A viral health hack claiming to cure urinary tract infections (UTIs) and ease acid reflux has been going around social media, specifically TikTok. The so-called remedy, drinking baking soda dissolved in water, is, however, warned against by health specialists for the potential health risks it could cause, such as high blood pressure and seizures.

The internet is filled with do-it-yourself health hacks, and the most recent fad is taking baking soda as an instant remedy for UTIs. TikTok has had users posting videos saying that a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water taken orally can clear up UTI symptoms in just minutes. Others have gone ahead to claim that it can cure kidney infections and even remove the burning sensation from UTIs.

Similarly, another well-known assertion is that adding baking soda to acidic foods like tomato-based meals can be used to avoid acid reflux. Though it is a fact that baking soda is able to counteract acidity, employing it as a common remedy will have indirect effects on your health.

Why Baking Soda Isn't a Safe UTI Treatment?

Urinary tract infections result from the introduction of bacteria, most often E. coli, into the urinary tract. The symptoms are burning during urination, increased frequency of the need to urinate, and cloudy or odorous urine. Although the notion of using baking soda to balance out acidity within the urinary tract is appealing, no scientific research has proven it effective.

Preliminary warnings: Experts warn that baking soda is actually sodium bicarbonate, which is a salt. Taking high doses can mess up the electrolyte balance of the body and cause excessive amounts of sodium to build up in the blood, a condition of hypernatremia. It can lead to:

• High blood pressure
• Water retention and swelling
• Kidney damage
• Seizures with severe cases

In addition, as opposed to over-the-counter UTI medications that contain controlled sodium levels, homemade treatments such as these ensure that there is no way to control consumption, and the likelihood of severe side effects is heightened.

Safer, Scientifically-Supported UTI Treatments

Rather than using unfounded social media tricks, people who are suffering from UTI symptoms need to look towards the following safer and doctor-recommended treatments:

Seek advice from a health professional: A doctor or pharmacist can prescribe effective treatments. Women in the 16-64 age group can receive free treatment and advice at pharmacies in countries like the UK.

Antibiotics: The patient may be prescribed a course of antibiotics for a short time to clear up UTIs effectively.

Pain relief: Self-help treatments using over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol will control symptoms.

Heat therapy: Sitting with a hot water bottle placed on the abdomen or thighs relieves discomfort.

Hydration: Drinking lots of water (no baking soda) will help wash bacteria out of the urinary tract.

What Causes UTIs and Risk Factors?

Women are more susceptible to UTIs than men because they have a shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to travel up to the bladder. Some risk factors include:

• Sexual activity
• Pregnancy
• Kidney stones or other obstructions
• Conditions that inhibit full emptying of the bladder, including an enlarged prostate
• Use of urinary catheters
• Weak immune system (e.g., because of diabetes or chemotherapy)
• Unhygienic practices

Can Baking Soda Treat Acid Reflux?

Baking soda has also been promoted as a quick solution for acid reflux, with some recommending that it be added to tomato-based foods to minimize acidity and avoid heartburn. Although baking soda can neutralize stomach acid temporarily, it is not a long-term solution.

Chronic consumption can result in excessive sodium ingestion, which, as stated previously, can be a cause for high blood pressure and other life-threatening conditions. Additionally, long-term dependency on baking soda might hide the actual cause of the condition.

Most importantly, baking soda is not the best or safest method to receive acid reflux relief. Safer alternatives are available.

Lifestyle modifications: Steer clear of trigger foods such as spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine.

Dietary habits: Having smaller meals and not lying down after meals can alleviate symptoms.

Medications: Over-the-counter antacids and alginates can provide relief.

Medical consultation: If acid reflux is frequent, a doctor must be consulted for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Misinformation on Social Media

Social media websites have become a center for health tips, but not everything shared on the internet is accurate. While some of the hacks can be innocuous, others can be harmful and even fatal. Health experts underscore the need to seek tips from trained professionals and not unverified statements from amateurs.

