Aside from its uses in baking, baking soda is best known for its natural cleaning abilities. While it is an incredibly effective, inexpensive, and versatile cleaning agent, it also boasts a wide variety of wellness benefits.
From calming irritated skin to upset stomachs, baking soda can go a long way in keeping your family healthy. Baking soda is very alkaline, meaning its makeup has the properties of an alkali and is very basic. It is this alkalinity that makes it such an effective levener in baking Because of its basic pH level, baking soda can neutralize stomach acids quickly to counter any digestive issues. Additionally, baking soda is lightly abrasive and is therefore a gentle way to clean your teeth and body.
Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to your skin. Apply the paste up to three times a day. This is an effective method to combat itchy bites as well as painful bee and wasp stings.
NATURAL MOUTHWASH
Rinsing your mouth with baking soda mouthwash daily helps to treat and prevent halitosis, discourage the formation of plaque, prevent gum disease, and maintain a healthy oral pH balance. If you have a canker sore, rinsing your mouth every few hours with this solution will help to heal the sore faster and alleviate some of the pain.
To make the mouthwash, mix 1 teaspoon baking soda into a glass of water and stir until the baking soda is dissolved.
Baking soda is a safe antacid—it can help to neutralize acid buildup and improve pH balance in the body. To help heartburn from eating acidic foods, slowly drink 1/4 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in a glass of water to neutralize the acid and correct your body’s pH balance.
SOOTHE IRRITATED SKIN
Add 1 cup baking soda to bathwater to soften your skin and relieve irritation. Two tablespoons baking soda added to your baby’s bathwater can relieve diaper rash.
To counter more aggressive irritations, make a paste of equal parts baking soda and water and apply it to skin affected by poison ivy and poison oak to reduce discomfort. Do not use this method on broken skin. The paste also works for skin affected by sunburn and rashes caused by allergic reactions. Leave this mixture on the skin for several minutes before rinsing. Repeat a few times per day as needed.
WARNING!
When it comes to ingesting baking soda, less is more! Consuming too much baking soda can cause an increase in acid production.
REMOVE SPLINTERS
If you have a stubborn splinter, try soaking the area in baking soda and water. Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with warm water and soak the area twice a day. Using this method, splinters will come out naturally after a few sessions.
BOOST YOUR WORKOUTS
You can use baking soda before and after your workouts in order to get the most out of them. Some studies indicate that baking soda reduces post-workout fatigue and potentially enhances athletic performance when taken before a workout. The ideal dosage of baking soda as a pre-working supplement is 135 mg of baking soda per pound of body weight.
Mix the baking soda with warm water and stir until the baking soda is completely dissolved. Drink the mixture slowly, about 90–120 minutes before your workout for best results.
Tip: Combine with 0.3 ounces creatine per pound of body weight in order to enhance its benefits. Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that is found naturally in muscle cells and is a popular supplement amongst athletes.
WARNING!
Baking soda is SODIUM bicarbonate; be aware of its effects if you are avoiding sodium for health reasons
IMPROVE KIDNEY FUNCTION
Baking soda buffers acids in the body and helps to keep pH levels balanced. Consuming baking soda can help with removing acid from the body and research has suggested it may slow the progress of chronic kidney disease in some cases.
Be sure to speak to your doctor if you are interested in any baking soda treatment for kidney disease.
WARNING!
Always consult a doctor before drinking baking soda and water.
