Your husband could try this approach. However, there is a risk if too much baking soda is taken of altering blood chemistry levels in the body which could lead to harm. There are reports of baking soda ingestion leading to high levels of sodium, high blood pressure, and changes in blood potassium levels. I suggest having him talk to his doctor about the approach. His doctor may be agreeable to monitor his blood levels to prevent negative effects if he decides to try this approach.