From the Guidelines
Daily sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) intake is not a recommended treatment for managing autoimmune diseases due to the lack of strong scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and potential risks of disrupting the body's acid-base balance and electrolyte levels. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2023 in the journal Advances in Nutrition, does not mention sodium bicarbonate as a recommended dietary component for managing autoimmune diseases. Instead, the study highlights the importance of dietary patterns such as gluten-free diets for celiac disease, low-FODMAP diets for irritable bowel disease (IBD), and diets rich in fruit, vegetables, and ω-3 fatty acids for IBD. Some key points to consider when managing autoimmune diseases include:
- Following evidence-based dietary recommendations, such as increasing consumption of vegetables, fruit, and whole grains, as suggested by 57%, 43%, and 29% of the clinical practice guidelines (CPGs), respectively 1
- Avoiding self-medication with unproven treatments like sodium bicarbonate, which can cause serious side effects such as alkalosis, sodium overload, and digestive issues
- Focusing on prescribed medications that target specific immune pathways, anti-inflammatory diets, stress management, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, which have stronger evidence supporting their effectiveness and safety for autoimmune conditions.
From the Research
Autoimmune Disease Management
There is no direct evidence to suggest that daily sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) intake can help manage autoimmune diseases. However, research has explored the effects of other nutrients on autoimmune disease management.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Autoimmune Diseases
- Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties and may decrease abnormal immune activity 2, 3.
- Studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is associated with a significant reduction in disease activity in several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and multiple sclerosis (MS) 4, 2, 3.
- The balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is important, as omega-6 fatty acids can have pro-inflammatory effects, while omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects 4, 5.
Treatment Strategies for Autoimmune Diseases
- Current treatments for autoimmune diseases include physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-inflammatory drugs (DMARDs), and biologic drugs 6.
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation represents a possible therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases resistant to available treatments 6.
Dietary Fatty Acids and Autoimmune Disease
- Dietary fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, can have profound effects on animal models of autoimmune disease 5.
- The impact of dietary fatty acids on autoimmune disease models appears to depend on the animal model, type, and amount of fatty acids fed 5.
- A healthy omega-6/3 PUFA ratio should be targeted for the modulation of low-grade inflammation and prevention of immune dysregulation and complications of uncontrolled inflammation triggered by infections, development, and progression of autoimmune disorders 4.