Are you aware that the humble box of baking soda sitting pretty in your cupboard might offer more benefits than meets the eye? Did you even know that some folks are mixing it into their water and claiming it boosts exercise performance and soothes acid reflux, to name a few?
However, experts warn that the benefits aren’t as straightforward as they might seem, with mixed research results and potential health risks depending on individual circumstances. Let’s get into the details!
What Is Baking Soda Used for?
Frances Largeman-Roth, a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of Everyday Snack Tray, described baking soda as a versatile natural ingredient. Besides its potential health benefits, it is also handy for neutralizing odors and tackling stubborn stains on clothes.
Research shows that this kitchen ingredient might have a real impact on exercise endurance, with evidence going back to the 1980s. While some studies are small or show mixed results, there is enough data to suggest potential health benefits.
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Here is the deal: when engaging in intense anaerobic activities like jumping rope, your muscles produce hydrogen ions. The breakdown of muscle glycogen, which fuels your muscles, also leads to the creation of lactate and hydrogen ions.
Consuming baking soda before working out might reduce the acidity, which can potentially enhance performance in a short burst of high-intensity exercise. Additionally, taking it an hour or two before exercising can improve performance in activities.
What Is the Difference Between Baking Soda and Powder?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile ingredient used in the kitchen and for health and wellness. Although baking powder contains baking soda, it also includes cream of tartar and cornstarch, making it a different product with its own uses.
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Trust me, if you are ever in a pinch, you can substitute baking powder for baking soda by using three times the amount. Likewise, you can replace the former with the latter by dividing the needed amount of baking powder by four and adding twice that amount of cream of tartar.
The substitution process is a bit more tricky. You’ll need to combine baking soda with an acid, such as cream of tartar. For each teaspoon of baking powder required, use ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and ½ teaspoon of cream of tartar.
If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can replace one teaspoon of baking powder with ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. When using liquid acids like vinegar or lemon juice, make sure to incorporate them with the wet ingredients in your recipe.
Does Baking Soda Brighten the Skin?
Baking soda baths are popular skincare remedies for soothing itchy skin, particularly after bug bites or bee stings. This powerful kitchen ingredient is also known to help with sunburn relief. According to some people, the effects are even better when combined with other ingredients like cornstarch and oatmeal.
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To prepare a baking soda bath, add 1 or 2 cups of the ingredient to a lukewarm bath and ensure that the affected area is fully submerged. If you want more targeted relief, consider creating a thick paste. You can achieve the thickness by mixing it with a small amount of water and applying it directly to the itchy area.
Other Health Benefits
Baking soda is pretty useful for heartburn. As you may know, heartburn is caused by acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus. This condition usually occurs after consuming large meals, carbonated drinks, or greasy and spicy foods.
Baking soda neutralizes stomach acid, providing relief. To try this remedy, dissolve 1 teaspoon of it in a glass of cold water and drink the mixture slowly. If you don’t have the ingredients, use baking powder as a substitute.
Keep in mind that baking powder contains some salt, so you might want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe by half to compensate.
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