AVOID Sodium Bicarbonate
Avoid sodium bicarbonate. Due to the inherent nature of PKD, sodium bicarbonate or baking soda can increase ↑ PKD kidney stone formation.
Sodium bicarbonate is an ionic compound made up of sodium cations (Na+) and bicarbonate anions (HCO3-). The bicarbonate anion can easily fly off and unite with free floating calcium, prevalent with PKD. This forms a calcium carbonate compound, the most common form of kidney stone associated with PKD. PKD kidneys have a 20% greater chance for developing these types of stones. Unfortunately when sodium bicarbonate was tested in the PKD model all in the PKD model formed kidney stones. Their kidney functioning was helped by its alkalizing effects however the PKD models were harmed by any chemicals in sodium bicarbonate with its stone forming abilities.
Many nephrologists continue to prescribe inexpensive sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda to individuals with PKD, unaware that this can promote a higher incidence of painful kidney stones for PKD'rs. If you use alkalizers consider asking your doctor for a citrate salt to replace the bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate can precipitate calcium salts. If you are given potassium chloride consider asking for citrate salts. The citrate molecule is utilized by our kidneys for energy.
