Unlock Health: Surprising Benefits of Drinking Baking Soda Water

Most of us have a box of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) tucked away for baking or cleaning. But did you know that dissolving this simple household staple in water can offer an array of natural health benefits? From soothing heartburn to potentially boosting your immune system, a small amount of baking soda water might be your new go-to remedy.

Baking soda is a natural chemical compound with a high pH level of 8.3, giving it a slightly alkaline taste. This alkalinity is key to many of its therapeutic properties. While baking soda is famous for external uses like teeth cleaning or skin exfoliation, this article delves into the remarkable health benefits of drinking baking soda dissolved in water.

The Fundamental Health Properties of Baking Soda

Before diving into specific remedies, it's worth noting baking soda's inherent beneficial properties:

• Antibacterial and Antimicrobial: Research published in the Journal of Food Science highlights baking soda's ability to combat various strains of bacteria (like Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus plantarum) and fungi. Its high pH is a significant factor in its antimicrobial action, suggesting its role in fighting infections.

• Reduces Inflammation: As an alkaline substance, baking soda can help reduce inflammation, particularly that caused by increased acidity in the blood. A study on patients with chronic kidney disease demonstrated its effectiveness in this regard.

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Incredible Health Benefits of Drinking Baking Soda Water

Let's explore the various ways drinking a mixture of baking soda and water can help you treat and find relief from numerous health conditions.

1. Quick Relief for Heartburn and Acid Reflux

Drinking baking soda and water is an excellent natural remedy for quickly relieving heartburn (acid reflux). As Dr. Melinda Ratini on WebMD explains, heartburn occurs when stomach acid leaks into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. Antacids are often recommended to neutralize this acid.

Baking soda acts as a natural antacid, effectively and rapidly reducing the burning sensation caused by stomach acid. To use it for heartburn, mix 1/2 tsp. baking soda in an 8 oz. glass of cold water until fully dissolved. Drink as needed, but do not exceed 6 half-teaspoon dosages in a 24-hour period. (For more details and precautions, consult specialized articles on baking soda for heartburn).

2. Soothing Ulcer Pain

If you suffer from stomach ulcers, a glass of baking soda and water can provide instant relief from pain and discomfort. The Mayo Clinic notes that ulcers are typically caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, leading to stomach inflammation, pain, heartburn, and nausea. The acid-neutralizing effect of baking soda can help alleviate these painful symptoms. Follow the same dosage as for heartburn relief.

3. Balancing Body pH Levels

Baking soda in water can help balance your body's pH levels, especially if you have high acidity in your blood and urine. The Mayo Clinic states that consuming sodium bicarbonate helps make urine and blood more alkaline.

Many believe that a healthy body maintains a slightly alkaline pH. However, typical Western diets often create an acidic internal environment, contributing to various health issues like arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and a weakened immune system. A daily glass of 1/2 tsp. baking soda and water can help keep your body's pH in check and prevent it from becoming too acidic.

4. Speeding Up Cold and Flu Recovery

Drinking baking soda water may help you recover from cold and flu symptoms quicker. The theory, based on Dr. Volney S. Cheney's 1924 book Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Medical Uses, suggests that maintaining a slightly alkaline body environment can support better health and boost the immune system. Dr. Cheney observed that individuals treated with baking soda either remained healthy or experienced milder symptoms of the flu.

5. Effective Rehydration and Mineral Replacement

Baking soda water can aid your body's recovery after intense physical activity or bouts of diarrhea by helping to replace lost minerals. When we sweat during exercise, sodium is excreted, impacting muscle recovery. Water containing proper electrolytes (minerals and salts) is crucial for muscle function.

Similarly, after diarrhea, replacing lost fluids and essential minerals with water containing sodium and other trace minerals is vital. One study found that consuming alkaline water helped maintain proper pH levels and hydration. You can easily make alkaline water by adding 1/2 tsp. baking soda to a glass of water to help replace lost minerals.

You can also create a homemade isotonic sports drink: mix 1 liter of water, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon table salt, and 2 tablespoons of honey (adjust to taste) to replace fluids and minerals after workouts.

6. Supporting Kidney Health

Daily consumption of baking soda water may benefit individuals with chronic kidney disease. This condition often leads to low bicarbonate levels and high blood acidity, which can accelerate disease progression. A 2015 study in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy found that sodium bicarbonate helped reduce kidney inflammation and slowed disease progression. Many hospitals now incorporate sodium bicarbonate supplements into renal care.

If you suffer from chronic kidney disease, it is crucial to consult your healthcare practitioner before regularly using baking soda for your condition.

Additionally, because sodium bicarbonate is alkaline, drinking it can help prevent the formation of kidney stones and gout. WebMD states that oral sodium bicarbonate makes urine less acidic, helping kidneys excrete uric acid, thus preventing stones and painful gout.

7. Relieving Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Discomfort

While baking soda cannot treat a urinary tract infection itself, drinking baking soda water can help reduce pain and discomfort during urination. Its alkaline nature helps neutralize the acidic content in urine, which can ease the painful, burning symptoms associated with a UTI.

8. Promoting a Healthy Mouth

Baking soda is excellent for maintaining oral health, helping keep your mouth free of plaque- and cavity-causing bacteria. Beyond its use as a tooth-whitening toothpaste, you can create a refreshing, natural antibacterial mouthwash.

To make a baking soda mouthwash, add 1/4 tsp. baking soda to a cup of water and mix until dissolved. Swish this solution around your mouth for 30-60 seconds to kill bacteria, then spit it out and rinse with fresh water. Use this homemade mouthwash regularly after brushing.

9. Investigating Potential Against Cancer

Limited research has explored the effects of baking soda on cancer cells and tumors. The hypothesis is that cancerous cells thrive in an acidic environment, and increasing pH levels might inhibit their growth. One study showed that sodium bicarbonate could inhibit the spread of various cancer tumors by raising their pH.

However, further research is significantly needed to provide conclusive evidence of baking soda's effectiveness in cancer treatments.

Important Cautions When Drinking Baking Soda and Water

Despite its many benefits, consuming baking soda mixed with water is not for everyone. Due to its high sodium content, you should consult your doctor before regular use if you have:

• A history of cardiovascular disease

• High blood pressure

• Swollen ankles or feet

• Are on a reduced-salt diet

Remember that many of the remedies mentioned here are for temporary symptom relief and should not be used to treat or cure chronic conditions.

Safe Dosage Guidelines:

• For temporary relief, the safe dose is 1/2 tsp. in a glass of water every 4 hours.

• If you are over 60, do not exceed 3 doses in 24 hours.

• Do not take baking soda and water regularly for more than two weeks.

• Baking soda can decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, so always talk to your doctor before consuming baking soda water if you are on any medications.