is still some stiffness but gosh, it is so good to be pain free.

Replied by Steven
(Virginia)
01/12/2016

The sodium in baking soda is not a salt compound.


Baking Soda
Posted by Carly (Pnw, Usa) on 07/08/2013
★★★★★

Alkalize! If you catch gout early and take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water three to four times a day.... You can knock it out in a day or two. My husband used to get gout every few months. He drinks beer and eats a lot of red meat. No dietary restrictions for him! Anyway, his last attack he was amazed that I got it to go away literally overnight! He thought it was magic. He has not had another attact in over six months, which is a record for him. Not sure what is up there, but knocking on wood. He would get gout in his big toe or ankle. One time his ankle got so big, they thought it might be cellulitis! Anyway, gout is nasty. As for eating soy.... From what I have read - men should not eat soy, as it promotes estrogen. I would research it more before eating it if I were you. Good luck!


Baking Soda
Posted by Body Magic (Chicago, Il Usa) on 05/07/2012
★★★★★

Hi, I had gout for about 5 years before I finally realized what to do. I have been gout free for about a year. The key is water alkalized water, a little baking soda in your water every day. The gout cannot survive in an alkaline body so drink baking soda water and eat lots of fruit. The cherries are good and exercise- try to walk or light jog 3 - 4 days a week at least 30 minutes. You'll be good to go.


Baking Soda
Posted by Jim (Athabasca, Alberta Canada) on 04/24/2012
★★★★★

Gout is caused by uric acid. I found using baking soda (a small amount under the tongue) 4-5 times a day rapidly reduces the gout. simply neutralizes the acid by absorbing directly into the blood.



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