8 Health benefits of baking soda
(Awaken) Baking soda may be one of the simplest items in your pantry, but it packs a lot of power when it comes to health benefits. It’s single ingredient, sodium bicarbonate, is a base that reacts with acids to lower acidity and keep pH levels balanced. That’s why it works so well in your stomach, on your teeth and skin, and with your food. The health benefits of baking soda cover such a wide range of ailments, you’ll want to keep a box in every room.
Health benefits of baking soda
1. Improves digestion
Drinking baking soda puts a stop to acid reflux and indigestion, because it changes stomach acid into sodium chloride and neutralizes heartburn. The bubbling that happens when you put baking soda in water also causes you to burp, which relieves bloating and gas. Simply dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water, mix and drink. Don’t give baking soda to kids under 6-years-old, unless advised by a doctor.
2. Whitens teeth
Smile! Because baking soda is an affordable way to keep your teeth white and bright. Use baking soda for your teeth whitening a few times a week to maintain a healthy smile and good oral health. You can brush with a toothpaste containing baking soda or make your own paste with baking soda and water. For tough stains on your teeth, apply the paste and let it sit for two minutes before brushing. As a bonus, baking soda will freshen your breath, too.
Drinking a baking soda tonic, which is simply baking soda mixed in water, can help lower inflammation in the body. This helps with pain caused by joint inflammation, like arthritis. It can also help gout and urinary tract infections, by reducing acid in the urine.
4. Naturally deodorizes
Run out of deodorant? Head to the kitchen for a fast fix. Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply under your arms. You can also brush dry baking soda onto you armpits. This natural remedy is also a good way to avoid the parabens and aluminum that are in many deodorants and antiperspirants.
5. Treats skin problems
A box of baking soda in the bathroom will also keep your face looking clean and clear. It works as a mild exfoliant to remove dead skin, clear pores, and dry up pimples and acne. Baking soda is antibacterial, so it can help prevent breakouts, too. Try mixing it with honey or olive oil for a homemade skin scrub that’s gentle enough for your face and entire body.
6. Soothes bites and stings
A paste of baking soda and water is an easy trick to reduce pain, swelling and itching from stings and bites. It works for everything from bee stings to insect bites to jellyfish stings. Apply the paste to the affected area and let it dry. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Then scrape or rub the dried paste off your skin and re-apply as needed.
7. Improves athletic performance
If you do endurance training, baking soda can keep you going longer. It’s alkaline properties reduce the effects of lactic acid build up after you’ve been exercising for a long period of time. Try this easy-to-make energy drink: Mix four cups of water with a half teaspoon of baking soda, one teaspoon of sea salt, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of raw honey. It’ll give you more stamina and help your recover quickly.
8. Cleans your fruits and veggies
This last health benefit of baking soda protects you from the food you eat. If you worry about the negative effects of pesticides, but like to eat the peel on your fruits and vegetables for extra nutrients, try soaking your produce in a baking soda wash for 12 to 15 minutes. Research has shown this is one of the most effective ways to get rid of pesticides without peeling them.
Source: Awaken
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