Is drinking baking soda in water a remedy for common health problems or does it pose some risk? Learn the potential benefits and possible risks of ingesting baking soda in a glass of water.
The Effect of Baking Soda in the Body
Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda, is a well-known external remedy. It can be used for problems ranging from acne to insect bites. It helps to balance pH levels and has a cleansing, softening effect on the skin. What about drinking baking soda in water? What are the health benefits of ingesting bicarbonate of soda and what are the health risks?
- Antacid: When ingested, baking soda helps to balance body pH. In cases where the body is too acidic, it has an alkalizing effect. For this reason it may be taken as an antacid, relieving heartburn, acid indigestion and an upset stomach due to heartburn and indigestion, to use baking soda for heartburn relief use:1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
4 ounces of water
Dissolve the baking soda completely and then drink every two hours. Do not have more then seven one-half teaspoon servings within any twenty-four hour period. To use properly be sure all the baking soda is dissolved in water and do not consume on a full stomach. Do not take if you are taking other antacids or prescription drugs or if you have high blood pressure. - Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs when there is an accumulation of uric acid in the blood, tissue and urine. As drinking dissolved baking soda can balance your body's pH level, some doctors may recommend bicarbonate of soda to help address the uric acid build-up. As with using it for heartburn, to use as a remedy for gout, the baking soda must be completely dissolved. You should talk to your doctor about proper doses, as there are side effects of drinking baking soda in water regularly.
- Urinary Tract Infections: Baking soda's alkalizing effect may also benefit urinary tract infection sufferers. Drinking a full glass of water with one teaspoonful of baking soda, completely dissolved, may prevent further symptoms and help the body overcome the infection by making the urine less acidic. Drinking plenty of water and cranberry juice can help as well.
Risks
- Baking soda may be ingested for heartburn, gout or even urinary tract infections. Mixing a small amount of this white powder for relief is a relatively simple and very inexpensive way to help improve your body's pH so that these health conditions are not as severe. Baking soda is not a cure for any disease, nor is it a substitute for regular medical care. Be sure to talk to your doctor first to see if ingesting baking soda is right for you and how much is safe.
- Baking soda is high in sodium and is not safe in high doses nor should it be used over a long period of time. It is also not safe for people who have certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease or edema. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid it unless directed by their doctor. If not dissolved properly or if taken on a full stomach it can cause an upset stomach.
- Possible side effects of drinking baking soda in water include stomach cramps and increased thirst. If you notice more serious side effects such as nausea, weakness, slow breathing, mental changes or swelling of the feet, contact your doctor.
More Uses
Everyone knows that baking soda is aces at keeping fridges smelling fresh, but
who knew just how many other things it could do around the house?
Kitchen, Fire
Protection
- Baking soda's a natural fire-stopper. Keep a box close at hand
when you're working with live fire of any kind. A handful can put out grease,
electrical, wood, and fuel fires. - Run a baking soda and water solution through your coffee maker,
followed by two fresh-water brew cycles to keep your java tasting tip-top. - It's also great on the grate. Sprinkle it on the grill, or make a
paste with water, and scrub grit off the grill without the danger of adding
nasty cleaning chemicals to your food. - Zap nasty cutting board tastes and smells but scrubbing them with
a mixture of baking soda and salt. It'll cut grease, won't dry out the wood, and
will also take garlic and onion smells off your skin. - Use a damp paper towel and a sprinkling of soda to remove tea and
punch stains from china and plastic. - A
pinch of baking soda in a gallon of freshly-brewed iced tea takes out
bad-tasting tannins and prevents cloudiness. - When you're soaking dried beans or cooking cabbage, add a dash to
the water to make them more digestible. - To keep tomato soup from curdling, sprinkle some soda on the
boiling tomatoes and skim off the white foam before adding milk or cream. - Two tablespoons added to boiling corn and cauliflower keeps the
veggies crisp.
Oral Health
- Don't give oral health the brush-off. Soak retainers, mouthguards
and dentures in a baking soda and warm water solution (2 tsp to a drinking glass
full) and keep your choppers feeling clean.
Go for a natural glow!
- Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to one
part water for an effective and inexpensive skin exfoliant. Just apply it to
your skin with fingertips or a washcloth in a gentle, circular motion and rinse.
It also works well - Mix a little soda into your shampoo to strip out product build-up,
or rub it into your conditioner for extra-healthy, non-split-prone tips.
First Aid
- Apply a paste of baking soda and water to take the ouch out of bug
bites, bee stings, sunburns, rashes, poison ivy, or pour in bathwater for relief
from the itch of chicken pox and measles. - Drink 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 a glass of water to
relieve acid indigestion and heartburn, or use it as a mouthwash to soothe
canker sore pain.
Garage
- Neutralize spilled battery acid in a flash with a handful of
baking soda. - Baking soda on a wet wash cloth makes an excellent bumper buffer
when little scuffs appear. It also shines up bike chrome. - Use a soft brush and a baking soda and water paste to clean
efficiency-killing grease and grime from your car's battery.
Clothing
- No one likes reeking of smoke, sweat or spit-up. Rub
baking soda directly on baby spit-up to nix the smell quickly. Soak
sweat-drenched headbands, hats and gloves or smoky clothes in a baking soda
solution before they hit the washing machine. Or, if you're pressed for time,
sprinkle it on clothing for a quick odor mask, and wash when you get a
chance. - Shoes can smell a bit iffy after you've been wearing them all day.
Once you've kicked them off, stick a small cloth pouch of baking soda in the toe
overnight to tame any icky odors.
Garden
- Keep fungus, black spot and powdery mildew off your
precious plants by mixing baking soda, horticultural oil and soap and applying
it to affected leaves. It's also effective on rose leaves. Just add 1 tsp of
soda and a few drops of dishwashing soap to a gallon of water, and spray once a
week, and after it rains.
Have a beautiful day! ^_^
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