Baking soda is also known as Sodium bicarbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate .It is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃. Baking soda is usually given in a fine powder form, though it is a white crystalline solid. This chemical substance is indispensable due to its innumerable uses. Here, then, are the various uses of baking soda.
Health Benefit 1: Antacid
For easing stomach and digestive problems, baking soda comes in handy as an antacid. This is because it is an alkaline that neutralizes the acidity in the stomach. The raised level of alkalinity is also useful for fighting various diseases in the body such as acid reflux disease (heart burn). Do you burp? Baking soda combined causes a reaction which helps relieve bloating and excess gas.
Health Benefit 2: Antiseptic
Baking soda destroys parasites, fungi and mold. It also works as an antiseptic for cleaning the teeth. You can put on your toothbrush or gargle to ease sore throat or a persistent cough
Health Benefit 3: Alkalinity
Alkalinity is the measure of acidity or alkalinity of the body, usually especially as PH.Whilst a balance of both is necessary, acidity is useful for digestion to take place while alkalinity is healthy because diseases occur as a result of body acidity. As a result, baking soda helps restore the alkalinity of the body hence warding off potentially dangerous diseases such as osteoporosis, arthritis and cancer, all of which are brought about by the acidity.
Health Benefit 4: Fights Kidney Stones
Due to the vulnerability of kidneys to acidic urine, baking soda comes in handy to bring back the healthy ionic balance in the body. Acidic urine usually causes kidney stones formation. Baking soda makes urine less acidic. It also aids in dissolve existing uric acid stones.
Health benefit 5: Treatment of Gout
Gout or pedigree (when big toe is affected) results from built up of uric acid in the urine, blood and tissues. It is characterized by sudden burning pain, stiffness, and swelling in a joint, usually a big toe. Baking soda restores the body PH, hence helping the body eliminate uric acid formation.
Health Benefit 6: Urinary Tract Infections
Baking soda helps combat Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) by reducing the acid found in urine. For best results, it is advisable to take baking soda as well as lots of water and cranberry juice.
Health Benefits 7: Improving Sports Performance
Extreme exercise causes build up of lactic acid which in turn causes muscle pain and fatigue. The lactic acid leads to formation of uric acid. It has been found soda to lower the acidity created by the muscles during running or swimming by processing it. In order to reduce to build up of lactic acid, you are advised to take baking soda and well as strive to delay the build- up especially if you are training for endurance as an athlete.
Health Benefit 8: Detoxifier
Baking soda and apple cider are used to make an excellent bath water which removes aches, pains and serves as a detoxifier. It also cleans the bath tub and the drain as well.
