Baking soda has benefits beyond baking; uses include heartburn relief, mouthwash, itch relief, odor control, and potentially aiding cancer treatment, but be mindful of side effects.
Did you realize baking soda’s just not for baking? We sure didn’t, until recently. Turns out, it’s got a bunch of unexpected uses. We’re gonna explore what baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate as it’s also known, can do for you.
Baking Soda Benefits
So, what’s baking soda good for? Let’s get into it.
1. Helps Treat Heartburn
Heartburn, or acid reflux, is a common issue. It causes burning sensations and discomfort in your chest, usually after eating. Sometimes, it can even creep up to your throat—yikes!
Baking soda might help ease heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid, which, let’s face it, sounds kinda cool, right?
To potentially reap this benefit, mix a small amount of baking soda (like, a teaspoon) in a glass of cold water and drink it. But, um, don’t overdo it.
2. Can Be Used as a Natural Mouthwash
One of baking soda’s perks is that it can double as a mouthwash. I mean, who knew?
Here’s why it could be helpful:
- Freshens breath: Beats those breath mints, any day.
- Keeps mouth healthy: It has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which is, like, super important for fighting germs.
- Eases mouth sore pain: If you’ve got mouth sores, baking soda might just bring some much-needed relief.
- Whitens teeth: Baking soda is a popular natural remedy for teeth whitening. It can remove stains from the surface of your teeth, kinda like magic.
For these potential benefits, add half a teaspoon of baking soda to half a cup of water and swish it around. Easy peasy.
3. Helps in Treating Skin Itch and Burns
Baking soda can lend a hand in soothing itchy skin. That’s probably why some folks recommend using it for relief from:
- Bug bites.
- Sunburns.
- Skin rashes.
To see if this works for you, mix baking soda with other ingredients. Here’s a possible recipe:
- Gather these ingredients:
- 1-2 cups of baking soda.
- A large tub of water.
- A small amount of oatmeal.
- Add the dry ingredients to the tub and mix well.
- Soak in the tub for about 15 minutes, then rinse your body with clean water.
- Repeat daily if the itching persists.
4. Can Eliminate Sweat Odor
Did you know that sweat itself is odorless? It’s actually the bacteria in sweaty areas that cause that not-so-pleasant smell. They transform sweat into smelly compounds.
One way baking soda helps is by making those smelly compounds less acidic. It’s kind of like, neutralizing the funk, if you will.
To try it, apply a bit of baking soda to your armpits.
5. Helps in Improving the Effectiveness of Some Types of Cancer Treatment Alongside Chemotherapy
Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Chemotherapy, which aims to slow or stop cancer cell growth, is a common treatment.
Baking soda might boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy. It could make the environment around tumors less acidic, potentially making it easier for chemo drugs to do their thing. But this evidence is still preliminary and comes from initial studies on living cells, so more research is needed on humans.
That said, the evidence is still limited to initial studies on living cells, so more research is needed on humans.
Beyond these uses, one thing we’ve been curious about is whether baking soda could play a role in managing conditions like gout, which involves uric acid build-up. Though not explicitly mentioned in the original article, some believe that baking soda’s alkaline properties might help neutralize uric acid. If you’re dealing with gout, it’s worth exploring this avenue with your healthcare provider, keeping in mind that scientific evidence supporting this use is still emerging.
Baking Soda Side Effects
Despite baking soda’s potential benefits, there can be some downsides:
- Stomach upset: This can happen if you take too much baking soda because it might cause a chemical reaction in your stomach.
- Increased sodium levels: This could be a problem if you’re using too much baking soda frequently. It can affect people with heart issues or kidney problems.
- Electrolyte imbalances: This is especially risky for folks who already have issues with these levels in their bodies.
- Sensitivity: Some people might get a rash or skin irritation from applying baking soda, showing up as redness or severe itching.
Key takeaways
- Baking soda can be used to treat heartburn and promote oral health.
- It may help relieve skin irritation and eliminate sweat odor.
- Some research suggests it might enhance cancer treatment, but more studies are needed.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is baking soda the same as baking powder?
No, they’re different! Baking soda needs an acid to activate, while baking powder already has the acid included. So, you can’t just swap them out in recipes.
Can baking soda whiten teeth?
Yes, it can help remove surface stains on teeth, making them appear whiter. But don’t overdo it, or you might irritate your gums.
Is it safe to drink baking soda every day?
Not recommended! Regular, high doses of baking soda can mess with your electrolyte balance and cause other health issues. It’s best to use it sparingly and for specific purposes.
Myth: Baking soda can cure cancer
While some studies explore the use of baking soda in conjunction with cancer treatments, it is not a standalone cure and should not replace conventional medical treatments. Always consult with healthcare professionals.
I’d been struggling with heartburn for ages, and nothing seemed to work. Then a friend suggested trying baking soda. Honestly, I was skeptical, but it actually helped ease the burning sensation. I was really surprised!
My gums always seemed sensitive, and mouthwash burned. I stumbled upon using baking soda as a mouthwash, and it’s been a game-changer. No more irritation, and my mouth feels so much cleaner. It’s like a gentle, natural solution that actually works!
I was looking for a natural way to soothe my sunburn, and baking soda baths were recommended. The relief was almost immediate, and it helped my skin heal faster. Plus, it’s so affordable! I’m happy I tried it!
So, there you have it—baking soda’s a multi-tasker! It’s pretty awesome how one simple ingredient can be used for so many different things. Makes you wonder what else is hiding in plain sight, doesn’t it?
