6 Benefits of Baking Soda its Uses and Remedies!

What is sodium bicarbonate used for? The uses of baking soda are abundant, to say the least. Many of us think that baking soda is just a baking ingredient or something that helps keep our refrigerators odor free, but baking soda is incredibly good for your health and for your entire home as well. If you have not used baking soda to clean, prepare to be surprised. Uses of the beauty of baking soda? Yes, there are a lot. Speaking of an affordable natural remedy, a box of baking soda usually costs a dollar or even less. Baking soda has been used since ancient times as a deodorant, soothing and cleanser. Sodium bicarbonate uses range from basic daily hygiene (think of toothpaste and shampoo) to the health benefits of sodium bicarbonate, including digestive problems and even kidney problems. Let’s take a look at all the super awesome benefits of baking soda and its uses, but first, what is baking soda?

What is Sodium Bicarbonate?

Baking soda is a familiar household product that is also known as sodium bicarbonate, sodium bicarbonate and sodium acid carbonate. The chemical formula of sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3. This sodium bicarbonate formula represents its composition of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions. It is a substance known for its alkalizing effects thanks to a sodium bicarbonate of 9. What is baking soda? In its most natural form, sodium bicarbonate is also known as nahcolite, a mineral found in various parts of the world. It is commercially exploited in areas of California, Colorado, Botswana and Kenya. There are also large deposits in Mexico, Uganda and Turkey, and Mexico. Some people get confused with baking soda versus baking powder. Baking soda is a leavening chemical agent and so is baking powder, which means that when used for baking, both baking soda and baking powder make the dough rise. Throughout history, sodium bicarbonate has been used as a fermenting agent when baking. It is 100 percent sodium bicarbonate; so when mixed with acid, sodium bicarbonate bubbles and emits a carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise. Baking powder and baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and one or more acid salts are similar but different.

6 Health benefits of Sodium Bicarbonate:

Baking soda is a great tool for cleaning and removing stains, but there are also many health benefits associated with the use of baking soda. Sodium bicarbonate is sometimes used as a supplement because it provides dietary bicarbonate. When taken orally, sodium bicarbonate can raise serum bicarbonate levels. What is bicarbonate? Bicarbonate is typically produced by the kidneys and acts as an acid buffer in the body.

Some of the most common health benefits of sodium bicarbonate include:

1. Help with Digestive Problems:

It is known that sodium bicarbonate helps to neutralize the acid and improve the pH balance in the body.

Baking soda is often used internally to calm digestive dismay, such as acid reflux or heartburn.

When these complaints are due to excessive consumption of acidic foods or to a generally acidic state of the body, slowly drinking some baking soda in water can help neutralize the acid and get the body’s pH back to a better place.

Do not think that more is better when it comes to taking baking soda.

It is important to note that consuming too much sodium bicarbonate can cause an increase in acid production.

2. Antifungal and Antibacterial:

Baking soda has been shown to kill bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, which is a type of bacteria associated with tooth decay.

Baking soda is also effective against various fungal groups, such as yeasts, dermatophytes and molds, which cause skin and nail infections in humans.

3. Improves the Health of the Kidneys:

Research reveals that the uses of baking include the promotion of kidney health.

A clinical study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology observed the effects of sodium bicarbonate in 134 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and low levels of bicarbonate in the blood.

What did you find? Subjects who supplemented with bicarbonate tolerated it well and were significantly less likely to experience rapid progression of their kidney disease.

In addition, there were fewer patients who developed end-stage renal disease (ERT) in the bicarbonate group compared to the control group.

In general, the researchers conclude, “This study demonstrates that bicarbonate supplementation slows the progression rate of renal failure to ESRD and improves nutritional status among patients with Chronic Renal Failure.”

4. Relieves Urinary Tract Infections:

According to the CDC, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections and as the Mayo Clinic points out, women have a higher risk of developing a UTI than men.

A scientific study published in 2017 looked at the effects of sodium bicarbonate in female patients with lower urinary tract symptoms that also had acidic pH levels in the urine below six.

After four weeks of taking sodium bicarbonate orally, the researchers found that the subjects’ urine was alkalinized and that there was a “significant level of positive effects on symptoms and symptom scores.”

In general, sodium bicarbonate seems to be an easy and economical way to improve the symptoms of urinary infection accompanied by acidic urine with few or no unwanted side effects.

5. Reduce Muscle Pain and Fatigue:

A scientific article published in 2013, entitled “Practical considerations for bicarbonate loading and sports performance,” notes that studies to date have shown that taking sodium bicarbonate before exercise ( also known as bicarbonate loading) can have a “moderate positive effect” on athletic performance that includes one to seven minutes of sustained vigorous exercise.

