DIY Remedies With Baking Soda: Its Many Surprising Benefits and Uses
7 minute read
While most people use baking soda for baking or to keep their refrigerators odor-free, there are many more uses for baking soda that may surprise you.
For centuries, people across the world have used the flora around them as much for medicine as for cooking. Herbs and spices have been known to treat many symptoms of diseases as well as promote health.
While it doesn’t grow on trees, baking soda is no different and you may just find it as useful as medicinal herbs.
Baking Soda for Your Health
The most surprising fact about baking soda is that it can be used to promote health. Many people miss out on the potential benefits of baking soda by restricting it to the kitchen only.
Depending on your health issue, baking soda may be a natural and effective resource to have.
1. Better Digestion
The alkaline nature of baking soda makes it perfect for neutralizing acid. With acid reflux and heartburn being prevalent, this is an important fact to know.
Rather than spending money on frequent purchases of antacids, you can mix some baking soda in water to ease any reflux pains. While it may not have the best taste, it will act quickly and effectively to ease digestive troubles. In fact, if you check the labels of the popular antacids they contain bicarbonate (baking soda).
2. Better Kidney Health
Studies have found that baking soda can boost kidney health. Kidney disease is associated with low bicarbonate levels in the blood, but this can be remedied and prevented with baking soda.
For those already suffering with kidney disease, baking soda supplements were shown to slow progression of disease and improve nutritional status.
3. Chemotherapy Relief
Chemotherapy is one of the best ways to fight cancer, but it comes with unpleasant side effects, specifically relating to changes in the mouth and throat. Rinsing with baking soda and water can help to improve these symptoms.
In addition to this, baking soda can help to maintain a health pH balance, preventing cancer. An inconsistent pH level can compromise your immune system and damage cells and tissues, but baking soda helps to prevent this from occurring.
4. Help With Urinary Tract Problems
UTIs are one of the most common infections among humans, and they can be alleviated with a few servings of baking soda. Studies have found that taking baking soda orally results in increased alkalinity and improved urinary tract health.
5. Ulcer Relief
Acid reflux, if left untreated, can cause or irritate stomach ulcers. By neutralizing the excess stomach acid, baking soda can alleviate ulcer pains and symptoms naturally and quickly.
6. Pain Relief
Baking soda before and after exercise can help reduce muscle pains and fatigue. For those who take part in high-intensity training programs, regular supplements of baking soda can enhance athletic performance and prevent the aches and pains commonly felt afterwards.
7. Baking Soda for Beauty
When it comes to looking younger and having that healthy glow, all the help you need can be found in the kitchen cabinet (or the fridge). Baking soda can function as an alternative to many beauty products, including as a(n):
Exfoliator: A baking soda exfoliant is the best way to remove dried skin cells. One teaspoon of baking soda with a half cup of warm water is all you need to rub away dry skin and reveal a healthy glow.
Hand softener: To remove dirt and odors from your hands and leave them soft, baking soda and water again makes a great softener.
Skin moisturizer and ointment: Whether you have allergies or the weather just leaves your skin dry and itchy, baking soda can bring relief.
Even poison ivy and sunburn rashes can be relieved with a homemade baking soda ointment. Leave the paste on for a few minutes and rinse with warm water up to a few times per day if needed.
Foot soother: Make your own foot bath and save a trip to the nail salon using baking soda and warm water. Not only will this soften the skin of your feet, but it helps to combat bacteria, toenail fungus, and remove odors.
Homemade toothpaste: Baking soda is proven to remove plaque buildup from your teeth and is commonly found in toothpaste. Because baking soda can be abrasive over time, it is better to add some to your regular toothpaste to get additional cleaning and protection.
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Baking soda also acts as a natural whitening agent, so you can rinse with some (in water) after you brush and promote a bright smile.
Hair cleanser: Adding a teaspoon of baking soda to your shampoo helps to thoroughly cleanse your hair and remove dirt and residues that many shampoos can miss.
8. Baking Soda for the Home
In addition to boosting health, baking soda can be used for multiple functions in the house:
Cleaning agent: Baking soda mixtures or pastes can be used to clean furniture, carpets, clothing, dishes, the oven, and appliances.
Drain cleaner: Drains will inevitably become, leading to numerous problems, like foul odors. A regular rinse with baking soda and warm water will remove bacteria and odors from any drain.
Fire extinguisher: Bicarbonate is a key component of fire extinguishers, which makes baking soda a great safety resource. Small amounts of baking soda will effectively put out small grease fires.
Get fresh: Baking soda can help to eliminate odors in shoes as well as those developing in the closet. Your refrigerator is not the only item that can develop a bad smell, so keep baking soda boxes throughout the house to maintain an odor-free environment.
The Bottom Line
Baking soda can keep your fridge odor-free, help you clean the house, protect your youth, and promote good health. Not many people realize that this simple item can do so much.
Understanding all that baking soda can do for you can save you money and support a healthy lifestyle. Beyond baking, this box of benefits has the potential to surprise you over and over again, so make sure it is not left off the shopping list.
