Adding Sodium Bicarbonate To Coffee (does it help against gout what are the benefits?
Adding Sodium Bicarbonate To Coffee (does it help against gout what are the benefits?
One of the popular home remedies for gout flare-ups include the consumption of sodium bicarbonate or baking soda. Due to baking soda's pH neutralizing effects, it's a great addition to your arsenal in help to lower uric acid levels. When baking soda is introduced to the blood it alkalinizes it, causing the uric acid structures to break up, become soluble and are easily filter out by the kidneys and expel through the urine. Since baking soda is acts as a great pH neutralizing, how far can you take this simple home remedy?
When it comes to gout relief and prevention, the first step of any treatment plan includes the revision of some dietary practices. Basically to stay away from purine rich foods and from certain beverages such as soda and beer. For the caffeine junkies, there's always concern brought up regarding coffee consumption.
Think You Have Gout?
Take a short gout quiz to find out your levels of gout. This short 3 minute quiz will tell you if your gout is mild, moderate or severe, and what you can do for your situation.
Studies conducted have shown that caffeine may in fact protect you from gout thanks to have a similar chemical structure to a common gout medication. However, before you freely indulge – another study showed that a significant increase in caffeine consumption can actually trigger a gout attack. A concurrent study found that simply doubling your caffeine intake could increase the risk of gout symptoms by up to 80%!
If you're wondering if adding baking soda into your daily cup of coffee can help with gout, taking a teaspoon with your pot of coffee doesn't hurt. It helps lower the acidity of the coffee, thus introducing a drink that is more alkaline and not contributing to acidic pH levels in the blood.
The final take away: based on research, coffee will not affect your blood uric acid levels, however keep in mind that this was based on moderate consumption. Overindulging or drinking a significant amount of coffee can contribute to a gout attack. Adding baking soda can help lower the pH of your coffee, making is less acidic so that it travels smoothly through your system.