What does a baking soda, lemon and cinnamon ‘detox’ drink really do?

Claim 1: “baking soda neutralises the acid that has been creating the pressure and the bloating in your gut”

Fact-check:

Baking soda is alkaline, so in principle it may temporarily neutralise stomach acid. Antacids as a class are recognised to give short‑term relief of acid‑related symptoms such as heartburn ^(source), and sodium bicarbonate (better known as baking soda) is sometimes an active ingredient in over-the-counter antacid medications ^(source). However, using baking soda as a home remedy has very little evidence behind it, and where there is research, this has highlighted the potential dangers, often due to misuse, uncontrolled dosages, and lack of medical supervision ^(source).

Additionally, bloating and abdominal pressure are not always caused by excess stomach acid. Common causes may include gas, constipation, food intolerances, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other digestive conditions ^(source). In these cases, neutralising stomach acid is unlikely to address the underlying cause and may delay appropriate medical assessment ^(source).

There are also potential downsides of taking baking soda for bloating. Because baking soda changes stomach pH, it can affect the absorption of some medications and should not be taken within two hours of some medicines ^(source). When baking soda reacts with stomach acid, it produces carbon dioxide gas, which may temporarily increase discomfort. Excessive or long-term use can also have side effects including nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle cramps, and disturbances in sodium and potassium levels ^(source).

People with kidney disease, heart conditions, high blood pressure, or those following a low-sodium diet should be especially cautious due to baking soda’s high sodium content ^(source). Sodium can cause the body to retain water, which may increase blood pressure and place extra stress on the heart and kidneys. As a result, regularly drinking baking soda could pose risks for people who have been advised to limit their sodium intake ^(source).

Bottom line: The claim lacks important context. Baking soda can temporarily neutralise stomach acid and may help when symptoms are acid-related. However, bloating and abdominal pressure are often caused by factors other than excess stomach acid, meaning baking soda is not a universal solution and may carry risks if used regularly or inappropriately. Persistent symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Claim 2: “Lemon activates the liver and forces it to flush what has been sitting stagnant inside you for years”

There is some evidence that compounds found in lemons may have beneficial effects on liver health. For example, animal studies suggest that lemon juice may help reduce markers of alcohol-induced liver injury ^(source), and that lemon-derived compounds may have protective effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ^(source). However, these findings are largely based on animal and pre-clinical studies, and there is currently insufficient evidence from human clinical trials to show that drinking lemon juice improves liver function or treats liver disease.

More importantly, the claim misrepresents how the liver works. The liver does not store toxins for years and then requires a “flush” to remove them. Instead, it continuously processes nutrients, medications, alcohol and other substances. Through processes including metabolism, biotransformation and bile production, the liver helps prepare compounds and waste products for elimination from the body ^(source). In healthy individuals, the liver already performs this function without the need for detox drinks or cleanses ^(source).

Similarly, there is no recognised medical evidence that lemon “activates” the liver or forces it to detoxify more effectively. Liver function is regulated by complex biological processes, not by a single food or drink consumed in the morning. While drinking lemon water may contribute to hydration, this is not the same as cleansing the liver or removing long-standing toxins ^{(source, source)}.

Bottom line: Claims that lemon can flush out years of accumulated waste may also be misleading for people with genuine liver conditions. Liver disease requires appropriate medical assessment and treatment rather than relying on detox remedies.

Claim 3: “Cinnamon regulates blood sugar so the cycle that keeps feeding the bloating finally gets interrupted”

Research on cinnamon and blood sugar control has produced mixed results. One small study in 41 healthy adults reported modest improvements in blood glucose regulation in healthy adults, but found no significant changes in HbA1c ^(source). In contrast a randomised control trial found no significant effect in people with type 2 diabetes ^(source).

A systematic review of the available evidence concluded that although cinnamon may slightly reduce fasting blood glucose in some individuals, findings are inconsistent and there is limited evidence that it meaningfully improves long-term blood sugar control ^(source). Overall, the evidence does not show a consistent or clinically meaningful effect on blood glucose control and more large-scale, high-quality human trials are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. As a result, cinnamon is not clinically recommended as a primary treatment for diabetes or blood sugar management.

For most healthy individuals, blood sugar is tightly regulated by the body through hormones such as insulin ^(source), and there is no established need to consume cinnamon or other foods specifically to "regulate" it. Anyone concerned about symptoms should seek advice from a healthcare professional rather than relying on dietary remedies.

The claim also overstates the relationship between blood sugar and bloating. While blood sugar regulation is important for overall health, bloating is more commonly caused by factors such as gas production, constipation, food intolerances, or gastrointestinal conditions such as IBS ^(source). There is currently no clear evidence that cinnamon interrupts a specific blood sugar-related cycle that causes bloating.

Bottom line: Although cinnamon can be a flavourful addition to a healthy diet, presenting it as a standalone solution for bloating or blood sugar regulation risks oversimplifying complex health conditions and may discourage people from seeking appropriate medical care.

Final take-away

This social media post relies heavily on anecdotal reports from followers, scientific-sounding biochemical buzzwords, and the appeal of natural remedies to present a simple homemade drink as a solution for bloating, liver health, and blood sugar regulation. While these techniques can make the claims appear credible, they overstate the evidence and oversimplify complex biological processes.

The likely impact is not severe for most healthy adults, but it may encourage people to rely on an unproven remedy rather than addressing the underlying causes of their symptoms. More concerningly, individuals with persistent bloating, diabetes, liver disease, high blood pressure, or kidney conditions may delay seeking appropriate medical advice or use baking soda regularly despite potential risks. Overall, the drink is not supported by strong evidence and should not be viewed as a substitute for evidence-based dietary, lifestyle, or medical interventions.

We have contacted Nordic Healing Wisdom and are awaiting a response.

Disclaimer

This fact-check is intended to provide information based on available scientific evidence. It should not be considered as medical advice. For personalised health guidance, consult with a qualified healthcare professional.