The Amazing Health Benefits of Drinking Baking Soda Water

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, is a common household staple for baking. However, did you know that dissolving it in water creates a powerful natural remedy for a variety of ailments? Just a small amount of baking soda mixed into a glass of water can offer quick relief from heartburn, soothe ulcer pain, help balance your body's pH, and even speed up cold recovery.

Baking soda is a natural chemical compound formed from sodium and bicarbonate. It's widely used in baking, cleaning, disinfecting, and neutralizing acids, boasting a high pH of 8.3, giving it a slightly alkaline taste. (1)

While baking soda has many external uses—like making a paste for inflamed skin, cleaning teeth, exfoliating skin, controlling acne, or maintaining a clean scalp—this article focuses specifically on the numerous health benefits of drinking baking soda and water.

Understanding Baking Soda's Core Health Properties

Baking soda's health benefits stem from its fundamental properties:

• Antibacterial and Antimicrobial: Baking soda contains properties that can help reduce infections. The Journal of Food Science found that sodium bicarbonate can effectively kill various strains of bacteria (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus plantarum) and fungi. Its high pH level was identified as a key factor in treating these infections. (2)
• Reduces Inflammation: As an alkaline substance, baking soda can help reduce inflammation. A study on patients with chronic kidney disease showed that sodium bicarbonate was effective in reducing inflammation caused by increased acid in the blood. (3)

Top Health Benefits of Drinking Baking Soda Water

Let's explore the various ways drinking a mixture of baking soda and water can provide relief and aid in treating common health conditions.

1. Quick Relief for Heartburn

Drinking baking soda and water is an excellent natural remedy for quickly alleviating heartburn (also known as acid reflux). Heartburn occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation, usually felt in the upper abdomen. (4) Baking soda acts as a natural antacid, effectively and rapidly reducing the burning effect of stomach acid. (5)
To use baking soda for heartburn:

• Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in an 8-ounce glass of cold water until fully dissolved.
• Drink this home remedy as needed.
• Important: Do not consume more than six 1/2-teaspoon dosages in a 24-hour period.

2. Soothes Ulcer Pain

If you suffer from stomach ulcers, a glass of baking soda water can offer instant relief from pain and discomfort. Ulcers are typically caused by a Helicobacter pylori bacterial infection, leading to stomach inflammation with symptoms like pain, heartburn, nausea, and a feeling of fullness. (6) The acid-neutralizing effect of baking soda can help alleviate these painful symptoms. (7) Follow the same dosage as for heartburn relief.

3. Balances Body pH Levels

Baking soda in water can help balance your body's pH levels if you have high acidity in your blood and urine. The Mayo Clinic states that consuming sodium bicarbonate helps make urine and blood more alkaline. (7)

Many believe that a healthy body should be slightly alkaline. However, much of the Western diet promotes an acidic internal environment, contributing to various health conditions like arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and a weakened immune system. Drinking 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in water daily can help maintain balanced pH levels and prevent excessive acidity.

4. Fights Colds and Flu

Drinking baking soda water may help you recover from cold and flu symptoms faster. The idea is that maintaining a slightly alkaline body environment supports better health and boosts the immune system. This concept is supported by Dr. Volney S. Cheney's 1924 book, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Medical Uses, where he noted that flu patients treated with baking soda either remained healthy or experienced milder illness.

5. Aids Rehydration

Baking soda water can help your body recover faster after intense physical activity or bouts of diarrhea by replacing lost minerals. When we sweat during exercise, sodium is excreted, which can hinder muscle recovery and lead to injuries. Water with adequate minerals and salts (electrolytes) is crucial for proper muscle recovery.

Similarly, after diarrhea, it's vital to replace lost fluids with water containing sodium and other trace minerals. One study found that consuming alkaline water helped maintain proper pH levels and hydration. (8)

To make a homemade isotonic sports drink:

• Mix 1 liter of water, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of table salt, and 2 tablespoons of honey. Adjust honey for taste. Drink to replenish lost fluids and essential minerals after workouts or diarrhea.

6. Supports Kidney Health

Daily consumption of baking soda water can benefit those with chronic kidney disease. This condition often leads to low bicarbonate levels and high blood acidity, accelerating disease progression. A 2015 study in Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy found that sodium bicarbonate helped reduce kidney inflammation and slowed disease progression. (3) Many hospitals now include sodium bicarbonate supplements in renal care.

Important: If you have chronic kidney disease, always consult your healthcare practitioner before regularly using baking soda for your condition.

Additionally, because sodium bicarbonate is alkaline, drinking baking soda and water can help prevent kidney stones and gout. WebMD notes that oral sodium bicarbonate makes urine less acidic, aiding the kidneys in expelling uric acid, which prevents kidney stones and painful gout. (9)

7. Reduces UTI Discomfort

While baking soda cannot cure a urinary tract infection (UTI), drinking baking soda water can help reduce pain and discomfort during urination. The alkaline nature of sodium bicarbonate helps neutralize acidic urine, easing the painful, burning symptoms of a UTI.

8. Promotes Oral Health

Baking soda can help keep your mouth free of bacteria that cause plaque and dental cavities. Beyond its use as a teeth-whitening toothpaste, you can make a refreshing, natural antibacterial mouthwash.

To make a baking soda mouthwash:

• Fill a cup with water and add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
• Mix well until dissolved.
• Swish the mixture around your mouth for 30-60 seconds to kill plaque-causing bacteria.
• Spit out the mixture, then rinse your mouth with fresh water. Use this homemade mouthwash every time you clean your teeth.

9. Potential Role in Cancer Research (Preliminary)

Limited research has explored the potential effects of baking soda on cancer cells and tumors. The hypothesis is that cancerous cells thrive in an acidic environment, and baking soda might help inhibit and destroy these malignant cells by increasing pH. One study showed that sodium bicarbonate could inhibit the spread of various cancer tumors by increasing their pH levels. (10)

Important: Further extensive research is required to provide definitive evidence of baking soda's effectiveness in cancer treatments. This is not a substitute for conventional cancer treatment.

Important Cautions When Drinking Baking Soda Water

Due to its high sodium content, drinking baking soda mixed with water may not be suitable for everyone.

• If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, swollen ankles or feet, or are on a reduced-salt diet, you must talk to your doctor before regularly taking baking soda with water. (11)
• Remember that many of these remedies are for temporary relief of conditions and symptoms and should not be used to treat or cure chronic conditions without medical guidance.
• The generally safe dose for drinking baking soda and water is 1/2 teaspoon in a glass of water every 4 hours to alleviate symptoms.
• If you are over 60, do not exceed 3 doses in 24 hours.
• Do not take baking soda and water regularly for more than two weeks.
• Baking soda can decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, so consult your doctor before consuming baking soda water if you are taking any prescription drugs.

Do you have any other common household items you're curious about for their health benefits?