Every woman wants to look and feel her best, but many commercial products contain harmful chemicals that can do more harm than good. Fortunately, there are more natural ways to keep your body healthy, and one of the most versatile products is baking soda.
Baking soda has hidden health benefits when used on its own, and most of us probably have a box of it in our kitchen. Its main functions are to make baked goods rise, remove acid-induced odors, and it can be used as a cleaning agent to scrub just about anything.
In this post, we’ll share 11 tricks with baking soda that every woman should know.
Treat Kidney Disease
According to Dr. Julian Whitaker, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is an alkaline substance that buffers acids and helps keep our pH levels in check. People who suffer from kidney disease have a hard time removing acid from their bodies, but a recent study conducted by British researchers shows that sodium bicarbonate actually slowed the rate of kidney decline by two-thirds.
Cure Occasional Heartburn & Indigestion
Over-the-counter medication such as Alka-Seltzer, Tums, and Rolaids contain some form of bicarbonate. If those medications have success in relieving indigestion and heartburn, then taking natural baking soda would work even more efficiently. Dr. Whitaker suggests stirring half a teaspoon of baking soda into half a cup of water and drinking it an hour after eating a meal.
Oral Hygiene
Brushing your teeth by simply dipping your toothbrush in baking soda may not be the best idea. With its abrasive qualities, it would wear down the protective enamel over time. Dr. Whitaker suggests sticking with the commercial products that contain baking soda in their toothpaste.
Mouthwash Baking soda can reach corners and crevices of your teeth, tongue, and gums that can be missed when brushing your teeth. The easiest way to utilize baking soda as a mouthwash is to mix half a teaspoon with half a glass of warm water.
Soothes Canker Sores
In 1973, a Mouth Clinic was formed at Sunnybrook Hospital. Most of the patients that came into that clinic were suffering from chronic ulceration. It was tough to diagnose and even tougher to treat at times. But specific therapy that included baking soda improved the conditions of 7 out of 10 patients, according to Healthline.
Whitens Teeth
According to Medical Science Monitor, the reason why baking soda is so effective when it comes to whitening teeth is because of its mild abrasive properties that allow it to break the bonds of molecules that stain the teeth. Baking soda also contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can help fight harmful bacteria.
Deodorant
Baking soda acts as a natural deodorant because it can eliminate the smell of sweat by making the odor less acidic.
Could Improve Exercise Performance
Muscles produce lactic acid, which is why you get that burning sensation during exercise. Lactic acid lowers the pH inside your cells, which could be the reason why your muscles get tired. A study was published in BioMed Central, and it concluded that the participants who consumed sodium bicarbonate before exercise elevated their peak blood lactate levels, and lowered the rating of perceived exertion. In simpler terms; participants were able to exercise longer than they usually did.
Treats Itchy Skin & Sunburns
According to WebMD, baking soda contains properties that can help soothe the redness that’s caused by itching and the stinging sensation caused by sunburn. There are many over-the-counter products that contain baking soda. But you can make your own paste out of baking soda, or take a bath and add it to water
Whitens Your Laundry
According to research done at the University of Nebraska, baking soda is an alkali when it’s dissolved in water. It has the ability to interact with the acids from stains to help remove them.
Removes Carpet Stains
According to an article published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, when you combine baking soda and vinegar, it creates a compound called carbon acid. This ingredient is common in cleaning products. Together, they create a fizzing sensation that seeps into the carpet and removes the stains.
The bottom line here is that baking soda is a versatile product that has many uses besides cooking. But before you attempt to use it for health benefits, I would speak to a medical professional first. I would also proceed with caution if you’re putting it on any area of your body. The properties in baking soda can irritate the skin and the eyes.
