Health Benefits of Baking Soda
August 31, 2009
Baking soda is not only an important ingredient for your baking dishes, but this compound can also help to alleviate various illnesses. The chemical name of baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.
This white powder should not be confused with baking powder, which has cream of tartar and starch added to sodium bicarbonate.
Good for the kidney
Baking soda is good for renal health. According to a study, sodium bicarbonate could prevent kidney disease and renal failure. Progression of chronic kidney disease or CKD, which causes permanent kidney damage, can be arrested by regular consumption of baking soda. Regular intake of baking soda by CKD patients could reduce the need for dialysis.
It has also been found that baking soda could reduce the risk of end-stage renal disease or ESRD. In order to survive, ESRD patients need regular dialysis. Although, by increasing the blood pressure level, high levels of sodium is considered hazardous for cardiovascular health and the brain, but intake of baking soda showed no significant rise in the blood pressure level.
Acid reflux remedy
The alkaline nature of baking soda is beneficial for treating problems of acidity. Folk healers often recommend baking soda consumption for treating heartburn and indigestion problems. To cure heartburn, add half a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water and drink the solution.
Shinning teeth
You can also use baking soda for polishing your teeth. You can make your teeth sparkling white by brushing them with baking soda.
Baking soda can be included in your skin care routine. To make a face mask with baking soda, mix water with baking soda to make a thick paste. Leave this baking soda paste on your face, until the paste becomes dry. With damp hand, gently massage your face.
This helps in skin exfoliation, removing dirt and dead cells from your skin. Baking soda face mask can prevent acne and it keeps your skin clean. To reduce irritation from sunburn and insect bite, add baking soda to your bath water. Baking soda can also help to reduce body odor.
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