Baking Soda a Key to Good Health

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.

http://www.news-medical.net/news/20160319/Neutralizing-acidic-tumor-environment-increases-efficacy-of-immune-targeting-cancer-therapies.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/02/02/11-health-benefits-baking-soda.aspx

http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/sodium-bicarbonate

http://www.differencebetween.com/difference-between-bicarbonate-and-baking-soda/

Bromelain, a multi-purpose enzyme

Good health starts with good, healthy food. The old saying tells us the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The synergy between the interactive nutrients in foods creates nutritional power. But sometimes the food contains an essential nutrient so special and effective, it is viewed as having healing qualities. Bromelain, a protein-digesting enzyme found in pineapple, is such a nutrient.

Pineapple is a native South American fruit that was spread by the local Indians throughout South and Central Americas and into the West Indies. It was brought to Spain in 1493 when Columbus discovered Americas’. During the 15th and 16th centuries, pineapple was spread to the rest of the world by European sailors. Pineapple is essential to traditional Hawaiian folk medicine.

Dr. Edward Group, DC and NP, explains that bromelain is a protein-digesting (proteolytic) enzyme complex found in the fruit and, in higher concentrations, in the stem of the pineapple (Ananas comosus). It is able to hydrolyze or break down a wide variety of protein types in a range of both acid and alkaline environments.

It breaks down protein, which is a benefit considering that as a proteolytic enzyme, bromelain assists the body’s digestive process in reducing very large, complex protein molecules into smaller peptide units or individual amino acids. These smaller components are essential in the production of muscle, neurotransmitters, and other protein-based molecules in the body.

The enzyme bromelain is known to reduce swelling in the sinuses and nose. It is used as a treatment for hay fever, ulcers, removing dead and damaged tissue after a burn, preventing edema (the collection of water) in the lungs and for cancer prevention. It contains chemicals which hamper tumor cell growth. Bromelain is supportive of a muscle function, slows blood clotting, improves the absorption of antibiotics and helps the body get rid of fat.

Some individuals use bromelain to prevent muscle soreness, for osteoarthritis, to reduce pain and improve knee function. Bromelain is a great natural replacement to harmful anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin. Bromelain has been used to treat:

• Allergies
• Arthritis and joint pain
• Asthma
• Autoimmune diseases
• ACL tears

• Cancer
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Sinus infections
• Sprained ankles
• Tendonitis 

Ways to add bromelain into your diet

1. Eat the fiber-rich core of a juicy, ripe pineapple as well as the flesh. Pineapple flesh is also good but doesn’t contain the high bromelain content of the core.
2. Juice the core of the pineapple or toss it into a smoothie along with vegetables like cucumber. 
3. Drink fresh pineapple juice is an effective remedy against inflammatory diseases. It is suggested 4 ounces of pineapple a day to helps prevent digestive issues, while 8 ounces treats illnesses such as constipation, ulcerative colitis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
4. Taking a natural bromelain supplement, or proteolytic enzyme with bromelain, is effective for treating some specific inflammatory or chronic disease. Take the supplement with meals to improve digestion, however take it on an empty stomach for all other health conditions.

Bromelain aids in digesting proteins, helping the body absorb nutrients more efficiently, and healing the gastrointestinal tract. A recent study, of individuals prescribed bromelain for post-operative pain, swelling and redness, reported “significantly lower” pain compared to the control group taking a generic pain killer. Be careful when eating extra pineapple or taking a bromelain supplement when taking blood thinners because bromelain helps prevent blood clots.

The Evidenced-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine journal reported a study showing that bromelain reduces allergic sensitization, and that allergic airway disease was markedly decreased. The research suggests that bromelain helps to modulate, or strengthen, the immune system.

The University of Cologne, Germany, researchers recently took 12 patients who had already had sinus surgery and treated them with bromelain for 3 months. While surgery for sinusitis can often be ineffective for treating sinusitis, the addition of bromelain led to these benefits: Total symptom scores improved, Total rhinoscopy scores improved, Overall quality of life was enhanced, and No adverse effects were reported.

The Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine journal reviewed research on 42 patients with osteoarthritis, degenerative spine, or painful joint conditions. The patients were given 650 mg capsules of bromelain 2 – 3 times each day on an empty stomach. The study found that pain decreased close to 60% for acute situations, while pain decreased than 50% for chronic disorders.

Some studies have shown that bromelain is extremely useful after surgery and physical injuries by reducing swelling, bruising, healing time, and pain. It can reduce the soft tissue inflammation from tendinitis, sprains and strains, and minor muscle injuries. Studies demonstrate reduced inflammation after dental, nasal, and foot surgeries. Bromelain has been used to treat sinus and nasal swelling following ear, nose, and throat surgery or trauma.

Test tube and animal studies display evidence that suggests bromelain can kill some viruses and bacteria. However, more research and human studies, are needed to see whether it works in human trials. Preliminary research suggests it has anti-tumor properties and may increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy, however, more research is needed.

Traditionally, bromelain has been topically applied to reduce swelling and discomfort associated with insect bites and stings. It has been used in alternative medicine to promote cardiovascular health, and to treat hemorrhoids and vein conditions. Several studies reveal that bromelain helps reduce coughing and lessens mucus resulting from sinusitis.

Research studies reveal that bromelain helps balance stomach acidity, as well as small intestine alkalinity. Research also suggests that it may be natural remedy for IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). A lab study demonstrated this enzyme may help eliminate harmful organisms causing diarrhea. Several studies have suggested that bromelain may stop blood platelets from clotting which can have a natural positive effect heart health.

Precautions: Bromelain breaks down blood clots and may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery-stop taking bromelain at least 2 weeks before surgery. Individuals who are allergic to latex, wheat, celery, papain, carrot, fennel, cypress pollen, or grass pollen may also be allergic to bromelain. Pregnant women and people with bleeding disorders, high blood pressure, and liver or kidney disease should not take bromelain supplements. Supplementation is generally recommended for no longer than 8 to 10 consecutive days--side effects are generally mild and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive menstrual bleeding. Bromelain may increase the number of antibiotics absorbed by the body.

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http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/pineapple.html