Can eating too much edible alkali cause poisoning?

Under normal circumstances, consuming too much edible alkali may lead to poisoning. Small amounts are safe when used properly, but excessive intake can easily cause bodily harm. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If only a small amount of edible alkali is accidentally ingested, or if it is used normally for cooking purposes (such as leavening dough or removing grease), and the individual has no pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, most people will not experience symptoms of poisoning. The small amount of alkali can be neutralized by stomach acid and excreted from the body through metabolism—such cases generally do not require excessive concern.

However, large intakes of edible alkali—such as accidentally ingesting a significant quantity of powder or concentrated alkaline solution—can result in severe damage due to its strong alkalinity. This may cause burns to the mucous membranes of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, leading to symptoms including pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it may even lead to gastrointestinal perforation or electrolyte imbalances. Such situations constitute acute poisoning and require immediate emergency medical treatment.

In daily life, edible alkali should be stored separately from food to prevent accidental ingestion. When using it, strictly control the dosage and avoid arbitrary increases. If an overdose occurs, immediately drink milk or soy milk to protect the mucosal lining and seek professional medical care at a hospital as soon as possible.