“The important thing is to never stop questioning.” – Albert Einstein

Think drinking Bicarb or Baking Soda is Bonkers? Scientists Are Actually Testing Its Effects on Cancer

[Quick Note that I get asked all the time: Baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are the same thing. In the US it’s usually called baking soda, while in the UK and many other countries it’s called bicarbonate of soda (or “bicarb” for short).]

When it comes to cancer, the internet is full of miracle cures, myths, and snake oil. But every so often, science starts investigating something that sounds almost too simple to be true. Baking soda — yes, the same powder you might use in your fridge or for baking cakes — is now being tested in cancer research.

I brought in a daily 1/2 teaspoon in lemon water very early on after my diagnosis, and with all of the changes I made, I shrank my breast cancer tumour by 25% in 5 weeks. I didn't know this until they took the tumour out and reported back the different in size from all of the diagnostics only a few weeks earlier.

Why are people drinking bicarb? Well. Because of this: changing acidity in the body’s environment influence how cancer can thrive or not. Cancer loves an acidic environment, so adding into our bodies something that can neutralise it, might be the tiny adjustment that our bodies need.

In this Radical Healing Note, we’ll explore what researchers are finding and why it might matter for the future of healing!

When it comes to cancer, the internet is full of miracle cures, myths, and snake oil. But every so often, science starts investigating something that sounds almost too simple to be true. Baking soda — yes, the same powder you might use in your fridge or for baking cakes — is now being tested in cancer research? Because of one big question: can changing acidity in the body’s environment influence how cancer behaves?

1. The cancer environment matters

Scientists now understand that cancer isn’t just about rogue cells multiplying. The “microenvironment” around a tumour — including acidity, oxygen levels, and nutrients — plays a huge role in how cancer grows and spreads. We dont know the full facts yet, it's still being researched, and there are questions around whether it will ever be researched fully, because of the availability and affordability of things like baking soda - and the fact that there isn'y profit at the end of successful reserch.

2. Tumours create acidity

Most cancers thrive in an acidic environment. As tumours grow, they produce lactic acid and other byproducts that make the surrounding tissue more acidic. This acidity can help cancer invade nearby tissue and even resist certain treatment

3. Baking soda changes pH

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is alkaline. In lab studies, it can buffer acidity, nudging the environment around tumours toward neutral. Researchers are curious: could this reduce cancer’s ability to spread or make treatments more effective

4. Early studies show potential

Animal studies have suggested that drinking baking soda water might slow tumour growth and reduce metastasis (cancer spread). Some trials are exploring whether it could boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy or immunotherapy by changing the tumour’s conditions.

5. Safety and caution

This isn’t a green light to start chugging bicarb every morning. Large doses can upset the body’s delicate acid–base balance and harm the kidneys. That’s why researchers are working carefully, testing safe ways to use it under medical supervision

6. What this means for radical healing

Whether or not baking soda itself becomes a mainstream treatment, the bigger takeaway is powerful: the body’s internal environment matters. Nutrition, lifestyle, and chemistry all interact with cancer. Paying attention to those “hidden factors” could open up whole new doors in healing.

What's the best way to take baking soda?

You might think, and rightly so, how on earth do I take bicarbonate of soda safely?

This is what I do. On an empty stomach first thing in the morning, 45 minutes after doing my hydrogen peroxide drops, I squeeze a lemon, add 1/4 of a teaspoon of bicarb, wait for it to fizz, and then fill it with lukewarm or warm water (never cold as its not good for your stomach). I then wait a little while to have my celery juice drink and then wait a little while before having my Budvig bowl for breakfast.

I then repeat this in the night time at least 2 hours after eating, just another 1/4 teaspoon in water.

I feel great when I do this. It took me a couple of weeks to get the timings right, to integrate it with my day, and figure out the order, and the amount to take. Everyone is different and everyone I know who does this sort of routine has their own way of doing it. I researched all of the safe abd healthy ways to ingest baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and all of my supplements too, so that they didn't, at best cancel eachother out, and at worst, mix together in my system detrimentally.

When do I take my bicarb drink?

First thing in the morning

On an empty stomach is preferable so that it doesn't interfere with gas or digestion. your stomach acid needs to be cleaning your food of bacteria and other nasties, you don't want to get rid of the acid when its busy doing its job. I made myself ill doing that once.

Before Bed

Some people use it at night yo counteract acidity, but just keep an eye on night time extra bathroom visits or bloating.

Before exercising

Sport Science studies have shown that taking bicarb 60-90 minutes before exercise boosts your workout as it allows bicarbonate levels to peak at the right time. I haven't tried this yet, but it might be a great approach.

Warnings and Caveats

Don't take with heavy meals or medications – bicarb can neutralise stomach acid and interfere with digestion or drug absorption. Always leave a gap if you’re taking prescription meds.

Keep the dose small – I stick to 1/4 of a teaspoon, but some others I've ready that they take ½–1 teaspoon in a large glass of water, unless a healthcare professional advises otherwise.

•Don’t overdo it – taking too much at once can lead to nausea, bloating, diarrhoea, and in extreme cases, electrolyte imbalances.

•Not for everyone – avoid or seek medical guidance if you have high blood pressure, kidney disease, or are on a sodium-restricted diet.

•Short-term use only – it’s a quick fix, not something to rely on long term without supervision.

Conclusion:

Sometimes the simplest household ingredients carry radical possibilities. I've brought this into my protocol in a gentle way and will stick with my way for the time being.

Bicarb isn’t a cure — but the fact that serious scientists are testing it tells us something important: healing may not always come from the obvious, expensive, or high-tech. Sometimes it begins with asking better questions.

✨ If this resonated with you, I’d love to keep the conversation going. Sign up below and I’ll send you one Radical Healing Note each day — a small dose of science, story, and soul for your healing journey.

Sign up for your daily Radical Healing Note below: