Facing the flu this season? You might have stumbled upon a viral trend suggesting baking soda as a cure. But is there any truth to it? Let's dive in. This article explores the claims made by social media influencers and provides insights from medical experts.
Influencers, like Kashif Khan with a following of over 369,000, are promoting baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, as a remedy for influenza. They're sharing claims that harken back to the past, with one reel even stating that doctors used it to combat the flu in 1924.
But here's where it gets controversial... Experts at AFP have debunked these claims. They state there's no evidence that drinking diluted baking soda will prevent or treat the flu. Is it possible that these claims are misleading?
These claims are spreading rapidly on platforms like Facebook, with users recommending a half-teaspoon of baking soda in cold water, up to six glasses a day. The origin of this advice seems to stem from an undated pamphlet by Church and Dwight, the makers of Arm & Hammer baking soda.
While sodium bicarbonate has legitimate uses, such as in oral care and heartburn relief, experts emphasize that it doesn't combat the flu.
Dr. Zain Chagla, an associate professor, points out that these social media posts rely on outdated advice from the early 1900s, disregarding modern medical treatments. Misleading information often surfaces during flu season, sometimes pushed by accounts that also sell supplements.
Katie Stephens, an assistant professor, agrees that baking soda doesn't kill viruses. She stresses that the best approach is to rely on public health measures and proven medications.
So, what does work?
Both Canada and the United States recommend flu vaccinations for everyone aged six months and older. The vaccine is reformulated annually to match the circulating flu strains. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the composition for the 2025-2026 season. However, Canadian researchers have warned of a possible mismatch with the H3N2 subclade K, which is emerging as more dominant.
Dr. Danuta Skowronski noted that subclade K emerged at the end of the Southern Hemisphere's season, after the WHO made its strain selection.
Despite potential mismatches, Dr. Chagla recommends the shot, emphasizing the protective components against H1N1 and influenza B. Do you think that the vaccine is still the best option?
Besides vaccination, frequent and thorough hand washing is crucial for preventing the flu.
But what about the risks?
Experts warn that the baking soda recommendations are not without risk. It's high in sodium and could worsen conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease. Overconsumption can also disrupt the body's chemistry, potentially leading to metabolic alkalosis.
For most people, rest and hydration are the best treatments for the flu. Baking soda is an ingredient in oral rehydration solutions, but it must be administered in a specific formula and for a limited time, as recommended by the WHO.
What are your thoughts on these claims? Do you think social media influencers should be more responsible when sharing health advice? Share your opinions in the comments below!