Although the viral claims, there is no evidence scientifically to back baking soda as a safe or efficient drug for treating UTIs or acid reflux. Excessive use is actually known to pose serious health threats, such as high blood pressure, kidney damage, and seizures.

Rather, people need to choose treatments that are scientifically proven, consult doctors, and adopt lifestyle changes when needed. In matters of health, going by scientific advice is always safer than pursuing trending fads.

Every year on 25 April, World Malaria Day is observed to raise awareness about one of the deadliest yet preventable diseases. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 263 million malaria cases and 5,97,000 malaria deaths across 83 countries in 2023. The WHO African Region carries a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. As per the numbers, this Region was home to 94% of the malaria cases, accounting for 246 million and 95% of malaria deaths. Children under 5 accounted for about 75% of all malaria deaths in the Region.

Ahead of World Malaria Day, WHO also called for renewed efforts at all levels - from global policy to community action to accelerate progress towards eliminating malaria.

World Malaria Day 2025 Theme

This year, WHO has joined the RBM Partnership to End Malaria and other partners in promoting: "Malaria Ends With US: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite". This is a grassroot campaign that aims to re-energize efforts at all levels, from global policy to community action, to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination.

World Malaria Day History

World Malaria Day was first celebrated internationally in 2008, building upon the earlier "Africa Malaria Day", which had been observed b African countries since 2001. The date, April 25, was established by WHO in 2007 during the World Health Assembly. In 2007, it was the 60th session of the World Health Assembly where the proposal to rename Africa Malaria Day to World Malaria Day was made to acknowledge the global presence of malaria.

World Malaria Day Significance

The day has a strong significance in healthcare as it brings attention to the disease that still continues to take so many lives, especially in low-income and tropical regions. It also serves as an important reminder to continue spreading awareness about the disease as well as promoting its prevention, treatment and continuous international cooperation to fight against it.

What Is Malaria?

The WHO describes malaria as a life-threatening disease spread to humans by some types of mosquitoes, mostly found in tropical countries. However, they are preventable and curable.

WHO notes: "Malaria is spread to people through the bites of some infected anopheles mosquitoes. Blood transfusion and contaminated needles may also transmit malaria. The first symptoms may be mild, similar to many febrile illnesses, and difficult to recognize as malaria. Left untreated, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within 24 hours.

There are 5 Plasmodium parasite species that cause malaria in humans, and 2 of these species – P. falciparum and P. vivax – pose the greatest threat. P. falciparum is the deadliest malaria parasite and the most prevalent on the African continent. P. vivax is the dominant malaria parasite in most countries outside of sub-Saharan Africa. The other malaria species which can infect humans are P. malariae, P. ovale and P. knowlesi."

What Are The Symptoms?

The early symptoms are fever, headache and chills, which can usually start within 10 to 15 days of getting bitten by an infected mosquito.

Some types of malaria can cause severe illness and death. Infants, children under 5 years, pregnant women, travellers and people with HIV or AIDS are at higher risk. Severe symptoms include:

• extreme tiredness and fatigue
• impaired consciousness
• multiple convulsions
• difficulty breathing
• dark or bloody urine
• jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin)
• abnormal bleeding

A new AI-powered blood test that can detect 12 types of cancer is to be tested on NHS patients. Using this test, experts would now be able to detect cancerous cells in people much before the symptoms appear. The trial, conducted on 8,000 patients, will analyse blood samples for tiny fragments of genetic material released by tumours.

The test called miONCO-Dx, was created using data from 20,000 patients. Initial tests have produced promising results, having shown that it can detect 12 of the most lethal and common cancers, including bowel cancer, at an early stage, with over 99% accuracy. With no other trial currently working in the same way, this is a world-leader and will support in placing Britain at the forefront of revolutionising healthcare. Notably, the UK government has awarded £2.4m to run the trial of the genetic test, which was developed by the University of Southampton and the biotech startup Xgenera.

How Does It Work?

