Baking Soda Use: Dos, don'ts and safety tips to know

Sodium bicarbonate, aka Baking soda, is a common ingredient in our kitchen, used for both cooking and cleaning. Baking soda works by neutralizing acids, while it helps with breath freshness and heartburn relief, but excessive use leads to stomach problems and sodium accumulation.

Doctors allow patients to use baking soda for brief heartburn relief and exercise performance boost, but one must seek medical guidance before using it as a regular practice. People who have heart problems and those who follow low-sodium diets, need to be careful when using baking soda, because it contains high sodium levels. Baking soda achieves its best results through correct application, because it provides optimal benefits, while safeguarding users from adverse reactions.

Lets see the dos and don’ts of baking soda...1. Do use for heartburn reliefA solution made from half teaspoon baking soda and half glass water, helps to quickly treat heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. Baking soda functions as an antacid, which provides quick relief from digestive issues following large meals. Research shows that baking soda offers short-term heartburn symptom relief which works best for people who experience heartburn only occasionally.

Drink the mixture at a slow pace during a 15-minute period after eating to prevent stomach gas accumulation.

The substance works well for adults who need short-term relief, but they should combine it with eating smaller meals to achieve lasting heartburn relief. Medical authorization needs to be obtained before doctors can extend baking soda treatment past seven days.

2. Don't overdo for exercise or fitnessAthletes extend their workout time through baking soda consumption because it prevents lactic acid from building up in their muscles, during high-intensity exercise.

Research shows that drinking baking soda before exercise improves cycling, and running performance but it does not affect strength output. Athletes achieve their best results through baking soda consumption of 0.2-0.3 grams per body kilogram, before starting their 60-90 minute workout.

High doses of baking soda consumption result in stomach issues which cause patients to vomit and experience diarrhea. The long-term safety of baking soda use remains unknown, because high sodium consumption can damage kidney function.

People who are new to using this substance should avoid it if their bodies function normally without it.3. Do use for clean teeth and freshen mouthThe combination of baking soda with water on a toothbrush creates a gentle teeth whitening solution, which removes stains without using harsh chemicals. The substance functions as a mild tooth polish which removes dental plaque, while eliminating unpleasant mouth odors to maintain fresh breath throughout the day.

Research shows that baking soda functions as a cavity prevention agent because it controls pH levels which blocks bacteria from accessing their food sources.

Use baking soda twice to three times per week instead of daily, because excessive use can damage tooth enamel. The solution works as a natural mouthwash when you dissolve half a teaspoon of baking soda in water for gargling. The best oral health results occur when people practice flossing in combination with this method.

4. Don't drink in large amountsDaily consumption of baking soda water for inflammation and kidney health purposes is harmful, because it results in dangerous sodium accumulation which raises blood pressure and produces body fluid retention. A single teaspoon of baking soda contains more than 1000 milligrams of sodium, which exceeds the recommended daily intake for many people, and research shows it may harm kidney function while causing metabolic problems.

The combination of heart disease with pregnancy and children, leads to dangerous poisoning that can result in seizures and stomach rupture from gas accumulation. Research indicates that taking too much baking soda produces toxic effects which harm people who drink alcohol, and those who consume large amounts of it. Baking soda should only be used occasionally according to the recommended usage guidelines.5. Safety tips for skin, eyes, and storageApply a baking soda paste made with water to bug bites or rashes before washing it off after ten minutes, to prevent skin dryness.

The substance needs immediate eye and skin protection, when irritation occurs, because it causes mild stinging sensations. The storage area for baking soda should remain dry and cool, while being out of reach from children to prevent accidental ingestion. The use of baking soda for diaper rash treatment resulted in toxicity, so patients should use doctor-recommended creams instead.

People should limit their inhalation of baking soda dust when cleaning, because it can cause throat irritation.

Those who perform heavy cleaning tasks, need to wear protective gloves.6. Avoid key interactions and groupsThe consumption of baking soda should be spaced out with antibiotic and aspirin medications by at least two hours, because it changes stomach acid levels, and slows down drug absorption. People with heart conditions and those who have kidney disease or alkalosis, need to stay away from baking soda, because it creates dangerous changes in their body electrolyte levels.

Medical approval must be obtained by pregnant women before taking baking soda, because it causes their bodies to retain excess fluid.

Those who drink alcohol excessively, face two dangerous health risks, because they develop rhabdomyolysis, and experience organ failure. The FDA allows baking soda for food and antacid use under GRAS status, but requires medical supervision for all health-related applications. Always start with small doses, when testing your tolerance to any substance.Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice. Please be extremely careful in using baking soda for any purpose, and consult your doctor for oral uses