Vivian Marlowe
A viral trend on TikTok claims that adding baking soda and salt to alcohol can reduce its flavour and burn, making it easier to drink. The hack has received millions of likes and shares on the platform, with some users expressing concerns about its potential to promote excessive drinking. While some people have tried the trend with varying results, drinks scientists and health experts have warned about the dangers of drinking baking soda, especially in large quantities, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and even stomach rupture.
Characteristics and Values Table
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on Alcohol Taste | May help to mask the taste of alcohol, particularly clear alcohol and hard liquor |
| Potential Risks | May promote overconsumption of alcohol, harmful to the cardiovascular system, may cause diarrhea and vomiting in large amounts |
| Benefits | Provides temporary relief from indigestion and heartburn, may improve muscle endurance |
| Scientific Evidence | Limited scientific evidence supporting the taste-masking effect of baking soda, no specific research on its effects on alcohol |
| User Experience | Mixed reviews, some users claim it works, while others are unimpressed or report bad experiences |
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What You'll Learn
Baking soda and salt can neutralise the taste of alcohol
A recent trend on TikTok claims that adding baking soda and salt to alcohol can neutralise its taste, making it easier to drink. The hack involves mixing liquor with water, about half a teaspoon of baking soda, and an eighth of a teaspoon of salt. Some people who have tried the trend claim that the drink goes down "like water". However, drinks scientist Dave Arnold has expressed concerns about the potential dangers of this trend, stating that it could promote overconsumption of alcohol and lead to health issues such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and even stomach rupture.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is known to have a basic pH, which can be effective in masking certain flavours, especially in the absence of citrus juices that could lower its pH. While there is limited scientific research on the impact of baking soda on alcohol taste, historical use and anecdotal evidence suggest it may have some neutralising effects.
Salt has also been historically used to mask flavours. The combination of baking soda, salt, and water essentially creates a form of club soda, which is commonly mixed with hard liquor. However, it is important to note that consuming excessive amounts of baking soda can be harmful to the body, particularly for those with cardiovascular disease or salt restrictions.
While the baking soda and salt hack may reduce the taste of alcohol, it does not reduce its alcohol content or the potential risks associated with excessive consumption. As such, it is important to exercise caution and be aware of the potential dangers before partaking in this trend. Overconsumption of alcohol can have serious health consequences, and it is always advisable to drink responsibly and in moderation.
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The hack promotes overconsumption of alcohol
A recent viral trend on TikTok claims to reduce the flavour and burn of alcohol, making it easier to drink. The hack involves adding a small amount of baking soda and a pinch of salt to a glass of alcohol, purportedly neutralising its taste. While the science behind this theory is uncertain, drinks scientists have expressed concern over the potential dangers of this trend, particularly its promotion of overconsumption of alcohol.
The hack has received a significant amount of attention on TikTok, with some users reporting that it works and others expressing disappointment. One user warned that the hack makes drinking "a little too easy", a sentiment echoed by drinks scientist Dave Arnold. Arnold cautioned that while the trick might be useful for those who dislike the taste of hard liquor, it could also encourage excessive drinking by making cocktails too easy to consume. This concern is especially pertinent given the rise in binge drinking and the normalisation of heavy drinking in certain cultures.
The potential health risks associated with this trend are significant. Firstly, consuming large amounts of baking soda can be harmful to the cardiovascular system, and it is unclear if it increases the risk of a heart attack. Additionally, excessive baking soda intake can cause stomach issues, including diarrhoea and vomiting, as the body attempts to correct the salt balance. In rare cases, a large amount of gas may accumulate in the stomach, leading to a rupture. Mixing baking soda with alcohol, particularly after consuming a large amount of food, further increases the risk of stomach rupture.
The appeal of this hack lies in its promise to make alcohol more palatable, especially for those who find the taste of hard liquor off-putting. However, it is important to recognise that altering the taste of alcohol does not diminish its effects on the body. Overconsumption of alcohol can lead to dangerous consequences, including impaired judgment, health issues, and addiction. Therefore, it is crucial to approach trends like this with caution and prioritise responsible drinking practices.
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Drinking baking soda can be harmful to the cardiovascular system
A viral trend on TikTok claims that adding baking soda and salt to alcohol can dilute its flavour, making it taste like "nothing". While there is some scientific backing to this claim, drinking baking soda can be harmful to the cardiovascular system.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that can neutralise excess stomach acid, providing temporary relief from indigestion and heartburn. However, it is also high in sodium, which can cause water retention and increase plasma volume. This can be especially harmful to people with cardiovascular disease or heart disease, as well as those who need to avoid salt for medical reasons. Excessive intake of baking soda can also cause digestive discomfort, nausea, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, and even gastric rupture. It can also be poisonous in large doses, and cause neurological effects such as paresthesia, muscle twitching, tetany, and myoclonus.
