Sodium Bicarbonate

First, let’s look at the nature of IC/BPS. While IC/BPS affects millions in the US alone, we still don’t know what causes this condition. In fact, doctors often struggle to diagnose and treat IC/BPS. This condition actually mimics several other conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder cancer, and endometriosis.

Chronic inflammation of the bladder lining often accompanies IC/BPS. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, urinary urgency, and urinary frequency. Severity, duration, and symptoms vary from person to person, which makes treatment difficult.

Many people have found success through lifestyle changes, conventional medications, and soothing pelvic floor physical therapy. Additionally, some individuals find relief by exploring alternative and complementary approaches, like adding sodium bicarbonate into their routine.

Sodium bicarbonate is an odorless white powder that has alkaline properties. This means it has the natural ability to neutralize acids. In the context of IC/BPS, patients have discovered that eating and drinking certain acidic foods and beverages cause IC flares.

An IC flare is a sudden worsening of symptoms. A flare could last anywhere from a few hours to a few months with varying degrees of severity.

Sodium bicarbonate could help by reducing the acidity in the urine. Highly acidic urine can irritate the bladder and cause an array of unpleasant symptoms for an IC/BPS sufferer. It may also help soothe the irritated bladder lining that people commonly associate with IC/BPS. As a result, it could alleviate some of the discomfort.

Balancing pH Levels.
The acidity of urine can play a significant role in worsening IC symptoms. While the cause of IC/BPS is unknown, one theory suggests individuals may have lower urinary pH levels. A weak bladder wall can easily get irritated, causing symptoms like needing to pee often and urgently.

Sodium bicarbonate could be useful in helping to balance out the pH levels in the urine. The results: a more alkaline environment that is less irritating to the bladder.

When using sodium bicarbonate for IC/BPS, there are many potential benefits. Here are a few you may know and some that may surprise you:

• Soothes inflammation: Sodium bicarbonate’s unique ability to help neutralize acids may contribute to easing inflammation in the bladder. This soothes general pelvic discomfort, a huge burden of IC/BPS.
• Eases discomfort: Sodium bicarbonate has alkalizing properties, which can result in soothing discomfort from IC/BPS. It helps reduce the acid in urine, which eases bladder irritation and creates a comfortable bladder environment.
• Helps improve bladder function: Sodium bicarbonate has soothing effects on the bladder lining, which could contribute to improved bladder function. As mentioned above, two common and bothersome symptoms of IC are urinary urgency and frequency.
• Supports absorption of medicine: Some medications can better be absorbed in an alkaline environment. By including sodium bicarbonate into the treatment plan, people may experience better results in their overall symptom management.

Baking soda is available at any grocery store. You may be wondering the best way to take it to help with your IC/BPS symptoms. Here are a few suggestions.

• Supplements: Many IC/BPS patients simply dilute sodium bicarbonate in water and gulp it down.
• Baking soda baths: A common way to soothe an IC flare is by adding sodium bicarbonate to warm bathwater. This creates a non-invasive, alkaline environment to help with discomfort and can easily be incorporated into your self-care routine.
• Bladder instillations: Some healthcare providers administer sodium bicarbonate directly into the bladder through a process known as bladder instillation. This targeted approach aims to deliver the benefits of sodium bicarbonate directly to the affected area.

Always talk to your doctor before using sodium bicarbonate to manage IC/BPS symptoms. People with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, should be cautious about their salt intake and electrolyte levels.

When you have IC/BPS, exploring alternative approaches can be empowering. There is still a lot we don’t know about the condition, but it’s important to stay updated on new treatments. Remember that results can be different for everyone and that your body is special.

Sodium bicarbonate has long since been an effective solution for helping with acid within the body. For IC/BPS, it may be a valuable addition to your holistic approach to managing this challenging condition.

For more information about our potent ingredients, visit our Ingredient Glossary.