Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is one of the common household products. From baking to cleaning, it does an awesome job, while not being heavy on the pocket. In addition to these, it also provides therapeutic benefits, when mixed with water and consumed orally. Below are the reasons why you should consider drinking baking soda for a better health.
Therapeutic Benefits Of Baking Soda Solution
1. Relieves Heartburn And Indigestion
Heartburn is the condition when hydrochloric acid (HCl) in the stomach regurgitates (flows back) into the esophagus, causing pain, burning sensation, and uneasiness. Baking soda being a natural alkali neutralizes the HCl in the stomach, providing instant relief. This is also the reason most over-the-counter drugs and antacids have sodium bicarbonate as their primary ingredient.
Together, baking soda and water bring in the bubbling effect, which promotes burping. This relieves bloating and gas caused due to indigestion.
To treat heartburn and indigestion, dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in half a glass of water and drink the solution 30 minutes post-meal. If the condition is severe, drink this solution once every two hours, not exceeding 7 doses in 24 hours. Also, this remedy works best if the condition is occasional. In case of chronic conditions, a medical advice is mandatory.
2. Treats Inflammation
A form of arthritis called gout is a condition characterized by inflammation. While arthritis is usually an auto-immune disorder, gout is caused due to excess uric acid build up in the body. The condition causes severe pain, redness, and tenderness in the joints.
The alkaline nature of baking soda brings down the uric acid levels and stops further buildup of the same. A mixture of half a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate in a glass of water gives temporary relief from gout.
3. Gets Rid Of Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused due to excessive proliferation of bacteria in the urinary tract. Bacteria thrive in an acidic environment elevating the symptoms of burning sensation and excess and painful urination. Baking soda neutralizes the acidic environment providing symptomatic relief.
Mix a teaspoon of baking soda and low-calorie sweetener in a glass of water and have it empty stomach in the morning.
4. Curbs Cancer
Tumors of cancer metastasize (spread) in an acidic environment. Studies conducted on animal models of human breast cancer revealed that sodium bicarbonate balances out the pH of the acidic environment. The neutralizing effect is brought about without impacting the normal pH of the blood or other body tissues. What’s more – baking soda is well-tolerated by our body without any side effects, when taken in optimal amounts.
Current studies indicate that consuming 12 grams of baking soda in 2 cups of water over the period of 2 hours helps. Having the solution thrice a day is more effective.
5. Wards Off Cold And Flu
The use of baking soda to treat cold and flu dates back to the 1920s. This is again attributed to the fact that bacteria and virus spread fast in an acidic environment and neutralizing the same provides relief. The alkaline nature of baking soda acts as both preventive and therapeutic remedy for cold and flu.
The dosage for cold and flu varies depending on the severity of the infection. It is best to check with your doctor about the same.
In addition to these, baking soda is also found to be effective in treating kidney stones. However, the results are mixed and some studies show the adverse effects of baking soda in people with kidney disease, who also have hypertension and diabetes.
Baking soda breaks down into sodium ions in the body, which regulate various metabolic activities. Excess sodium ions could have a detrimental effect on your muscles, heart, and brain. Therefore, in any case, it is advised to check with your doctor about the dosage and frequency before opting it as a remedy.
