Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that affects millions of people. The condition is marked by long-term damage that eventually turns the kidneys weak, and they can’t filter blood as well as they should. This leads to a buildup of waste and extra fluid in the body. While there’s no direct cure for CKD (and it is progressive), treatments can help manage symptoms and slow its progression, which can include lifestyle changes, medications, dialysis, or kidney transplant in advanced cases. However, apart from conventional treatments, there is some hope now. A recent groundbreaking clinical study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has brought promising news: daily supplementation with sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, can slow CKD progression and even improve patients’ health. Let’s dig deeper…
Understanding the Study
The study was a two-year, randomized clinical trial involving 134 adults with moderate to advanced CKD (creatinine clearance between 15 and 30 ml/min per 1.73 m²) and low blood bicarbonate levels (16 to 20 mmol/L). Participants were divided into two groups: one received oral sodium bicarbonate supplements, while the other did not (received standard treatment)Researchers tracked kidney function decline by measuring creatinine clearance (CrCl), a key indicator of how well kidneys filter waste. They also monitored how many patients rapidly lost kidney function or progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis. This apart, nutrients like protein intake, serum albumin levels, and muscle mass were also evaluated.
Key Findings
The results were ground breaking to say the least. Patients taking sodium bicarbonate experienced a much slower decline in kidney function—about 1.88 ml/min per year compared to 5.93 ml/min per year in the control group. This is a massive difference, and highlights the product’s efficacy. Moreover, only 9% of patients in the bicarbonate group had rapid kidney decline, compared to 45% in the control group. The risk of progressing to ESRD was also significantly lower (6.5% vs. 33%).In addition to protecting kidney function, bicarbonate supplementation improved patients’ nutritional status as well. Those treated showed better dietary protein intake, higher serum albumin (a protein linked to good nutrition), and increased muscle mass – this is an important factor because nutrient loss is extremely rampant in CKD patients.
Why is this important
CKD patients often develop metabolic acidosis, a condition where the body accumulates too much acid due to failing kidneys. This acid buildup can worsen kidney damage, and contribute to muscle loss and poor nutrition. Sodium bicarbonate however, acts as a base, neutralizing excess acid and restoring the body’s acid-base balance.Until now, treatments mainly focused on controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, but this study highlights the importance of correcting metabolic acidosis as a direct way to slow kidney damage and improve overall health.The study also challenges concersthat sodium bicarbonate supplementation might cause fluid overload, or worsen blood pressure due to its sodium content. No significant adverse effects were observed in the study.
How it works
Our kidneys normally maintain acid-base balance by removing acid and reabsorbing bicarbonate. In CKD, this function declines, leading to low bicarbonate levels and metabolic acidosis. This acidic environment can trigger harmful processes in the kidneys, accelerating damage.By supplementing sodium bicarbonate, the study suggests these harmful processes are reduced, slowing kidney function loss. Additionally, correcting acidosis helps reduce muscle breakdown and improves appetite as well, leading to better nutrition.
References:
de Brito-Ashurst et al., Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 2009. Healthline, “Sodium Bicarbonate for Kidney Disease,” 2024. Medscape, “Sodium Bicarbonate Slows Chronic Kidney Disease Safely,” 2019.Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional if you suffer from CKD.
