Amazing Health Benefits of Baking Soda
Have you ever thought about drinking baking soda? After reading through its wonderful health benefits you may want to start. Also called bicarbonate of soda or sodium bicarbonate, this outstanding ingredient, dissolved in water, has long been used to relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, indigestion, heartburn and infection. Consumed in moderate amounts and at appropriate times this unusual drink can provide many benefits to the body.
Before You Start: A Word of Caution
When drinking baking soda, mix 1/2 teaspoon
of baking soda into 1/2 glass of water. This is a safe dose that will
relieve heartburn, indigestion and other ailments (see below). People
aged between 5 and 60 can take up to 7 doses (at 2-hour intervals) in a
24-hour period. People older than 60 should not consume more than 3
doses within 24 hours. If consuming the maximum dose, do not exceed more
than two weeks. Disorders that crop up frequently should be seen to by
your doctor. Furthermore, consuming too much baking soda water can be
harmful for people with diabetes, kidney disease or chronic health
conditions. Read more about drinking baking soda water safely below.
The Benefits of Drinking Baking Soda Water
Drinking baking soda water periodically can boost your heath. It works
as an antacid and antiseptic, which helps ease stomach and digestive
problems. Below are 6 reasons why drinking baking soda water is good for
you.
1. It neutralizes stomach acid
Baking soda is best known for its antacid
properties, meaning that it neutralizes acid, particularly in the
stomach. Acid reflux disease, often called heartburn, is normally caused
due to a number of issues. Stomach acid splashes out of the stomach
into the esophagus and can sometimes reach as far up as the throat,
causing an unpleasant feeling. However, drinking baking soda water can
help neutralize the stomach's hydrochloric acid, easing the symptoms
associated with heartburn. The baking soda water also encourages burping
and this relieves bloating and gas.
2. It contains mild antiseptic properties
Baking soda is a mild antiseptic that can be used to kill some kinds of
parasites, fungi and mold. To reap the benefits, apply baking soda to
your toothbrush to disinfect the brush and clean your teeth. You can
also gargle with baking soda water to help minimize the symptoms of a
sore throat or a persistent cough.
3. It promotes more alkaline pH in the body
While acidity is necessary for effective
digestion of food, an overall alkaline pH in your body is considered
healthier, primarily because many diseases thrive in an acidic
environment. Diseases of a degenerative nature like osteoporosis,
arthritis and cancer have all been associated with a chronically high
acidity level in the body. Baking soda water will therefore bring about a
worthwhile dietary change.
4. It can alleviate symptoms associated with gout
Gout is a type of joint inflammation that happens when uric acid builds
up in the urine, blood and tissues. But drinking baking soda water can
balance the body's pH level, alleviating the symptoms associated with
gout.
5. It can be used to treat kidney stones
Kidney conditions can result when the ionic
balance in your body is disrupted. Acidic urine can lead to the
formation of kidney stones. When this occurs, treat with baking soda to
restore a healthy ionic balance, discouraging kidney stone formation.
6. It can treat urinary tract infections
Drinking baking soda water can help the body overcome the infection by
reducing acid in the urine. Alongside this remedy, drink plenty of water
and lots of cranberry juice too.
How to Drink Baking Soda Water for Various Ailments
1. Drink it for your body's pH
Determine whether you need to drink baking soda water for your body's
pH. Buy some litmus pH paper from your local pharmacy and use it to
measure your urine and saliva.
First thing in the morning, measure your saliva. This should ideally be
between 7.0 and 7.4. Do so before you drink anything. A urine pH reading
between 6.0 and 7.0 is appropriate in the morning, and this should
slightly increase throughout the day. If your pH levels are consistently
lower than this, you can use baking soda water to bring your levels up.
Here's How: Drink a glass of water with half a teaspoon of baking soda
dissolved in it twice per day. Drink it only between meals and continue
to monitor your pH. If it's still low, drink the mix four times per day.
Once it has normalized, include more vegetables and less acidic food
into your diet.
2. Drink it for a cold or the flu
Baking soda has been shown to reduce the duration of cold and flu. In
fact, it has been shown to eliminate symptoms within 36 hours.
Here's How: On the first day, drink six doses of baking soda water at
two-hour intervals. On day 2, drink four doses of baking soda water at
the same intervals. On the third day, drink two doses of baking soda
water - one in morning and another two in the evening. Then reduce it to
just one dose in the morning and one in the evening, until the symptoms
have subsided.
Bonus: Tips For Drinking Baking Soda Water
• As stated above, baking soda is high in sodium and is not safe in high
doses or for a long periods of time.
• Baking soda water should not be taken by individuals who have edema,
liver disease, kidney disease or high blood pressure.
• Nursing mothers or pregnant women should avoid drinking baking soda
water.
• Cramping of the stomach and increased thirstiness may arise when
consuming baking soda water.
• If you experience swelling of the feet, weakness, slow breathing or
nausea, contact your doctor.
• Avoid baking soda water if you have high blood pressure or are on a
sodium-restricted diet.
• Check with your doctor if your prescription medication can be taken
with baking soda water.
• Baking soda water should not be given to children under the age of
five.
• Do not drink baking soda water on a full stomach.
• Opt for pure sodium bicarbonate, as opposed to the commercial
varieties available at supermarkets. Pure baking soda is widely
available online.
• Do not confuse baking soda with baking powder. It is an entirely
different substance and may harm your body.