Baking Soda: Uses and Health Benefits

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile household staple that goes beyond just baking. This humble white powder has a wide range of uses and health benefits, making it an essential item in every home. From cooking and cleaning to personal care and health remedies, baking soda has proven to be a natural and effective solution for various everyday needs. In this blog, we will explore the many ways in which baking soda can be used to improve your health and simplify your life.

What is Baking Soda?

Baking soda is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃, consisting of a sodium cation and a bicarbonate anion. It appears as a fine, white crystalline powder with a slightly salty and alkaline taste. Baking soda is known for its leavening properties, which make it an essential ingredient in baking. When combined with an acid, such as vinegar or lemon juice, it produces carbon dioxide, causing the batter or dough to rise. Beyond its culinary uses, baking soda’s mild alkalinity (pH value of around 8.31) makes it useful in various other applications, which we will explore further in this article.

Baking Soda Uses

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile household staple with numerous applications, including baking, oral care, skin treatments, and various cleaning tasks, thanks to its abrasive, alkaline, and neutralising properties. One such use is as a mouthwash.

1. Mouthwash

Baking soda makes an excellent mouthwash to soothe canker sores and reduce acidity. Mix 1 tsp of baking soda with water to create a solution, then rinse your mouth daily to neutralise harmful acids and relieve discomfort.

2. Teeth Whitener

Use baking soda as a natural teeth whitener due to its mild abrasiveness and anti-cavity properties. Brush twice daily with a paste made from baking soda and water to remove surface stains and freshen your smile.

3. Deodorant

Baking soda works as a natural deodorant, absorbing sweat and neutralising odours. Mix it with water or essential oils to create a paste and apply underarms for a long-lasting, fresh feel.

4. Fridge Odor Neutralizer

Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb and neutralise unpleasant odours. Replace the box monthly for continuous freshness.

5. Air Freshener

Sprinkle baking soda in a bowl or sachet to naturally neutralise odours in any room. For added aroma, mix baking soda with a few drops of your favourite essential oil.

6. Laundry Whitening

Brighten clothes and remove stains by adding 1 cup of baking soda to your wash cycle. It softens fabrics, reduces detergent residue, and leaves your laundry smelling fresh.

7. Kitchen Cleaner

Baking soda is a versatile kitchen cleaner. Create a paste with water to scrub away grime, grease, and stains on countertops, sinks, and appliances.

8. Garbage Odor Eliminator

Sprinkle baking soda at the bottom of your trash can to keep unpleasant odours at bay. Replace periodically for optimal freshness.

9. Carpet Stain Remover

Remove carpet stains by sprinkling baking soda on the affected area. Let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum. For tougher stains, make a paste with water and gently scrub before rinsing.

10. Bathroom Cleaner

Scrub sinks, showers, and toilets with a paste of baking soda and water to eliminate soap scum, mildew, and grime. Baking soda’s abrasiveness makes it highly effective for deep cleaning.

11. Pesticide Remover

Soak fruits and vegetables in a solution of baking soda and water to neutralise pesticide residues and clean your produce safely without harmful chemicals.

12. Silverware Polisher

Restore the shine to tarnished silverware by applying a baking soda paste. Gently rub, rinse, and dry to maintain its luster naturally.

13. Scorched Pot Cleaner

Remove burnt residue from pots by boiling a mix of water and baking soda. Let it simmer, then scrub away the loosened debris for an easy cleanup.

14. Fire Extinguisher

In small grease or oil fires, sprinkle baking soda over the flames to smother them by cutting off oxygen. Use for emergencies only when a fire extinguisher isn’t available.

15. Weed Killer

Combat weeds naturally by spraying a baking soda and water solution directly onto them. It dehydrates and kills weeds safely in gardens or driveways.

16. Shoe Deodorizer

Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes and let it sit overnight to absorb moisture and neutralise odours. Shake out the excess for fresh-smelling footwear.

Health Benefits of Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, offers a variety of health benefits. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties, ability to regulate pH balance, and potential to relieve heartburn, canker sores, and urinary tract infections make it a versatile household staple. Additionally, baking soda may aid in exercise performance and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease. Let’s explore some of these benefits in more detail, starting with its ability to help treat heartburn.

1. May Help Treat Heartburn

Baking soda’s alkaline properties neutralise stomach acid, offering temporary relief from heartburn. Mixing ½ teaspoon of baking soda with 125 mL of water can ease discomfort. However, long-term use should be avoided, and it’s important to consult a doctor, especially for those who are pregnant or taking medications.

2. May Soothe Canker Sores

Baking soda neutralises acids and reduces inflammation, helping to soothe canker sores. A paste made from baking soda and water can be applied directly to the sore for relief. If irritation persists, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended for severe cases.

3. May Improve Exercise Performance

Baking soda can reduce muscle fatigue during intense exercise by neutralising lactic acid. It improves endurance and power with a recommended dosage of 0.2–0.5 grams per kilogram of body weight. Always consult a professional for personalized use to ensure safety.

4. May Relieve Itchy Skin and Sunburns

Baking soda’s antibacterial properties can soothe itchy skin and mild sunburns by reducing irritation. Applying a paste to the affected area offers temporary relief. For severe sunburns, it’s best to use established treatments and seek advice from a dermatologist.

5. May Slow the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

Baking soda may help slow chronic kidney disease by neutralising excess acid in the body. Some studies suggest it can improve kidney function, though more research is needed. Always consult a doctor before using it for kidney health.

6. May Improve Certain Cancer Treatments

While baking soda has many health benefits, there’s no substantial evidence supporting its use in cancer treatment. Claims about its effectiveness should be viewed cautiously, and it’s best to rely on proven treatments and consult healthcare providers.

Safety and Precautions

While baking soda is useful for many purposes, it’s important to use it safely.

• Keep it away from children as it can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
• Avoid applying it to large skin areas, especially if you have diabetes, heart disease, or are pregnant or nursing.
• Don’t use baking soda on open wounds or infections, and be cautious if you’re prone to fainting.
• If you have high sodium levels or hypertension, use baking soda sparingly as it can raise blood pressure.

Baking Soda vs. Baking Powder

While both are leavening agents, they work differently in recipes.

• Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate and needs an acid (like lemon juice) to activate and help baked goods rise.
• Baking powder contains both sodium bicarbonate and an acid, needing only moisture and heat to work.

How to Use Baking Soda Safely

Follow these tips to use baking soda safely for personal care and storage.

• For skin care, mix 1 part baking soda with 3 parts water to make a paste for acne or eczema, but avoid large or sensitive areas.
• Add up to 2 cups of baking soda to your bath and soak for 10-15 minutes, but avoid if you have infections or open wounds.
• Moisturize after using baking soda to prevent dryness.
• Store baking soda in a cool, dry place away from heat and acids.

Conclusion

Baking soda is a versatile household item with numerous uses and health benefits. However, it is essential to use it with caution and understand the differences between baking soda and baking powder. Always follow safety guidelines and consult with your doctor if you have underlying health conditions or concerns. When used correctly, baking soda can be a natural remedy for skin conditions and a valuable ingredient in baking, making it a staple in many households.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

• https://www.jintegrativederm.org/article/122501-baking-soda-and-the-skin-a-review-of-baking-soda-in-dermatology
• https://axial.acs.org/cross-disciplinary-concepts/the-science-of-baking-soda
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7249593/
• https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30822-X/fulltext
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0956053X14004395