The test was created by Xgenera, in collaboration with the University of Southampton. As little as 10 drops of blood are all that's needed to detect up to 12 common cancers. The test works by measuring the microRNA in a blood sample and using AI to identify if cancer is present and, if so, where it is located in the body.

What Cancers Will It Detect?

Lung, gastric, prostate, oesophageal, liver, bladder, ovarian, bowel, pancreatic and breast cancers–as well as bone and soft tissue sarcoma and a type of brain tumour. The Department of Health said the test was now ready for the "validation and verification" stage.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England's national medical director, said: "This blood test has the potential to help us detect bowel cancer earlier and reduce the need for invasive tests, and the next step in this trial will now be vital in gathering further evidence on its effectiveness and how it could work in practice."

How Is A Blood Test Conducted?

A blood test is a simple medical procedure used to check various health conditions. Here's how it is typically conducted:

1. Preparation: Depending on the test, you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours. The healthcare provider will explain any specific instructions.

2. Collection: You’ll usually be seated or lying down. A healthcare professional will tie a tourniquet around your upper arm to make the veins more visible. The inside of your elbow is the most common site for drawing blood.

3. Cleaning: The area is cleaned with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection.

4. Drawing Blood: A sterile needle is inserted into the vein, and blood is collected into one or more vials or tubes.

5. Post-collection: Once enough blood is collected, the needle is removed, and a cotton ball or bandage is applied to stop any bleeding.

6. Processing: The blood samples are then sent to a lab for analysis.

Novovax, the maker of the only protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available in the US announced that its shot is on track for full approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is an important development for the company. It has sent its stock soaring up to 21% on Wednesday morning for trading. It is said that this will also ease the fears of political interference that may have caused delay in the process.

Vaccine For Emergency Use Only

While the other mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have received full FDA approval for specific age groups, Novovax's vaccine still awaits the approval. It is only authorized for emergency use.

The emergency use authorization or the EUA allows vaccines to be distributed during public health emergencies. However, once the emergency ends, the FDA can remove them from the market unless full approval is granted.

Why Did The Delay Happen?

The FDA originally planned to approve Novovax's vaccine by April 1. However, as per the inside sources, the process was paused at the direction of Dr Sara Brenner, the FDA's acting commissioner. The delay has also raised concerns, especially after Dr Peter Marks, the FDA's longtime vaccine chief, reportedly left his post due to disagreements with the Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, who is a known vaccine skeptic.

What Makes Him A Vaccine Skeptic?

In the past, RFK Jr. has worked closely with many anti-vaccine activists who work for his nonprofit group Children's Health Defense. While in his recent speech, he said that he has "never been anti-vax and have never told the public to avoid vaccination", his track record shows otherwise.

In a podcast interview, he said, "There is no vaccine that is safe and effective" and told FOX News that he still believes in the now long-debunked idea that vaccines can cause autism. In another 2021 podcast, he urged people to "resist" CDC guidelines on getting their kids vaccinated. "I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, better not get them vaccinated," he said.

His non-profit also led an anti-vax campaign sticker and he appeared next on the screen to a sticker that read: "If you are not an anti-vaxxer you are not paying attention," reports AP.

What Does The Vaccine Need For Approval?

The FDA recently asked Novavax to outline a plan to collect additional clinical data from people who have received the vaccine. Novavax says it is “engaging with the FDA expeditiously” and hopes to secure full approval as soon as possible. Full FDA approval is considered the gold standard, as it reflects a higher level of scrutiny and confidence in a product’s safety and effectiveness.

How Is This Vaccine Different From Others?

The COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available in the US teach the immune system to recognize the virus' spike protein, which is its outer coating. the Pfizer and Moderna's mRNA vaccine deliver genetic instructions that help the body create a temporary version of spike protein that trigger an immune response. In contrast, the Novovax's shot contains lab-grown copies of the spike protein itself, which are then combined with a substance that boosts the immune response.

This traditional approach—called a protein-based vaccine—has been used for decades in vaccines for diseases like hepatitis B and shingles. For people who are hesitant about mRNA vaccines, Novavax offers an alternative that uses a well-established method.