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Does Excess Of Bicarb Cause Weight Gain And Swelling On Legs And Ankles?

Posted on Tue, 23 Jun 2015

Question: I am a relatively healthy 44 year old women who has reflux. After a scope, my GI doctor confirmed acid reflux and he prescribed Zegrid with Bicarb twice a day. However insurance would not cover that formulation, so i have been tacking it over the counter which I believe adds up to 2200 mg of Bicarb. I have been taking for a about two months and have been gaining weight during that same time period (about 10 lbs) and today my feet ankles and bottom legs are swollen like ballons. Is this a lot of Bicarb?

Answered by Dr. Monish De (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Reduce your dosage

Detailed Answer:
Hi

The normal dosage of bicarb is 325 mg orally four times daily for acid reflux

Over dosage like 2200 mg is a lot of bicarb and may cause side effects such as weight gain and swelling of the feet and legs

I would advise you to reduce your bicarb dosage to 1000 mg daily for your acid reflux symtoms with your doctors advise to abolish the side effects

Regards

DR DE

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad