Baking Soda and Gout

by Science teacher
(Georgia)

Your article implies that baking soda and baking powder are the same thing. They're not. Baking soda is essentially pure sodium bicarbonate. When mixed with water it forms an alkaline (basic) solution, raising the pH note capitalization of the water.

Baking powder is a mixture (blend) of baking soda and some weak organic acid. When mixed with water and heated (as in baking), the two react to neutralize each other and release a gas (which causes dough to rise). In order for baking soda to have the same effect on dough, the cook must add something acidic, such as tartaric acid or buttermilk, to the dough mixture. Ergo, the reason for buying baking powder rather than baking soda for use in baking.

Baking soda, not powder, is occassionally recommended as a remedy for acid indigestion. I know of no reason to think it may be beneficial for gout. I can think of a lot of reasons NOT to take it internally except on the adivce of a doctor.