Alkali Salts Therapy

In 1949, Detroit surgeon Harry G. Clark formulated a hypothesis concerning allergic reactions. He reasoned that since the end-products of digestion were acids and since the allergic inflammation process accelerated intracellular breakdown, it must be bringing about an acidic state.

Theoretically then, therapy with bi-carbonate salts of sodium and potassium might be helpful in treating an acute allergic reaction. On this basis they were tried and found to be extremely beneficial. The earlier they are administered the better – after the first 24 hours they may tend to make things worse.

A mixture of two parts sodium bicarbonate to one part potassium bicarbonate is normally recommended. These can be mixed in advance and, indeed, a number of proprietary products are now available with these two salts. Malic acid may be added, merely as a flavour enhancer (otherwise the taste is rather bitter).

The usual dose is a heaped teaspoon in half a tumbler of water. This can be repeated two or three times a day but should not be used excessively, as this can be dangerous.

Also, don’t forget that it makes good sense to take Epsom Salts or some other simple vegetable purge (such as Senokot) if you have swallowed something that has caused a severe reaction. The faster it is cleared from the body, the better.

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