Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda) is a naturally alkaline compound with mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. While it’s mostly known for cooking and cleaning, it also has several potential health benefits when used properly and in moderation.
⚠️ Important Note Before Use
Baking soda can interact with medications and may not be safe for everyone, especially those with high blood pressure, kidney disease, or heart issues due to its sodium content. Always consult a healthcare professional before using it as a remedy.
🟩 Why Baking Soda Might Be Good for You
- Balances pH in the body – Baking soda’s alkalinity may help neutralize excess acid in the body, particularly in conditions like acid reflux or mild acidosis.
- Soothes digestive discomfort – Acts as an antacid to relieve heartburn and indigestion.
- Promotes oral health – Natural teeth whitener and mouth cleanser.
- Supports skin care – Helps with itching, irritation, and acne.
- Muscle recovery – Athletes sometimes use it to reduce lactic acid build-up.
- May help with urinary tract infections – Alters urine pH to create a less favorable environment for bacteria.
- Natural deodorizer – Helps control body odor by neutralizing acids.
- May support kidney function (in some cases) – Used under supervision for certain chronic kidney conditions.
- Anti-inflammatory properties – Topical use may calm inflamed areas.
✅ 9 Ways to Use Baking Soda for Potential Health Benefits
1. Drink for Heartburn and Indigestion
- How: Mix ½ tsp of baking soda in a glass of water (4–8 oz).
- Why: Quickly neutralizes stomach acid.
- Limit: No more than once every 4 hours; max 7 doses in 24 hours.
2. Mouth Rinse for Oral Health
- How: Dissolve 1 tsp in half a glass of warm water and swish for 30 seconds.
- Why: Fights bad breath, neutralizes acids, and soothes mouth ulcers.
3. Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening
- How: Mix baking soda with water to make a paste and brush teeth gently.
- Why: Helps remove surface stains and reduce plaque.
4. Soothing Bath for Itchy or Irritated Skin
- How: Add ½ cup of baking soda to a warm bath and soak for 15–20 minutes.
- Why: Calms eczema, psoriasis, or insect bites.
5. Foot Soak for Athlete’s Foot or Odour
- How: Dissolve 3 tbsp in a basin of warm water and soak feet for 15 minutes.
- Why: Neutralizes foot odor and may help combat fungal infections.
6. Baking Soda Paste for Insect Bites or Rashes
- How: Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part water to make a paste and apply topically.
- Why: Reduces itching and swelling from bites or minor skin irritations.
7. Natural Deodorant
- How: Apply a pinch under each arm or mix with coconut oil and cornstarch.
- Why: Neutralizes underarm odor by killing bacteria and reducing acidity.
8. Post-Workout Recovery Drink (with caution)
- How: Some athletes drink a diluted mix (under supervision) to reduce lactic acid.
- Why: May delay fatigue and enhance endurance.
- ⚠️ Caution: Can cause nausea or GI upset; consult a professional.
9. Alkaline Urine Support (for UTIs – under guidance)
- How: ½ tsp in a glass of water once or twice a day.
- Why: May reduce burning sensation in urine by raising pH.
- ⚠️ Important: Only temporary use; not a substitute for antibiotics.
🔚 Final Thought
While baking soda offers a range of potential health uses, moderation and proper medical guidance are essential. It’s not a cure-all, but when used wisely, it can be a useful home remedy with real benefits. Would you like a printable version or infographic summarizing these suggestions?
Disclaimer: The content provided in this post is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new health or wellness routine, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are taking prescription medications. While baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is commonly used in home remedies, its use should be approached with caution and awareness of potential risks. Results may vary from person to person. CheeringUpInfo does not accept any responsibility for actions taken based on the information provided. Use of this content is at your own discretion and risk.
Possible reasons you don’t know more about potential benefits
The potential benefits of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a low-cost health remedy may be underemphasised or suppressed due to economic, regulatory, and market power dynamics, particularly in the UK. Here are some key reasons why:
💊 1. Baking Soda Is Too Cheap to Patent or Profit From
Pharmaceutical companies operate in a profit-driven model. Baking soda is:
- Inexpensive
- Widely available
- Non-patentable
Because it’s a common household product, companies can’t secure exclusivity or charge high prices like they can for new drugs. There’s no financial incentive to fund clinical trials or promote it as a treatment when it doesn’t offer high margins.
🏢 2. Market Power Lies with a Few Global Conglomerates
In both the pharmaceutical and food sectors, a handful of powerful corporations dominate:
- In the UK, supermarket shelves and pharmacy chains are heavily influenced by a small group of global players.
- These companies often control access to health messaging, shelf space, and consumer trust.
As a result, natural or generic alternatives like baking soda are often pushed to the margins, while branded, high-profit products dominate public attention.
💷 3. Low ROI Means Low Research Investment
Baking soda may have genuine health benefits — from neutralising stomach acid to treating skin conditions — but there’s little motivation to conduct large-scale clinical trials because:
- The cost of clinical trials is enormous
- The return on investment is minimal
So it remains in the category of “folk remedy” or alternative health, rather than being promoted as a frontline treatment.
🛑 4. Regulatory Gatekeeping and Industry Lobbying
The pharmaceutical and processed food industries have a powerful influence on public health regulations and healthcare messaging in the UK:
- Lobbying efforts often steer attention toward products that align with industry interests.
- Natural remedies like baking soda are rarely included in NHS-backed campaigns or GP recommendations — not necessarily because they’re ineffective, but because no one profits from them.
🍽️ 5. Food Industry Wants You Dependent on Processed Solutions
The dominant food industry:
Baking soda is an alkaline compound that can help balance pH in the body — yet many ultra-processed foods contribute to acidity, inflammation, and digestive issues.
- Profits from selling products that create health problems (e.g. sugar-heavy cereals, processed snacks)
- Then profits again when consumers seek relief from those issues via over-the-counter medications rather than simple alternatives like baking soda
🔒 6. Misinformation and Consumer Disempowerment
Consumers are often discouraged from exploring cheap, natural remedies due to:
- Lack of information
- Misinformation about “dangerous” home remedies
- Absence of strong health branding for products like baking soda
This reinforces a cycle of dependency on branded pharmaceuticals and expensive wellness products.
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Natural ways to use baking soda for health