We hear a lot about the uses of baking soda
in making pastries and baked goods, but the benefits of baking soda extend
beyond the boundaries of the kitchen; It can be used to solve some health
problems, and it is also used widely at home ... What is baking soda? How is it
used? Here is all you need to know:
The scientific name for "baking
soda" is sodium bicarbonate, which is widely used in making pastries and
baked goods, because it contains fermentation properties that cause the dough
to swell by producing carbon dioxide.
Aside from its cooking benefits,
"baking soda" has many additional household uses and health benefits.
Benefits of baking soda
Here are the benefits and uses of baking
soda:
Baking soda for heartburn
According to Healthline, baking soda may be
beneficial for heartburn, otherwise known as "acid reflux."
This heartburn results from acid reflux
from the stomach up towards the esophagus, generating a feeling of pain and
burning in the upper part of the stomach and throat, and it may be due to
overeating, tension and eating fatty or spicy foods.
The good news, however, is that baking soda
can help treat heartburn by neutralizing the acids that cause it.
All you have to do is dissolve a teaspoon
of baking soda in a cup of cold water and drink the mixture slowly to get rid
of heartburn.
But you should be wary of using baking soda
in this way too often, as frequent use can cause metabolic health problems.
Several studies have found that toothpaste
containing baking soda is better for whitening teeth and removing plaque than
toothpaste without baking soda.
This is likely because baking soda has mild
abrasive properties that allow it to break the bonds of particles that stain
your teeth.
It may improve your performance during
exercise
Sodium bicarbonate or baking soda is a
popular supplement among athletes.
Some studies show that baking soda can help
you perform well for a longer time, especially during anaerobic exercise, or
high-intensity training and jogging.
During exercise, muscle cells begin to
produce lactic acid, which is responsible for the burning feeling you get
during exercise.
Lactic acid also lowers the pH inside your
cells, which can cause your muscles to tire.
Baking soda has a high pH, which may help
delay fatigue and allow you to exercise actively for a longer time.
Relieve itching and sunburn
A baking soda bath is often recommended to
soothe itchy skin, as these baths are a popular treatment for itching caused by
insect bites and bee stings.
Additionally, baking soda may help soothe
itchiness caused by sunburn.
To make a baking soda bath, add 1-2 cups of
baking soda to a bathtub filled with lukewarm water, and be sure to soak the
affected area well.
Uses of baking soda
Baking soda can be used at home in the
following ways:
mouthwash
It is helpful to use mouthwash as part of a
daily hygiene routine, as the mouthwash reaches the corners of the mouth,
cracks of the teeth, gums and tongue, which are areas that the toothbrush may
not reach.
Many people use baking soda as an
alternative to mouthwash. Some studies have shown that it can help freshen your
breath, and even provide anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.
However, other studies found that baking
soda mouthwash did not significantly lower levels of oral bacteria, although it
increased salivary pH, which is important for preventing bacterial growth.
To make the rinse, add half a teaspoon of
baking soda to half a cup of warm water, then use it.
Deodorant
Removing sweat is also one of the uses of
baking soda.
Surprisingly, human sweat does not smell,
but the bad smell arises due to the breakdown of bacteria in the armpits.
These bacteria convert your sweat into
acidic waste that gives off an unpleasant odor.
Baking soda may remove the odor of sweat by
making the smells less acidic. Try applying baking soda to your armpits, and
you may notice a difference.
Eliminate unpleasant odors
Have you ever opened your fridge and
smelled badly because of spoiled food? Or filled your closet with musty smells
for the same reason?
Baking soda can solve this problem, as it
has the ability to neutralize and dispel unpleasant odors.
All you have to do is fill a cup with
baking soda and place it in the back of your fridge or cupboard to neutralize
unpleasant odors.
Air Freshener
Not all commercial air fresheners eliminate
unpleasant odors, they often only block them.
Baking soda is an excellent and safe
alternative to commercial air fresheners, as they interact with odor molecules
and eliminate them, rather than mask them.
To make an air freshener from baking soda
you will need:
a small box
1/3 cup baking soda
10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils
A piece of cloth or paper
Thread or tape
Add baking soda and essential oils to the
jar, cover with a piece of cloth or paper, and secure with a thread.
