Description
Baking Soda May help treat heartburn
Heartburn, also called acid reflux, is a painful, burning sensation in the upper region of your stomach that can spread into your throat.
It’s caused when acid flows out of your stomach and up into your oesophagus, which is the tube that connects your stomach to your mouth.
Although acid reflux has many causes, it often occurs after you eat large meals, drink carbonated beverages, or eat greasy or spicy foods.
Baking soda can help treat heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid.
To try it, dissolve 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of baking soda in a glass of cold water and drink the mixture slowly.
However, there are downsides to this treatment to keep in mind:
- There’s some debate as to whether everyone with heartburn symptoms has high levels of stomach acid.
- Baking soda is very high in sodium, with 630 mg per 1/2 teaspoon (2.3 grams), which is important to be aware of if you have to limit your sodium intake.
- Continued use may lead to metabolic alkalosis — a condition in which your blood becomes overly alkaline — and heart problems.
May soothe canker sores
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can form inside your mouth. Unlike cold sores, canker sores don’t form on your lips and aren’t contagious.
Though more evidence is needed, some older studies suggest that baking soda mouthwash soothes pain caused by canker sores.
May improve exercise performance.
Baking soda is a popular supplement among athletes, who also call it sodium bicarbonate.
Some studies show that baking soda helps you perform longer at your peak, especially during anaerobic exercises or high intensity training and sprinting.
During high intensity exercise, your muscle cells start producing lactic acid, which is responsible for the burning feeling you get while working out.
Lactic acid also lowers the pH inside of your cells, potentially causing your muscles to tire.
Baking soda may help delay fatigue due to its high pH, letting you perform at max intensity for longer.
For example, one study found that cyclists who took baking soda exercised for an average of 4.5 minutes longer than those who didn’t take baking soda.
According to one review, this supplement may be effective when used in doses around 0.13 grams per pound (0.3 grams per kg) of body weight.
May relieve itchy skin and sunburns.
A baking soda bath is often recommended to soothe itchy skin after bug bites or bee stings.
Additionally, baking soda may help soothe skin that’s itching from sunburns.
Some people claim that it’s more effective when combined with other ingredients like cornstarch and oatmeal.
To make a baking soda bath, add 1–2 cups (220–440 grams) of baking soda to a lukewarm bath. Make sure the affected area is soaked thoroughly.
For specific areas, create a paste with baking soda and a bit of water, then apply a thick layer to the affected area.
May slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) slowly lose their kidney function.
Your kidneys are vital because they help remove excess waste and water from your blood while balancing important minerals like potassium, sodium, and calcium.
May improve certain cancer treatments
Some research shows that baking soda may help chemotherapy medicines work more effectively by making the environment for tumours less acidic.
The bottom line
Baking soda is a versatile ingredient whose uses extend far beyond cooking.
This household staple shines when it comes to neutralizing odors and cleaning.
It helps remove tough stains, eliminate foul odors, and clean difficult areas like the oven, microwave, and tile grout.
In addition, baking soda has a variety of health benefits.
For example, it may alleviate heartburn, boost exercise performance, and even whiten your teeth.
What’s more, baking soda is inexpensive and widely available. It never hurts to have a container on hand.
https://www.maxdnutrition.co.za/the-magic-of-baking-soda/
https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/55-special-uses-for-baking-soda-you-never-knew.html
