Baking soda is commonly used in cooking, but after you learn about the most important health benefits, and the most popular household uses, your home will not be without it.

What is baking soda

Baking soda (Baking Soda) is a white crystalline powder. It is famous for its use in the production of baked goods, as it has leavening properties that help the dough rise, by producing carbon dioxide. The scientific name for baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.

Benefits of baking soda

Sodium bicarbonate has many therapeutic benefits. Most notably:

1. Treating stomach acidity

Stomach acidity leads to a feeling of pain and heartburn in the upper stomach area (the mouth of the stomach). One of the most common causes of GERD is excessive intake of foods, especially fatty or spicy foods. Stress and anxiety may lead to GERD.

However, it is worth noting that using baking soda may help treat heartburn. This is done by dissolving a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of cold water, then drinking the mixture slowly.

Notice: Sodium bicarbonate should not be overused, as it contains a high percentage of sodium, in order to avoid any possible side effects. You should also consult a doctor to follow up on the progression of the condition.

2. Treating insect bites

Baking soda may help soothe redness and itching caused by insect bites. Therefore, many commercial creams contain this ingredient, but it is not recommended to use it on the skin on a daily basis.

3. The benefits of baking soda for teeth

One of the health benefits of baking soda also is that it can be used as a mouthwash by mixing half a teaspoon of it in a glass of water for rinsing.

You can also use the types of mouthwashes or toothpastes that contain it, as they may help combat tooth decay, whiten teeth, and maintain healthy gums and mouth odor.

4. Treatment of mouth ulcers

The use of sodium bicarbonate may help treat mouth ulcers or aphthous ulcers, which are small, painful blisters that may be present in the membranes lining the mouth, or appear on the gums.

5. Natural deodorant

Baking soda can be used as a natural deodorant, by placing it on the armpits in order to get rid of the unpleasant odor of sweat, which is produced by the bacteria present in the armpit area.

6. Sunburn treatment

It may also help soothe itching caused by sunburns, by preparing a baking soda bath by:

• Add 1 to 2 cups of baking soda to the water.
• Then soak the affected area with it.

Some also believe that it may be more effective if other ingredients such as oatmeal or cornstarch are added to it.

7. Slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease

As some studies have shown that chronic kidney disease patients taking sodium bicarbonate supplements made them less likely to develop the disease than those who did not take the supplements, by about 36%.

Notice: You should consult a doctor when using it to treat any medical conditions, including kidney disease.

8. Helping to treat cancer

Some laboratory studies, which were conducted on animals, indicated that the use of baking soda alongside chemotherapy for cancer. It may make it work in a more efficient and effective way to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, by making the environment less acidic for tumors. However, these are preliminary studies and need more studies in humans.

Is baking soda good for hair?

Some people think that baking soda dissolved in water may help remove excess oils and restore hair shine, but on the other hand, others have objected to its use. As its use led to hair damage over time.

This was confirmed by many scientific researches, as it was found to contain a high pH, ​​which works to dry the scalp, and with prolonged use, it may lead to hair damage and scalp irritation.

The most popular household uses

Sodium bicarbonate has many uses in household purposes Most notably:

1. Deodorizing

Sodium bicarbonate helps remove unpleasant odors from various things, such as odors that may emanate from the refrigerator, dishwasher, trash can, and other things.

2. Air freshener

Sodium bicarbonate is a good alternative to synthetic air fresheners, which may contain chemicals. To make a baking soda freshener, follow these steps:

the components:

• 1/3 cup of sodium bicarbonate
• 10 to 15 drops of a volatile oil
• A piece of cloth or paper
• thread
• Jar

How to prepare:

• Add baking soda and essential oils to a jar.
• Cover the jar with a piece of cloth or paper.
• It is held in place with string or tape
• And when the scent starts to fade, shake the jar.

3. Kitchen cleaner

As it helps to remove tough stains, as well as get rid of unpleasant odors. How to use for cleaning purposes:

• You can make a paste out of it, by mixing it with a small amount of water.
• Then the paste is applied to a sponge.
• The desired surface to be cleaned, such as ovens and colored marble, is rubbed.

It can also be used to polish dull silver.

4. Bathroom cleaner

For natural cleaning and avoiding commercial cleaners, you can use sodium bicarbonate to whiten and disinfect bathroom surfaces such as bathroom tiles, toilet, and bathtub. All you have to do is wipe the surfaces in the same way mentioned above, for a period of 15 to 20 minutes. However, it may be a less effective method than commercial cleaners because those cleaners contain many chemicals.

5. Cleaning vegetables and fruits

Recent research indicates that it is the most effective way to remove the effects of pesticides from the surfaces of vegetables and fruits, by soaking fruits and vegetables in a baking soda solution for about 12 to 15 minutes.

Baking soda damage

Some athletes may drink large amounts of baking soda before starting an activity, in order to support athletic performance. It’s called “loading soda,” but it’s a bad habit that can make you sick if you overdo it.

Some people may also experience an allergic reaction to baking soda Common side effects may include:

• Feeling of flatulence
• increased gas
• Increased feeling of thirst
• stomach cramps

So if you suffer from any of the aforementioned symptoms, stop using it, and consult a doctor.