Sodium bicarbonate, or referred to as baking soda, is a universal household ingredient. It has a variety of uses from cooking, baking and even used as household cleaning solvents. Not only that, but it also can do a lot of good for our health. It is no surprise that baking soda is used popularly as a natural remedy for good health.
What does baking soda look like?
The natural form of sodium bicarbonate in baking soda is also referred to as nahcolite. Nahcolite is a mineral that can be found in any part of the world. However, the mineral is mined commercially in locations like California and Kenya. Other areas that mine this mineral also includes Mexico, Turkey, Botswana, Colorado, and Uganda.
It is important not to confuse baking soda with baking powder. Baking soda is known for its chemical leavening agent and has been used for centuries in baking to raise the dough. This is because of baking soda’s reaction to acid that gives off the gas and makes bubbles, causing dough to rise. As for baking powder, it also has the same property but is made up of sodium bicarbonate and other acid salts.
What are the health benefits gained from baking soda?
Baking soda has always been known as a great ingredient for household cleaning and cooking. However, the elements contained in it can have wonderful benefits to the health as well. The key element that helps benefit the health is bicarbonate, particularly dietary bicarbonate. Bicarbonate is naturally produced by the kidneys. That means taking baking soda can also supplement and raise bicarbonate levels as well.
Below are six top ways that baking soda is beneficial to our health:
- It helps boost certain cancer therapies and treatments
Since cancer is usually treated with radiation from chemotherapy, it can take a toll on a patient’s health. This is because of the damaged cells as a result of the radiation killing the cancer cells in the body. Despite that, cancer cells can still remain dormant and develop again.
With baking soda, it can lessen acidic levels in the body making it a difficult environment for cancer cells to thrive in. Moreover, taking baking soda can help lower side effects caused by chemotherapy.
- It may delay the development of chronic kidney diseases
When a patient is diagnosed with kidney disease, the kidneys will not be able to function normally. This can be damaging as kidneys are important in eliminating excess water and waste in the body and balance out essential minerals.
With baking soda, the risks of chronic kidney diseases are significantly lower than those who do not include baking soda as part of their treatment.
- It keeps our body away from bacteria and fungi
The antifungal and antibacterial properties in baking soda help in destroying bacteria that try to attack our body.
- It helps in reducing fatigue and pain of our muscles and joints
The alkalinity of sodium bicarbonate helps reduce acid levels in the body making it less likely for our muscles to become fatigued and sore from training. It can also help in prolonging physical activity.
- It helps in reducing symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Baking soda is especially beneficial for women as they are more prone to this condition than men. Female patients with UTI usually have higher acidic pH levels in their urine. To help remedy this, taking baking soda can help alleviate the acidic environment and return to its normal pH levels.
- It helps in promoting good digestive health
Baking soda is largely known to help in neutralizing the acid and normalize pH levels in our body. In relation, it can help manage different digestive issues like heartburn and acid reflux. This is due to the alkali content found in sodium bicarbonate.
While baking soda can help improve our health in a lot of ways, it can also help improve our body image for a better well-being. Below are seven ways we can use baking soda for our body:
- Whitens and cleans teeth
There’s a lot of evidence pointing to baking soda being helpful for our dental health. You can whiten your teeth by using a baking soda paste that’s mixed with part water. Just rub the mixture onto your pearly whites at least once a week and let it sit for five minutes. Rinse off after with water and brush normally.
- Natural skin exfoliator
Using baking soda is a great and natural way to exfoliate dry and dead skin cells from your skin and face. Simply combine a mixture baking soda and water and apply on to your face. Rinse after and use a moisturizer for better results. Make sure not to overuse this remedy to avoid aggravating your skin’s natural pH balance.
- Natural Hair Cleanser
Baking soda is also a great natural cleanser for your hair. Baking soda is a natural alternative to remove excess oil and dirt from scalp and hair and boosts your hair’s healthy shine. Just add one teaspoon of baking soda into your shampoo and conditioner, rub the mixture into hair and rinse.
- Natural hand softener and cleanser
If your hands are filled with dirt and odor, you can add a part of baking soda into warm water and rub into your hands to eliminate dirt and bad smell from your hands.
- Natural body deodorant
You can use baking soda as a form of natural deodorant to get rid of pungent body odor. Make a paste mixing water and baking soda then rub the mixture on to your underarms. This can also prevent odor from pit sweats.
- Natural skin relief from itch and allergies
You can also use baking soda as a solution to reduce skin discomforts like allergies, rashes, and sunburn. Just mix baking soda into water to create a paste. Apply the baking soda paste on the affected area and leave on for a few minutes. Rinse it off after and apply as needed.
- Natural foot soak and odor eliminator
Baking soda is also great for a natural soak for your feet for instant relief and relaxation. It can also help remove bad odor on your feet. Just create a foot soak with baking soda and warm water and dip your feet into the soak.
Baking soda can easily be found and purchased in the market or stores. Alternatively, there are also recommended options online you can purchase:
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