The 23 Best Health Benefits and Household Uses of Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, occurs naturally on Earth. It is widely used in baking pastries like cakes, muffins, and bread, causing the dough to rise by producing carbon dioxide. It can also regulate your body’s pH balance.
Eliminating bacteria and fungi
Baking soda has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can get rid of bacteria that cause tooth decay and fungi that cause infection on nails and skin.
A study showed that women with UTIs taking baking soda by mouth for four weeks had alkalized urine and improved sores and symptoms. Using baking soda is an inexpensive method of managing UTIs with minimal side effects.
Treating insect bites
To treat insect bites, apply a baking soda paste made by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water. Let it dry, wash it off, and repeat if necessary.
Improving exercise
Consuming baking soda before exercise can enhance performance, especially for athletes. It reduces fatigue during and after training by lowering lactic acid levels in the muscles.
Controlling chronic kidney disease
Baking soda is an alkaline substance that neutralizes acid in the body, regulating body pH. Studies suggest that taking baking soda orally may slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease and improve kidney functioning. Consult your doctor before using baking soda for this purpose.
Cancerous tumors grow in acidic environments, so neutralizing acid is essential. Experimental studies show that using baking soda alone or with other drugs in chemotherapy can help control cancer. However, more research is needed.
Treating heartburn and indigestion
Baking soda can relieve heartburn and indigestion. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda in two glasses of water and drink it slowly.
Treating mouth ulcers
Baking soda helps treat mouth ulcers. Wash with baking soda to minimize plaque on teeth and improve mouth ulcers. Results showed improvement in patients who visited a doctor after using baking soda.
Household uses of baking soda
Baking soda can keep your teeth white. Rub a paste of baking soda and water on your teeth once a week to naturally whiten them.
Swish a solution of baking soda and water through your mouth for three to five minutes to neutralize odor.
Hair cleaner
Baking soda is an effective hair cleanser that removes dirt, oil, and hair product residue. Add it to your shampoo, massage it into your hair, and then rinse.
Baking soda is great for removing plaque. Brushing your teeth with baking soda, mixing it with your toothpaste, or dipping your toothbrush in baking soda once a week freshens your teeth. However, excessive use may wear down your enamel over time.
Human deodorant
Baking soda is a natural deodorant that prevents and removes bad odor in armpits and on legs. Apply a paste of baking soda and water under your armpits and on your legs.
To eliminate foot odor, add three tablespoons of baking soda to warm water and soak your feet for five minutes.
Shoe deodorant
To remove shoe odor, sprinkle baking soda or make a "tea bag" using cheesecloth filled with baking soda and put it inside your shoes.
Extinguishing fires
Baking soda is ideal for putting out grease and electrical fires in the car and kitchen. It produces carbon dioxide, which reduces the fire, and water to cool it down. All fire extinguishers, except dry extinguishers, contain baking soda.
Cleaning pots and pans
To remove stains from pots and pans, soak them overnight in a solution made by adding ¼ cup of baking soda to one quart of water. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda on a sponge and scrub away stains.
Fridge, dishwasher, and freezer odor neutralizer
Place baking soda at the back of the freezer or fridge and close to the air duct to eliminate odors. Change the box every three months.
To keep your dishwasher odor-free, sprinkle baking soda at the bottom or on dishes. It will absorb odors and assist in cleaning during the first cycle.
Garbage can, garbage disposal, and drain deodorizer
Pour baking soda down drains and run hot water to neutralize bad odor and acidity. Sprinkle baking soda on each layer of garbage to prevent foul odors. Wash the garbage can with a solution of one cup of baking soda in one gallon of water after emptying it.
Polishing silverware
Clean silverware by applying a paste of baking soda and water, scrubbing it with a sponge, and rinsing. Dry your silver dishes for a shining effect.
Cleaning and deodorizing carpets
Sprinkle baking soda on carpets and wait for 15 minutes before vacuuming to clean and remove bad odors.
Clothing whitener
Add ¼ cup of baking soda to bleach to enhance its effectiveness. Your white clothes will brighten.
Floor tile cleaner
Mix warm water and ½ cup of baking soda to mop and rinse the floor. It will remove stubborn stains and leave your floor clean.
Bathroom wall and sink cleaner
Sprinkle baking soda on a wet sponge and use it to scrub bathroom tiles, walls, bathtubs, basins, sinks, and shiny fiberglass. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry.
Removing pesticides on produce
Wash fruits and vegetables with baking soda to remove pesticide residue on the surface.
QUESTION
American Chemical Society: "Effectiveness of Commercial and Homemade Washing Agents in Removing Pesticide Residues on and in Apples."
Electrolyte Blood Press: "Effect of bicarbonate supplementation on renal function and nutritional indices in predialysis advanced chronic kidney disease."
Health Benefits Of: "6 Benefits of baking soda and side effects."
Integrative Cancer Therapies: "Does Baking Soda Function as a Magic Bullet for Patients With Cancer? A Mini Review." Laryngoscope: "Diagnosis and management of long-standing benign oral ulceration."
University of Wisconsin-Madison: "Baking Soda."