In addition, sodium bicarbonate can also be useful for prolonged physical activity that involves intermittent or sustained periods of high intensity training.

So, is there any benefit to using baking soda as training aid? According to the author of the article, Dr. Louise Mary Burke, “It might be useful to try to support the training session to allow the athlete to train harder, but also to reduce some of the negative side effects of having high acidity in the muscle so you can get less muscle damage and a better long-term training result ».

Another small clinical study of eight healthy male subjects found that the consumption of sodium bicarbonate before intermittent cycling improved their performance in the speed race.

6. Help Relieve the Side Effects of Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy side effects such as making the list of sodium bicarbonate uses for health.

If you or someone you know has gone through chemotherapy, then you probably already know how serious the side effects of this cancer treatment can be.

For example, in some patients undesirable changes in the mouth and throat may occur.

Rinse with a mixture of baking soda daily can help improve these unwanted side effects.

Combine a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda, an eighth of a teaspoon of sea salt with a cup of warm salt and rinse your mouth three times a day. Each time, follow the sodium bicarbonate salt mixture with a rinse with warm water.

These are just some of the many possible health benefits of sodium bicarbonate. If you continue reading, you will learn about even more uses and health benefits of this amazing natural remedy.

The 33 Main Ways to Use Baking Soda Today:

Uses for Beauty and Natural Skin

1. Natural Deodorant:

Create your own deodorant by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to create a paste of baking soda with milk, then rub it under your armpits or even on your feet.

2. Facial Scrub:

Remove dry skin from your face by creating your own sodium bicarbonate scrub.

Combine a teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water and rub it on your face with a circular motion, then rinse.

The use of sodium bicarbonate for facial exfoliation is an economical way to refine the skin, but do not use sodium bicarbonate too often because you do not want it to alter the skin’s pH balance.

3. Hand Softener:

To remove dirt and odors, mix baking soda with warm water and rub your hands.

This natural hand cleaner will leave your hands clean and soft.

4. Pacifier for Feet:

Create your own foot bath with a tablespoon of baking soda and warm water.

This baking soda bath will eliminate bacteria and odors and can help prevent toenail fungus.

5. Itchy Skin Relief:

Baking soda can help reduce discomfort caused by sunburn, allergic rashes and skin affected by poison ivy or poison oak.

Mix a teaspoon with a little water to create a paste of baking soda and apply it in the areas of interest.

Leave on for several minutes and then rinse.

You can do this several times a day as needed.

6. Chip Removal:

The chips come naturally after a few days of soaking in baking soda (use a mixture that includes a tablespoon of baking soda and warm water).

Soak the affected area twice a day in the baking soda water.

7. Pacifier for Insect Bites:

Rub baking soda into your insect bite to relieve itching.

Make a paste with a teaspoon of baking soda and water.

Continue applying soda paste, about three times a day, until the bite dissipates.

8. Relief of Sunburn:

Your fragile sunburned skin will benefit from a mixture of baking soda and water.

Soak in a warm (not hot) bath that includes half a cup of baking soda.

You can also mix baking soda with your favorite body lotion to soothe a sunburn.

Uses for Hair and Teeth:

9. Hair Cleaner:

Baking soda for the hair? Yes. Simply add a teaspoon of baking soda to your shampoo, rub it into your hair and rinse as usual.

Baking soda shampoo is ultra clarifying, so it is an excellent way to remove dirt and oil, as well as the remaining residues of hair products.

10. Brush and Comb Cleaner:

You don’t want to use harmful chemicals to clean your hair tools, so try baking soda instead.

Take advantage of this benefit of baking soda by creating a paste by combining two teaspoons of baking soda with a cup of water.

Cover your brushes and combs with this paste and then rinse thoroughly.

11. Homemade Toothpaste:

Sodium bicarbonate toothpaste is an excellent way to improve dental health.

It is known that sodium bicarbonate increases plaque removal, which is why it is commonly used in both conventional and natural toothpaste.

Pure sodium bicarbonate has abrasive qualities and, over time, can wear off the enamel.

Instead, to keep your breath fresh, you can add baking soda to your toothpaste, make your own homemade toothpaste or simply dip your toothbrush in baking soda a few times a week.

12. Teeth Whitening:

The use of baking soda for dental health continues.

To keep your teeth pearly white, create your own paste with a teaspoon of baking soda and water.

Once a week, rub the paste on your teeth, let it sit for five minutes and then rinse your mouth.

This is a great natural way to whiten teeth and kill bacteria without any hard and questionable chemicals.

