Baking soda is perhaps one of the most ignored kitchen ingredients. It is seldom used in cooking, mostly while baking cakes and cupcakes. But do you know that white powder, hiding in the corner of your fridge is a lot more than just a leavening agent and offers enormous health benefits?
Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda is a chemical element that comprises sodium cation (Na+) and bicarbonate anion (Hco3-). It mostly appears as a fine powder with a mild salt and alkaline taste. Baking soda in its natural form is called as Nahcolite, which is natural mineral natron found widely dissolved in many mineral springs. Sodium bicarbonate salt is also known by other local names such as bread soda, cooking soda and bicarbonate of soda.
The incredible potential of baking soda comes from its antacid properties and pH nature. Baking soda is alkaline in nature, which when combined with an acid changes the pH level, thereby facilitating to treat an upset tummy or ward off a bad odour. Baking soda is used extensively in cooking as a leavening agent, natural deodorant, sanitizer and toothpaste.
Health Benefits Of Baking Soda
Treats Acidity
Baking soda is highly praised for its amazing neutralizing properties. Acid reflux is a common problem that causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus which can irritate the food pipe and may result in heartburn. Sodium bicarbonate aids in neutralizing stomach acid secretions, reduce stomach bloating and eases the symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion problems.
Add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda to 250 ml of water and drink this to alleviate symptoms of acid reflux.
Heals Insect Bites
Baking soda is a natural alkalizing agent which when applied topically on your skin can pacifies redness, lowers pain, reduces inflammation, itchiness and stinging caused due to any insect bites. Moreover, a whole lot of over the counter creams and lotions used to heal insect bites contain baking soda.
All you have to do to heal insect bites is to mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 4 teaspoons of water, make a paste, damp a cotton ball with this mixture and apply it on the infected areas.
Treats Urinary tract Infection
Baking soda is a natural neutralizer which works well to clear out toxins from the kidney and guards against urinary tract infections. It lowers the acid levels in the urine, lowers the symptoms of UTI and assists the body to battle against bacteria causing infections.
Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to 1 cup of water and drink this on an empty stomach to lower UTI symptoms.
Dental Health
Evidence strongly supports that toothpaste containing baking soda can remarkably thwart off tooth decay, remove dental plaque and maintain your gum and mouth in good health. Flossing your mouth with baking soda is an amazing remedy for comforting pain caused due to canker sores in the mouth.
Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 150 ml of water and rinse well to heal canker sores and provide relief from toothache.
Treats Gout
The powerful alkalizing property of baking soda is potent to neutralize the stomach acid secretions by elevating the alkalinity levels in the blood, maintain the blood pH and lower the levels of uric acid. As per the study published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology revealed that the rate of kidney malfunction drastically reduced among patients on baking soda, thus promoting kidney health.
To ease gout symptoms and lower uric acid levels add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to 1 glass of water and drink this several times in a day.
Conclusion:
Baking soda is a gifted ingredient with manifold health benefits other than cooking. Baking soda serves as an incredible ingredient in promoting gut health, treating mouth sores, maintaining kidney and dental health. So, get a box of baking soda it is easily available and cheaper to reap the benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Medical Benefits Of Baking Soda?
Baking soda has several medical and health-related benefits when used properly:
Relieves heartburn/acid reflux by neutralising stomach acid.
Soothes urinary tract infections (UTIs) by reducing acidity in urine.
Reduces muscle soreness after exercise due to lactic acid neutralisation.
Soothing skin irritation from insect bites, rashes, and sunburn.
What Are 5 Uses Of Baking Soda?
Baking soda is used as a leavening agent in baking cakes, bread rising, etc.
It is used as a natural scrub for cleaning the kitchen, bathrooms, and stains.
Odour control as a deodoriser for refrigerators, shoes, and carpets.
Personal care toothpaste substitute, mouthwash, or deodorant.
First aid relief for burns, insect bites, or itchy skin.
What Happens When You Consume Baking Soda Every Day?
When consumed in small amounts for a short duration can reduce acid reflux, relieve indigestion, and support temporary kidney function.
Long-term usage or excessive use can cause serious issues like high sodium levels, metabolic alkalosis, nausea, bloating, and kidney strain.
Daily use without medical advice is not recommended.
How To Drink Baking Soda For Better Health?
Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a glass (120–150 ml) of water.
Drink on an empty stomach or after meals for indigestion relief.
Always consult a doctor if you want to use it regularly for health conditions.
How Much Baking Soda Is Safe To Drink Daily?
General guideline: ½ teaspoon dissolved in water once a day is considered safe for short-term use.
Maximum: Up to 1½ teaspoons per day (split doses) for adults.
Exceeding this may cause electrolyte imbalance and health risks.
What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Baking Soda Water In The Morning?
Some people drink it in the morning for:
Temporarily may reduce stomach acidity.
May relieve morning indigestion or bloating.
When mixed with water, it helps to balance electrolytes.
Should not be a daily habit unless medically recommended.
Does Baking Soda Help Flush Kidneys?
Baking soda can reduce acidity in blood and urine, which may help slow kidney disease progression (in medical cases).
Doctors sometimes prescribe it for chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.
Do not self-medicate; use only under medical guidance.
What's The Difference Between Baking Soda And Baking Powder?
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate):
A pure compound.
Needs an acidic ingredient (like lemon juice, yogurt, vinegar) and moisture to activate and produce gas for rising.
Baking Powder:
Contains baking soda plus an acid (cream of tartar) and starch.
Only needs moisture and heat to activate; no extra acid is required.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Does Baking Soda Function as a Magic Bullet for Patients With Cancer? A Mini Review
Mengyuan Yang 1, Xian Zhong 1,✉, Ying Yuan 1
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7249593/
The Impact of Sodium Bicarbonate on Performance in Response to Exercise Duration in Athletes: A Systematic Review
Miralem Hadzic 1,2,✉, Max Lennart Eckstein 1,3,*, Monique Schugardt 4
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC654400
