WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF BAKING SODA?

1. Natural antacid for heartburn and indigestion

Baking soda is alkaline and can rapidly neutralize stomach acid, offering fast relief from mild, occasional heartburn and indigestion. Because its effect is immediate, many people keep a small box in the pantry for occasional use.

How to use: Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda into a full glass of water and sip slowly. Use only occasionally — frequent use may cause electrolyte imbalance or elevated sodium intake.

2. Oral hygiene and stain removal

Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness removes surface stains, while its alkalinity helps neutralize acids and reduce bad-breath bacteria. Research shows toothpastes containing baking soda often outperform non-baking-soda pastes for surface whitening and plaque reduction.

DIY tip: Make a paste with baking soda and water and brush gently once or twice a week. Avoid daily heavy abrasion — combine with regular fluoride toothpaste for cavity protection.

3. Soothes skin irritations and itching

Used topically, baking soda can calm insect bites, mild rashes, and itching. It helps balance surface pH and soothes minor inflammation.

How to use: Apply a paste (1 part water : 3 parts baking soda) for 10–15 minutes, then rinse. For larger areas, add 1–2 cups of baking soda to a warm bath.

4. May improve high‑intensity exercise performance

In sports science, “soda loading” (short-term sodium bicarbonate intake) can buffer lactic acid build-up and help athletes sustain high-intensity efforts. This is mainly relevant to short-duration, high-effort activities like sprinting or rowing.

Warning: Gastrointestinal discomfort is common with performance dosing. If considering this strategy, trial lower doses and consult a sports professional.

5. Potential kidney-support benefits

Some clinical studies have found that sodium bicarbonate supplementation can slow progression of chronic kidney disease by helping to correct metabolic acidosis. This is a medical therapy and should only be used under clinician supervision.

How to use baking soda — practical guidance

• Heartburn: ½ tsp in a glass of water. Use sparingly.
• Oral care: Paste for occasional brushing, combine with fluoride toothpaste.
• Skin: Short paste application or 1–2 cups in bathwater for itching relief.
• Exercise: Performance dosing is specialized; follow professional advice.

Safety considerations and when to avoid baking soda

Despite its benefits, baking soda contains sodium and can increase blood pressure or cause fluid retention if consumed frequently or in large amounts. Excessive intake can also trigger metabolic alkalosis — a potentially serious condition.

Do not use baking soda without medical advice if you:

• Have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart failure.
• Have severe kidney disease unless supervised by a clinician.
• Are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Always dissolve baking soda fully before drinking, and consult your doctor if you plan to use it regularly.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is baking soda safe to take every day?

Daily use is not recommended without medical supervision due to sodium content and risk of alkalosis. Occasional use for heartburn or topical use is generally safe for most people.

Can baking soda whiten teeth?

Yes — baking soda removes surface stains and can brighten teeth when used sparingly as part of an oral care routine.

Can baking soda cure a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Baking soda can temporarily alkalize urine and may reduce burning, but it does not replace antibiotics. Seek medical treatment for UTIs.