Sodium Bicarbonate
NaHCO₃
Sodium bicarbonate is a white inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaHCO3. It is commonly known as baking soda and is used in a variety of applications such as cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene.
In medicine, sodium bicarbonate is used as an antacid to relieve symptoms of heartburn, acid indigestion, and upset stomach by neutralizing excess stomach acid. It is also used to treat metabolic acidosis, a condition that occurs when the body produces too much acid or the kidneys cannot remove enough acid from the body.
Sodium bicarbonate is also used in laboratory settings as a buffering agent. It is a weak base and can be used to maintain a stable pH in solutions.
However, sodium bicarbonate should be used with caution as it can react with other compounds to produce potentially harmful byproducts. It should not be used in individuals with high blood pressure or heart disease without consulting a healthcare provider.
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