Baking soda might look like nothing more than a white powder tucked away in your kitchen cabinet, but science shows it has far more potential than just making cakes rise. Beyond baking, this everyday ingredient offers surprising health benefits — from soothing inflammation to supporting kidney function. Below, we explore 11 science-backed ways baking soda can support your health, based on insights from Dr. Antonio Cascelli.

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Key Takeaways

• Baking soda has multiple science-supported therapeutic uses.

• It can help with oral health, skin irritation, kidney support, and inflammation.

• Internal use must always be moderate and guided by medical advice.

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1. Baking Soda for Canker Sores

Its alkalizing effect neutralizes acid, helping mouth ulcers heal faster. A Canadian study following 3,000 patients over seven years found that rinsing with baking soda significantly reduced pain and frequency of sores.

How to use:
Mix ½ tsp baking soda in water as a rinse or apply a small paste directly to the sore.

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2. Calming Joint Inflammation

A 2018 study found that diluted baking soda reduced inflammatory markers by influencing macrophages — immune cells linked to chronic inflammation.
Not a replacement for medical treatment but a helpful complementary tool.

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3. Supporting Kidney Function

When kidneys weaken, acidity builds up in the blood. Baking soda helps neutralize this.

A London Royal Hospital study found that baking soda slowed kidney disease progression by 36% over two years.
Hospitals often use it medically to manage acid buildup.

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4. Relief from Heartburn

Baking soda neutralizes stomach acid quickly.

How to use:
½ teaspoon in a glass of water for occasional heartburn relief.

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5. Soothing Inflamed or Itchy Skin

Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects make it ideal for relieving rashes, itchiness, and cracked skin.

Use as:
A paste mixed with coconut oil or sunflower oil.
Apply for 5–15 minutes and rinse.

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6. Gentle Natural Exfoliator

A mix of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water helps remove dead skin cells when used sparingly.

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7. Combatting Bad Breath

By reducing acidity and bacteria, a baking soda rinse freshens breath and may gently whiten teeth.

Rinse formula:
1 tbsp baking soda + 100 ml water.

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8. Relief from Insect Bites

The toxins in insect bites are acidic — baking soda neutralizes them, reducing itch and swelling.

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9. Improving Athletic Performance

Athletes sometimes use baking soda as a "buffer" to reduce muscle burn from lactic acid buildup.
Should only be done under expert supervision due to strict dosing requirements.

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10. Supporting Urinary Tract Health

Alkalizing the urine with baking soda creates an environment less favorable for bacteria during a UTI.

Use only alongside prescribed treatment.

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11. Regulating Blood pH (Medical Use Only)

In severe emergencies — poisoning, advanced kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes — doctors may use IV baking soda to correct dangerous acidity levels.
This is strictly a hospital intervention, not something to attempt at home.

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Conclusion

From mouth ulcers to inflammation and even kidney support, baking soda truly earns its place as one of the most versatile ingredients in your home. Used responsibly and under proper guidance, it can offer a range of practical, science-backed health benefits.