Baking soda has many uses beyond cookies and other baked goods. Baking
soda, or sodium bicarbonate, becomes activated when mixed with an acidic ingredient
and a liquid. Upon activation, carbon dioxide is made, allowing muffins or cakes to rise
and become fluffy. Baking soda is alkaline, or basic, unlike baking powder, which can
activate on its own -- but the two are very different!
One of the most famous uses of baking soda is to extinguish fires. Baking soda
can put out electrical and grease fires, where using water typically makes the situation
worse. Usually it takes a whole regular-sized box of baking soda to smother a small fire
in a pan or pot, but large fires require jumbo-sized boxes found in the laundry aisle of
grocery stores. Since a fire needs oxygen to keep burning, baking soda is the best
extinguisher (except for a real fire extinguisher) because it releases carbon dioxide.
Baking soda can also be used to reduce swelling and pain of bee and wasp
stings! Mix about a 1⁄4 of a cup of baking soda with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water to make
a thick paste and apply to the sting site. It’s thought that baking soda can actually lower
the acidity of the sting.
Baking soda may help treat acid reflux, a condition where stomach acid enters
the esophagus. Experiencing acid reflux from time to time is perfectly normal, but it can
be unpleasant. Baking soda helps treat acid reflux by lessening stomach acidity.
However, baking soda is high in sodium, 629 mg per 1⁄2 teaspoon, and repeated use of
baking soda has been shown to cause health problems. Baking soda can be used as a replacement for mouth wash. Some studies have shown that it can freshen breath and provide antibacterial properties! One study did show that baking soda didn’t significantly lower bacterial levels, but did increase salivary pH, which inhibits bacterial growth. To use baking soda as mouthwash, add 1⁄2 a teaspoon of baking soda to half a glass of water and swish it in your mouth like normal.
Baking soda is slightly abrasive, which allows it to break molecule bonds that
stain the teeth. Toothpaste containing baking soda has been shown to be better at
whitening teeth and removing plaque. Since baking soda is alkaline, it helps reduce the
acidic smell of broken-down sweat, making it a good deodorant. During exercise, the muscle cells produce lactic acid, which causes the burning sensation that accompanies physical exertion. Lactic acid then lowers the pH inside the cells, resulting in muscle tiredness. Baking soda has a high pH and may delay muscle fatigue. Studies recommend taking 300mg of baking soda with one liter of water one to three hours before exercising.
A study including 134 adults with chronic kidney disease found that those who
took baking soda supplements were 36% less likely to experience rapid disease
progression, but always talk to your doctor before taking these supplements. Baking
soda has also been shown to help treat some cancers, but more human-based research
is needed for this study.
Baking soda can also be used to neutralize fridge and garbage odors. Baking
soda eliminates odor particles, rather than masking over them. Stick a cup full of baking
soda in the back of the fridge or spread it in the bottom of a waste bin to kill odors.
Because of baking soda’s ability to neutralize smells, you can also make baking soda
air-fresheners with a jar, 1⁄3 cup baking soda, 10 to 15 drops of essential oils, a piece of
cloth, and a string!
It may also help to whiten laundry, remove carpet stains, clean the kitchen and
bathroom, clean vegetables, and polish a burnt pot or pan! Baking soda is versatile and
fun to use! There are many alternatives to commercial products, but make sure you
follow a reliable source!
Written by Melody Howard
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin, meaning it is stored in body fat. Vitamin D
allows calcium and phosphorus absorption, encourages cell growth, and also
strengthens the immune system. But where can you get it?
Sunlight is the most well-known source of vitamin D, also called the “sunshine
vitamin.” The liver and kidneys convert vitamin D into its most active form -- vitamin D3.
Vitamin D is essential for a strong skeleton since it allows calcium to be absorbed in the
gut. Fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, eggs, cheese, and certain mushrooms contain
vitamin D. A larger amount of vitamin D is found in fortified foods such as cow’s milk,
cereal, and dairy alternatives. While UV rays do produce most of the vitamin D we
absorb, they can also be very dangerous. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause
skin cancer and sunburn, the latter of which is fairly minor but still very painful.
Children and teens should take 600 international units (IUs) of vitamin D per day,
as well as adults under 70. Adults over 70 should take 800 IUs a day. Vitamin D may
decrease the risk of multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and the flu. It also might reduce
depression and boost weight loss, but this is mostly a theory.
A blood test usually reveals a vitamin D deficiency. If a person is diagnosed with
a vitamin D deficiency, many doctors will provide vitamin D supplements and take
X-rays to check bone strength. Many people do not get enough vitamin D from sunlight
and food alone, so it’s always a good idea to buy fortified meals and drinks, such as
fortified cereal and orange juice. Having a lot of melanin in the skin, or having dark skin,
and staying indoors also causes people to not absorb vitamin D. Make sure to go
outside in the summer months, but not for too long!
Written by Melody Howard
Even today, baking soda remains in the lead ingredient for oxidizing stains and removing plaque without removing tooth enamel. A combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide lifts particles caught between teeth and kills bacteria.
Do not add anything to the baking soda to make it more abrasive. You may want to add an artificial sweetener for taste (which is essentially all some of those “natural” toothpastes do), but do not add real sugar which would promote tooth decay.
The best homemade deodorant contains baking soda. You equal parts baking soda and cornstarch. OR substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder if cornstarch bothers your skin. Then just pat it on your underarm. If you prefer more of a paste, add a few drops of coconut oil.
Note: For those allergic to coconut oil, substitute with half as much of a liquid oil such as almond, jajoba or avocado oil.
You can make your own shampoo with ingredients you have in your kitchen. Seriously. For cleaning alone (without styling), a homemade recipe really does eliminate oil and grime as well as any store product so you’ll have clean, shiny hair.
Customize With Essential Oils
If you like your store-bought shampoo but would like to add to it a little, the essential oils that old-timers relied on for hair care really do work.
Tales of the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, tell of her beauty and her radiant skin. Her secret? Apparently she used to take frequent baths in fresh milk! Researchers now have found that the lactic acid in milk is the cause of the stunning skin. Alpha hydroxy acids help loosen dead skin and give healthy skin a deep cleansing.
From Farmer's Almanac