Baking
soda is an easy access, inexpensive key to good health. It is a kitchen staple
often used in baking and household cleaning. It is my first line of defense
against acid stomach and an inexpensive tooth powder that is very effective
against tooth plaque as well as a tooth whitener.
Throughout
history, civilizations have used forms of baking soda for bread making and foods
that required leavening to rise. The natural form of baking soda is called
nahcolite, from the natural mineral natron, which also contains sodium
bicarbonate. In ancient times the Egyptians used natron as a soap for cleaning.
In1846 that Dr. Austin Church and John Dwight developed and sold the compound
known as baking soda today. Cookbooks from the 1860s, featured baking soda as a
cooking additive. By the 1920s, bicarbonate’s versatility was realized and by
the 1930s it was known as a "proven medical agent."
There
is no need to get aluminum-free baking soda (which is a concern for baking
powder.) Baking soda is already aluminum free.
Baking
soda is often called Bicarbonate. Bicarbonate and Baking Soda are two closely
related substances and have similar properties. They both contain carbon and
oxygen molecules in their chemical formulas. However, there is a difference. While
baking soda is found in the kitchen bicarbonate is found in hospital emergency
rooms and the intensive care wing.
In
his article, Dr. Mercola tells us
“If you're like many Americans, you might have a box in your pantry for baking,
one in your refrigerator to absorb odors and another under your kitchen sink to
use for cleaning. What you might not have considered is that baking soda can be
used for health purposes, too, so you might want to stash another box in your
medicine cabinet.”
Bicarbonate
is formed with the combination of three oxygen molecules, a hydrogen molecule
and a carbon molecule and is described in the chemical formula HCO3-. It is a
compound that plays a crucial role in the body’s pH
buffering system. pH buffering keeps the blood in a balanced state that is neither too acidic or
too basic. It also keeps stomach acids in check.
Baking
soda is actually sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate, naturally occurring
substance, is commonly found dissolved in mineral springs. Or it can be
artificially created. The primary use is as a leavening
agent to make dough rise. It is very useful in chemical laboratories in case of
accident because it reacts with acids and bases, and capable of suppressing
small fires.
Bicarbonate
and baking soda both contain HCO3 (hydrogen, carbon, oxygen) in their chemical
formulas and are useful for keeping pH in check (acid/alkaline balance). Sodium
bicarbonate,
Baking
soda is an all-around compound with its numerous uses, while Bicarbonate needs
to be part of a chemical reaction to be effective for many purposes.
Sodium
bicarbonate is used every day in hospitals because it is safe, effective treatment.
In emergency room medicine, it delivers an instant burst of lifesaving, healing
power. Many physicians advocate, if it is safe and strong enough for emergency
situations then it has a role in the treatment of acute and chronic diseases.
Characteristics
of acidic of an overly acidic body include: acne,
agitation, bloating, chemical sensitivities to odors and cold hands and feet.
Dr.
Lynda Frassetto advocates the use of sodium bicarbonate and other mineral
bicarbonates. She tells us we lose bicarbonates as we age and recommends the
use of alkaline mineral waters. “Insufficient amount of
bicarbonates in our blood reduces our capabilities to manage (neutralize and
dump) the acid our body produces. …The most important function of alkaline water is to increase
bicarbonates… As long as we can replenish bicarbonates in the blood, we don’t have to age!” She tells us to prevent aging and the onset of degenerative
diseases we need to increase the bicarbonates in the bloodstream.
The
recommendation is less than ⅛ teaspoon per 8 ounce glass with a
quarter slice of lemon (to balance the sodium with potassium) and no more than
1½ to 2 teaspoons per day. It is better to have less bicarbonate (baking soda) and more water. Do not increase the amount of bicarbonate and do not decrease the amount of water.
Uses for Baking Soda
1.
Natural Deodorant, to avoid aluminum and parabens found in many deodorants and
antiperspirants, make a paste of a pinch of baking soda mixed with water, or simply
brush some dry baking soda under your arms.
2.
Insect Bites and Poison Ivy, make a paste of baking soda and water and
apply to insect bites to relieve itching, or try rubbing the dry powder onto
your skin. This neutralizes the toxins and irritants on your skin's surface
3.
Heartburn, Indigestion, and Ulcer Pain, baking soda immediately
neutralizes stomach acid to relieve heartburn, indigestion and even ulcer pain.
Dosing is typically ½ teaspoon fully dissolved in
a half a glass of water, taken every two hours (do not take more than seven ½
teaspoons in 24 hours, or three ½ teaspoons if you're over 60). Be careful not to consume
excessive amounts, which may cause serious electrolyte and acid/base
imbalances.
4.
Foot Soak and Exfoliator, three tablespoons of baking soda added to a
small tub of warm water creates a foot soak. A baking soda paste can be used to
exfoliate the feet. A face and body exfoliation paste can be made from three
parts of baking soda combined with one part water.
5.
Relaxing Soak, a spa-like bath for soaking can be made of baking soda and
apple cider vinegar.
6.
Hand Cleanser, mix
three parts baking soda with one part of water to make a natural hand cleanser
that will scrub away dirt and neutralize odors.
7.
Splinter removal, add a tablespoon of baking soda
to a small glass of water, then soak the affected area twice a day.
8.
Sunburn Remedy, add ½ cup of baking soda to lukewarm bathwater, then soak, when you get out,
let your skin air dry, for extra relief do not towel off the excess baking soda,
baking soda and water compress can be applied directly to the sunburn.
9.
Tooth and Gum Paste, baking soda has a mild
abrasive action that helps to remove plaque and polish, clean, and deodorize
your teeth.
Recipes for tooth paste and tooth whitener
To
create an incredibly effective tooth and gum paste: 1. Mix six parts of baking
soda to one part of sea salt, 2. Place them in a blender and mix for 30
seconds, then place in a container to use, 3. Wet the tip of your index finger
and place a small amount of the salt and soda mixture on your gums, 4. Rub the
mixture onto your teeth and gums. Spit out the excess, 5. After 15 minutes
rinse your mouth. Although this mixture is incredibly effective at killing
bacteria, use some caution as many believe baking soda may be too abrasive on
tooth enamel. Some dentist believe this may kill the oral microbiome, which is
counterproductive.
An
effective mixture for a natural tooth whiten is made by crushing one ripe
strawberry and mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. The mixture needs to be
spread onto your teeth and leave on for five minutes. Then brush your teeth and
rinse. This method should be used no more than once a week, as excessive use
could potentially damage your tooth enamel.
