Can you use baking soda as a laxative?

Baking soda can be used as a laxative to combat indigestion and constipation, says EverydayRoots. In order to ingest the baking soda properly, dissolve a teaspoon of it in 1/4 cup of water. Drink the solution as soon as it is mixed to experience the bicarbonate's maximum effect.

Baking soda works as a laxative primarily because it is a bicarbonate, explains EverydayRoots. This means that the reaction that baking soda causes encourages air to come out of the digestive system one way or the other, and the air pushes out whatever is blocking its exit. Baking soda also relieves pain from pressure, slightly neutralizes the acid in the stomach, and helps digested food pass through the gut.