Most of us keep a box of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) around the house. It makes baked goods rise, eliminates acid-induced odors in refrigerators, carpets, and litter boxes and is a minimally abrasive “green” cleaning agent that can be used to scrub everything from sinks and dishes to fruits and vegetables.
In addition to these household applications, sodium bicarbonate has several medicinal uses.
5 Uses of Baking Soda for Health
1: Kidney Disease
Bicarbonate is an alkaline substance naturally produced in the body that buffers acids and helps keep pH in check. In people who have chronic kidney disease, which is most often caused by diabetes or hypertension, poorly functioning kidneys have a hard time removing acid from the body. This often results in a condition known as metabolic acidosis.
Studies have shown that dietary measures to boost bicarbonate levels can increase the pH of acidic tumors without upsetting the pH of the blood and healthy tissues. Although this hasn’t yet been studied in human clinical trials, animal models of human breast cancer show that oral sodium bicarbonate does indeed make tumors more alkaline and inhibit metastasis. Based on these studies—plus the fact that baking soda is safe and well tolerated—we’ve adopted this therapy at Whitaker Wellness as part of our overall nutritional and immune support protocol for patients who are dealing with cancer.
3: Occasional Heartburn and Indigestion
Most over-the-counter antacids, such as Alka-Seltzer, Tums, and Rolaids, contain some form of bicarbonate. But a more cost-effective way to relieve occasional heartburn and indigestion is to stir half a teaspoon of baking soda into half a cup of water and drink it an hour or two after meals.
4: Natural Deodorant
Simply mix about a teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to create a milky liquid, and rub it on your feet and underarms.
5: Oral Health
Baking soda is a popular ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes since it has been shown to enhance plaque removal. Of course, you could just dip your toothbrush in baking soda, but due to its abrasive qualities, it may wear down enamel over time. Therefore, I recommend going with the commercial products.
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