Have you heard of sodium bicarbonate? It’s a common ingredient found in many households and has been used to treat an array of medical issues over the centuries. Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a leavening agent that helps the dough to rise. Historically, it was even used for medicinal purposes in Ancient Egypt as early as 1500 BC. The discovery of its chemical properties led to its use in medicine, beauty products, and even household cleaning preparations.
Although sodium bicarbonate has widespread applications and beneficial uses, it is important to be aware of any potential risks before using it. Here we will explore the uses, side effects, contraindications, and more of sodium bikarbonat so that you can decide if this natural remedy is right for you!
Various Uses and Benefits of Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is an important mineral that plays many roles in the body. It can be used to help regulate acid levels, clean and deodorize surfaces, and even aid in digestion. However, it is important to understand how sodium bicarbonate works and any potential side effects so you can safely take advantage of its multiple uses. Here’s a look at the various uses and benefits of sodium bicarbonate.
Alkalizes Your Body
When taken orally, sodium bicarbonate helps balance your body’s pH levels by neutralizing acids in your blood and tissues. This is why it’s been used for centuries to treat conditions such as heartburn, urinary tract infections, and gout.
Prevents Dehydration
Sodium bicarbonate helps prevent dehydration by attracting water from muscle cells into your bloodstream, which can help improve your endurance during intense physical activity or exercise.
Relieves Heartburn
Sodium bicarbonate has been used in traditional medicine for centuries as an antacid to help relieve indigestion caused by excessive stomach acid production (called heartburn). It works quickly because the carbon dioxide gas produced upon mixing with stomach acid neutralizes acids and inhibits further acid production in the stomach lining.
Cleans Surfaces & Deodorizes Tiles & Carpets
Mixing a solution of equal parts sodium bicarbonate and water is a great all-natural way to clean surfaces without harsh chemicals or toxins! This mixture makes a great all-natural cleanser for countertops or tabletops around your home that won’t harm plants or animals (or you!) when best on other surfaces like tile floors or carpets! Simply mix equal parts water and baking soda into a paste before using it on dirty surfaces – rinse thoroughly after use, though!
Treats Bug Bites & Stings
Many bug bites are acidic, meaning they can cause irritation when applied to the skin, so applying baking soda mixed with either some lavender oil or lemon juice can alleviate pain due to these acidic substances being neutralized by the carbonates present in baking soda! Some people even use this remedy on bee stings or jellyfish stings to reduce swelling – just remember, not all stinger remedies work, so always consult with medical professionals if needed!
Reduces Bloating/Flatulence
Baking soda has been known to aid digestion due to its alkaline nature, which helps reduce any unpleasant feeling from bloating/flatulence common after eating certain foods like beans (legumes) – simply mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with 8oz 1 cup of water and drink once daily or better yet squeeze some fresh lemon juice into it for even more digestive benefit!