In addition, metabolic alkalosis, which can be caused by the excessive use of baking soda, may lead to a decrease in myocardial contractility due to a blunted response to epinephrine. Electrolyte disturbances caused by heavy baking soda use can also result in QT interval prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias, with hypokalemia-induced ventricular tachycardia reported in patients with baking soda intoxication.
Therefore, while adding baking soda and salt to alcohol may indeed dilute its flavour, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with consuming baking soda, especially for those with existing medical conditions. It is always best to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating new substances into your diet.
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Baking soda can be used to treat indigestion and heartburn
A recent trend on TikTok claims that adding baking soda and salt to alcohol can reduce its burn and flavour, making it easier to drink. However, this trend has raised concerns among experts due to its potential to promote excessive drinking. While the combination of baking soda and salt may alter the taste of alcohol, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with consuming baking soda, especially in large amounts.
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has long been used as a home remedy for indigestion and heartburn. When dissolved in water and consumed, it can neutralize excess stomach acid, providing temporary relief from indigestion symptoms. This property of baking soda makes it similar to over-the-counter (OTC) antacids, which are commonly used to treat indigestion and heartburn. However, it is crucial to use baking soda in small amounts and not as a long-term solution, as excessive consumption can lead to health risks.
Baking soda is alkaline, and when it reacts with stomach acids, it can help alleviate indigestion and heartburn symptoms. This reaction produces gas as a byproduct, and in rare cases, excessive gas accumulation in the stomach can lead to a rupture, especially after consuming large amounts of food or alcohol. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when using baking soda for indigestion or heartburn relief, and it should not be given to children or used during pregnancy or over extended periods.
While baking soda can provide temporary relief from indigestion and heartburn, it is not a cure for underlying conditions that cause these issues, such as stomach ulcers. In the case of stomach ulcers, the root cause must be addressed through medical treatment, such as reducing NSAID use or taking antibiotics for H. pylori infections. Additionally, individuals with cardiovascular disease or salt restrictions for medical reasons should refrain from using baking soda as a remedy.
In summary, while baking soda can be used to treat indigestion and heartburn, it should be approached with caution. It is meant to provide temporary relief and should not replace medical advice or long-term treatment plans. Consulting a healthcare professional before using baking soda for this purpose is advisable, especially for individuals with existing health conditions or specific medical restrictions.
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Excess baking soda can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
A recent trend on TikTok claims that adding baking soda and salt to alcohol can reduce its burn and flavour, making it easier to drink. While this may be true, there are serious health risks associated with consuming excess baking soda.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is alkaline and can neutralise excess stomach acid, providing temporary relief from indigestion and heartburn. However, consuming large amounts can be dangerous. When someone takes too much sodium bicarbonate, the body tries to correct the salt balance by drawing water into the digestive system, which can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Additionally, in rare cases, consuming large amounts of baking soda can cause a large accumulation of gas in the stomach, leading to a rupture. This is especially likely after consuming large amounts of food or alcohol.
Furthermore, while there is evidence that sodium bicarbonate can improve muscle endurance, it is known that consuming too much baking soda is harmful to the cardiovascular system. People with cardiovascular disease and those who need to avoid salt for medical reasons should avoid using baking soda. It is also not suitable for long-term use, use during pregnancy, or use by children.
While the exact amount of baking soda in the TikTok trend is unclear, it is important to note that even small amounts can be dangerous when used in its powder form, as it is easy to accidentally take too much. Therefore, it is best to use over-the-counter indigestion remedies, as there is a lower risk of overdose.
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Frequently asked questions
It is claimed that adding baking soda and salt to alcohol reduces the bitterness and burn of the drink, making it easier to drink.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is alkaline and can neutralise the bitter taste of alcohol. Salt has also been historically used to mask flavours.
A half-teaspoon of baking soda and an eighth-teaspoon of salt are recommended.
Although it is unclear whether baking soda raises the risk of a heart attack, it is known to be harmful to the cardiovascular system. It can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Therefore, it is not suitable for long-term use, use during pregnancy, or use by children.
As the hack reduces the bitterness of alcohol, it may lead to overconsumption. This could be especially dangerous for underage drinkers.