Uses for Health:

13. Relief of Gastric Acidity and Indigestion:

Sodium bicarbonate for gastric acidity is really one thing, so much so that conventional manufacturers of conventional medications for gastric acidity include sodium bicarbonate in their formulas.

Baking soda is a cost effective way to reduce heartburn and indigestion, unlike other options such as Tums and Rolaids, which also contain bicarbonate.

Simply add half a teaspoon of baking soda to two cups of water.

An hour after eating, drink this mixture to get some relief.

14. Cancer Prevention:

When you have a pH imbalance, unhealthy organisms are able to flourish, which damages tissues and organs, and compromises the immune system.

It is known that sodium bicarbonate increases the pH of acid tumors without affecting the pH balance of healthy tissues and blood.

Scientific research has shown that oral doses of sodium bicarbonate can raise the pH of the tumor and inhibit spontaneous metastases in animal models of metastatic breast cancer.

15. Exercise Enhancer:

The benefits of sodium bicarbonate can also be transferred to your exercise routine.

It is said that soaking in a warm cloth with half a cup of baking soda added helps neutralize the accumulation of lactic acid in the muscles after a workout.

Some studies, as I mentioned earlier, also point to its internal use to reduce fatigue after training.

It can also improve athletic performance when consumed before physical activity.

16. Improves Renal Function:

As an alkaline substance, sodium bicarbonate buffers acids in the body and helps keep pH levels balanced.

Low-functioning kidneys have difficulty removing acid from the body, so the consumption of sodium bicarbonate can help with that and some research has shown that it can delay the progress of chronic kidney disease.

17. Reduce the Pain of Ulcers:

Because sodium bicarbonate neutralizes stomach acid, it can be useful for ulcers.

Talk to your doctor first, but taking sodium bicarbonate in water internally can help relieve ulcer symptoms.

Home Uses:

18. Natural Kitchen Scrub

Sprinkle baking soda on the surfaces of your kitchen and use a sponge or cloth to exfoliate.

You can even add a few drops of lemon, lavender or mint essential oil to add a natural fragrance to this DIY cleaning product.

19. Pots and Pans Cleaner:

Baking soda can be used to hand wash pots and pans, and it won’t damage these valuables either.

Just let them soak in baking soda for 15 to 20 minutes … fat, dirt or food will come out right away!

20. Carpet Cleaner:

Many carpet cleaners include chemicals that can be harmful to your pets or children, so use baking soda to give your carpet a good cleaning and neutralize odors.

Sprinkle your carpet with baking soda; let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes and then vacuum.

21. Soft Cleanser for Baby Clothes:

Baking soda can be used as a natural cleanser, reinforcing detergent and even as fabric softener.

It’s the perfect way to clean your baby’s clothes – just add a cup to your laundry load.

22. Fruit and Vegetable Scrub:

Make your own natural scrub by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to the water.

The paste mixture is a perfect way to eliminate bacteria from your fruits and vegetables.

23. Cutlery Cleaner:

Create a paste that contains three parts of baking soda and one part of water.

Rub the pasta over your cutlery and let it rest on a large tray or bowl.

After 15 to 20 minutes, rinse the cutlery.

24. Oven Cleaner:

Do not use harmful chemicals to clean your oven; instead, simply add a teaspoon of baking soda to a sponge or damp cloth.

This combination will clean food and fat easily.

25. Drain Cleaner:

Mix baking soda and vinegar to create your own drain cleaner.

A mixture of vinegar and baking soda is a much safer option than the harmful chemicals that are typically used to clean drains.

Let the combination bubble for 15 minutes, then rinse with hot water.

Wait to see how effective can be cleaning with baking soda and vinegar.

26. Dishwasher Reinforcement:

Do you want to try if cleaning your dishes with baking soda is really a thing?

Add baking soda to your regular dishwashing cycle; This will help eliminate unwanted grease and dirt that accumulate in your dishes.

27. Fire Extinguisher:

If you experience a small fat fire in your kitchen, you can use baking soda to extinguish it.

Pouring baking soda into a small pan should quickly quell the flames.

28. Shoe Deodorant:

Can’t you remove that unpleasant smell from your shoes?

Shoe deodorant is another of the many common uses of sodium bicarbonate.

Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes to deodorize them.

You will see how that foul smell disappears in a matter of minutes.

29. Coffee and Teapot Cleaner:

To remove coffee stains and strange flavors from your coffee or tea maker, make this quick mix: a quarter cup of baking soda with a quart of warm water.

Rub the mixture over and in its pots; If you are fighting hard spots, let it sit for a few hours first and then rinse.

30. Shower Curtain Cleaner:

Get rid of stains that appear on shower curtains by rubbing them with baking soda.

