Exercise Daily _ Baking Soda for Autoimmune Disease: Miracle Cure or Dangerous Myth?
Is it possible that a household staple like baking soda could rival pharmaceutical drugs for autoimmune conditions? Or are we falling into a dangerous TikTok-fueled health trap? Welcome to one of the most polarizing debates in wellness right now — and it’s backed by science, not speculation.
The Study That Shook the Wellness World
A groundbreaking 2018 study from the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University sent shockwaves through the autoimmune community. Researchers discovered that drinking a daily dose of baking soda (0.1 M solution — about one teaspoon in water) could shift the body’s immune response from inflammatory to anti-inflammatory states.
Here’s what happened:
- Baking soda stimulated mesothelial cells in the spleen and stomach.
- This activated a signal to the body’s M2 macrophages — the “good guys” in the immune system — which calm inflammation.
- The result: A reduction in systemic inflammation in both rats and healthy human participants.
Implication: This cheap, common kitchen item might act as a natural immune modulator — potentially beneficial for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune flare-ups.
But Wait — Is It Safe?
Before you start chugging Arm & Hammer, let’s be clear: The study involved only 30 human participants and lasted just a few weeks. Experts are cautious:
- Excess sodium can elevate blood pressure or strain kidneys.
- Long-term safety and effects remain untested in large-scale trials.
- The study’s authors themselves urge medical supervision before trying this at home.
Bottom Line: There’s promise — but also risk. And that’s where the debate heats up.
What the Experts Are Saying
“This is one of the few affordable interventions showing biological plausibility for real immune modulation.”
– Dr. Paul O’Connor, Lead Researcher, Augusta University
However, mainstream immunologists remain skeptical, citing the study’s short duration and lack of diverse patient profiles.
Let’s Break It Down by Category
This isn’t just autoimmune news. It touches all areas of health:
- 🏃 Exercise: Reduced joint inflammation may aid training recovery in autoimmune athletes.
- 💪 Fitness: May improve mobility in those managing arthritis symptoms.
- 🥗 Nutrition: A simple, low-calorie remedy with wide applications.
- 🧘 Wellness: Could be added to holistic protocols for inflammation.
- 🧴 Personal Care: Supports skin health via anti-inflammatory pathways.
⚠️ Quick Reminder:
These findings are for educational purposes only. Always consult your doctor before starting any new remedy — especially with baking soda or sodium-based therapies.
How to Try Baking Soda for Inflammation (Safely)
If you’re curious about trying this protocol at home, here’s the exact method used in the 2018 study:
- Dosage: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- Method: Dissolve in 8–12 oz of filtered water
- Timing: Once daily on an empty stomach (ideally before breakfast)
Cycle: Try 5 days on, 2 days off — and stop immediately if you feel bloating, dizziness, or blood pressure issues.
⚠️ Always consult a physician before starting a new remedy specially if you’re taking medications, managing kidney conditions, or have high blood pressure!
🍋 Anti-Inflammatory Baking Soda Drink (EDML Remix)
This pre-workout detox is inspired by popular inflammation-fighting ingredients:
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp organic lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (with pinch of black pepper)
- 12 oz warm water
Stir and drink slowly 20–30 minutes before your workout. Avoid if you’re fasting with acid reflux.
🍽️ Post-Workout Recovery Shake with an Alkaline Twist
Helps reduce muscle soreness and post-lift inflammation.
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 scoop clean protein powder (whey or plant-based)
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 1 cup coconut water
Blend and serve cold. Optional: Add cinnamon for blood sugar control.
🧴 Skin Remedy: Baking Soda + Aloe Anti-Acne Mask
Autoimmune flare-ups often hit the skin. This DIY remedy helps reduce redness and inflammation:
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel (fresh or pure)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 drop tea tree oil (optional)
Apply gently, let sit for 10 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water. Patch test first!
💡 EDML Internal Use Ideas
This article fits perfectly across several of our EDML content pillars. Suggested internal links:
🎥 Watch: Can Baking Soda Really Help Autoimmune Disease?
We’ve also converted this post into a 2-minute YouTube explainer. Watch it here:
Don’t forget to subscribe to our Exercise Daily YouTube channel for more science-backed health breakdowns.
| Photo | Title | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | It's Just - Baking Soda, 100% Pure Sodium Bicarbonate, Food Grade, Non-GMO, Made in USA, Cooking, Baking (1.25 Pound) | $9.99 ($0.50 / Ounce) |  |
 | 365 by Whole Foods Market, Baking Soda, 16 OZ | | |
 | Bob's Red Mill Baking Soda, 16oz (Pack of 1) | $7.89 ($0.49 / Ounce) | |
As an Amazon Associate, Exercise Daily earns from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links. Last updated: July 13, 2025
This post is intended for educational purposes. It is not medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making health decisions.
Final Verdict: Health Hack or Hype?
The evidence is compelling. A teaspoon of baking soda could truly influence the immune system in a meaningful way. But we’re not there yet.
Despite the scientific backing from a respected institution, the sample size is small. The long-term risks are unknown. Yet millions of people with autoimmune disorders are desperate for affordable, natural solutions that don’t come with harsh pharmaceutical side effects.
And so, the question lingers: Are we witnessing a breakthrough in holistic health, or is this the next dangerous wellness trend?
Here’s Our Stance at Exercise Daily Media Lab:
- ✅ Backed by early science = promising
- ⚠️ Needs larger, longer trials before wide adoption
- 📣 Great for awareness and low-risk trial under medical guidance
What You Can Do Next
If this article intrigued you, do the following:
- 🔬 Ask your doctor if you have inflammation, autoimmune, or kidney conditions.
- 💧 Try the anti-inflammatory drink once a week, and observe how your body responds.
- 📽️ Watch our companion video for visual breakdown.
- 🛍️ Browse our nutrition section for recipes and real-world tools.
Eat daily, sleep daily, exercise daily.