Add some water and the dirt will disappear shortly.

31. Closet Refresher:

To cool your closet, place a box or cup of baking soda inside.

Periodically change the baking soda so your closet still smells fresh and clean.

32. Wash Your Car:

Have you heard of a car wash with baking soda?

Because baking soda easily removes grease and dirt, it is the perfect ingredient for final car cleaning.

Make a paste with a quarter cup of baking soda with a cup of warm water.

With a sponge or cloth, rub the paste on your car (tires, lights, seats, windows) and then rinse.

Or dilute in a gallon of water to remove dirt and grime from your paint as well, just be sure to dissolve completely since baking soda is abrasive in its powdered state.

33. Deodorant of Your Cat’s Box:

There are uses of baking soda for pets too.

To naturally deodorize your cat’s box, first cover the bottom of the box with baking soda and then fill it with cat litter, as usual.

After cleaning the liter, give the box a little more deodorization by sprinkling baking soda on top.

Recommended Doses for Baking Soda:

1. Cold and Flu Relief:

The uses of sodium bicarbonate historically include the natural treatment of the common cold and the flu as well. The recommended doses of the Arm and Hamar Company for colds and influenza date back to 1925. The company divided the doses into a three-day period:

Day 1: The first day consists of six doses of half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of cold water, at intervals of approximately two hours.

Day 2: On the second day, the company advises that the individual take four doses of half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of cold water, at the same intervals.

Day 3: The third day includes two doses of half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of cold water, morning and evening, and then half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of cold water every morning until it is cure cold or flu symptoms.

2. Indigestion:

To calm an episode of indigestion, a common dose recommendation is to add a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. This may help reduce stomach acid, but it is important to remember that not all indigestion is caused by an overproduction of acid, so if you still have symptoms two weeks later, talk to your doctor. It is always better to slowly take a mixture of baking soda and water. When taking sodium bicarbonate internally, AVOID:

Take a mixture of baking soda and water in which the baking soda is not completely dissolved

Take more than 3.5 teaspoons of baking soda on a given day

Take more than 1.5 teaspoons a day if you are over 60 years old

Take the maximum dose for more than two weeks

Drink sodium bicarbonate solution too fast

Take baking soda when it is too full (to avoid gastric rupture)

Precautions and Possible Side Effects of Baking Soda:

Sodium bicarbonate uses for the skin or body are generally considered safe and non-toxic. Eating sodium bicarbonate by mouth is also safe, but do not exceed the recommended dose. Too much sodium bicarbonate can alter the acid-basic balance of the body and cause nausea, vomiting and / or abdominal pain. Rare cases of sodium bicarbonate overdose lead to seizures, coma and death.

Baking soda is high in sodium – 1,259 milligrams in a teaspoon – so high doses are not safe. High doses can raise blood pressure and cause swelling. In severe cases, it can overload the circulation and cause heart failure. People who consume too much sodium bicarbonate have developed imbalances in blood chemistry and heart malfunction (inefficient pumping).

Another reason not to overdo sodium bicarbonate is that it can increase potassium excretion, which could lead to potassium deficiency.

If you have edema, liver disease, kidney disease or high blood pressure, you should avoid taking sodium bicarbonate internally. You should also refrain from consuming sodium bicarbonate if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are taking prescription medications, consult your doctor before consuming baking soda and be sure to talk with your doctor about taking sodium bicarbonate if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

You should not take baking soda within two hours of taking other medications. It is also not recommended to give sodium bicarbonate to children under six years of age unless instructed by their pediatrician.

If you are using baking soda to treat a medical condition and it has been more than two weeks, it is a good idea to consult your doctor to make sure you can continue to self-medicate.

Some products that can interact with sodium bicarbonate include acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) and other salicylates, barbiturates, calcium supplements, corticosteroids, medications with a special layer to protect the stomach, lithium, quinidine and diuretics.

Talk to your doctor before using baking soda if you are currently taking any medication or if you have any ongoing health problems.

Final Thoughts:

For such a low cost, this is a truly affordable natural remedy with a seemingly endless list of uses of sodium bicarbonate. From cleaning your bathroom or cleaning your face to calming indigestion and even providing a training boost, all the many uses of baking soda are quite amazing.

Of course, as with all good things, you don’t want to overdo it topically or internally because while many people struggle with being too acidic, not all of us have that problem and too much baking soda can increase acidity.

Sodium carbonate is a highly alkalizing substance that, when used correctly, has been shown to help kidney, urinary and digestive health. Even if you are not interested in the internal or topical uses of sodium bicarbonate, I highly recommend it as one of the best things to have around your home for a really effective but non-toxic cleaning.