December 30th is National Bicarbonate of Soda Day. Just why do we have a day that pays homage to what is commonly known as Baking Soda? Well, the day is celebrated to recognize and acknowledge the importance of this little baking ingredient and miracle household agent with numerous health benefits in our day to day life.
Bicarbonate of soda has been used by humans for eons, since 3500BC to be exact, even before the Great Pyramid of Giza was built in Egypt. It is naturally available in mineral form called nahcolite. This white, odorless crystalline solid with the salty and alkaline taste can also be chemically prepared through the Solvay process which is a reaction of Sodium Chloride, Ammonia and Carbon dioxide in water.
Fun Facts on National Bicarbonate of Soda Day
- Bicarbonate of soda (commonly known as baking soda) is chemically called Sodium bicarbonate or Sodium hydrogen carbonate.
- Ancient Egyptians used naturally available Natron(a mixture containing bicarbonate of soda) like a soap-like agent in cleaning teeth, wounds and also in painting of hieroglyphics.
- In 1791, a French chemist Nicolas Leblanc prepared sodium carbonate commonly known as soda ash. Later in 1846 New York baker brothers began production of sodium bicarbonate from soda ash and carbon dioxide and used it as a leavening agent. Since then Bicarbonate of soda was available to the common people.
- The World Health Organization has added Bicarbonate of soda in the list of essential medicines.
- According to a UNEP publication in 2002, the majority of bicarbonate of soda was used in food and about 5% in cosmetics.
Household Uses for Bicarbonate of Soda
- It can be used as a leavening agent in quick breads, soda bread, pancakes, etc.
- It can be used as a toothpaste, teeth whitener, and mouthwash.
- It can be used along with vinegar to clear clogged drains.
- It can be used to remove perspiration stains and unwanted odors in clothes. It’s also a natural deodorant.
- It can be used to clean stove top and ovens.
- It can be used to remove bad odor from refrigerators.
- It can be used as a pesticide as cockroaches eat it, dehydrate and die.
- It can be added to Bath salts to aid in skin cleansing and detoxifying the body, leaving the skin a silky feel.
Health Benefits
In addition to baking soda’s many household uses, it may offer several health benefits.
Heartburn
Heartburn, also called acid reflux, is a painful, burning sensation in the upper region of your stomach that can spread into your throat. It occurs when acid flows out of your stomach and up into your esophagus, which is the tube that connects your stomach to your mouth.
Baking soda water may help relieve heartburn by neutralizing stomach acid. To try it, dissolve 1 teaspoon (5 g) of baking soda in a glass of cold water and drink the mixture slowly. However, it’s important to note that consuming high amounts of baking soda may lead to several side effects, including nausea, vomiting, headache, muscle pain, and restlessness.
Continued use may also lead to metabolic alkalosis — a condition in which your blood becomes overly alkaline — and heart problems. So, it’s always a good idea to speak with a doctor before trying baking soda for heartburn, especially if you have an underlying health condition.
Soothe Canker Sores
Canker sores are small, painful ulcers that can form inside your mouth. Unlike cold sores, canker sores don’t form on your lips and aren’t contagious. Though more evidence is needed, some older research suggests that baking soda mouthwash soothes pain caused by canker sores.
You can make baking soda mouthwash by adding 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) of baking soda to half a glass (120 mL) of warm water. Rinse your mouth with this mixture once a day until the canker sore heals.
Improve Exercise Performance
Baking soda is a popular supplement among athletes, who also call it sodium bicarbonate. Some studies show that baking soda helps you perform longer at your peak, especially during anaerobic exercises or high intensity training and sprinting.
Sodium bicarbonate supplements may be effective when used in doses around 0.13 g per pound (0.3 g per kilogram) of body weight. Remember to speak with a healthcare professional before taking supplements, and read and follow the supplement labels correctly.
Relieve Itchy Skin, Sunburns, and Psoriasis
A baking soda bath may help soothe dry, itchy, and scaly skin that could be related to bug bites, sunburn, or skin conditions like psoriasis. To make a baking soda bath, add 1 to 2 cups (220 to 440 g) of baking soda to a lukewarm bath. Make sure the affected area is soaked thoroughly.
For specific areas, create a paste with baking soda and a bit of water, then apply a thick layer to the affected area.
Slows the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease
Your kidneys help remove excess waste and water from your blood while balancing important minerals like potassium, sodium, and calcium. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is when you slowly lose kidney function.
Although more studies are needed, some research suggests that taking sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) supplements may help improve kidney function and slow the progression of CKD. Still, it’s always best to talk with your doctor before ingesting baking soda if you have kidney problems.
May Improve Some Cancer Treatments
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. It’s often treated with chemotherapy, which is a chemical cocktail that slows or stops the growth of cancer cells, which usually grow and divide at a rapid rate.
Some research shows that baking soda may help chemotherapy medicines work more effectively by making the environment for tumors less acidic. However, because the current evidence is limited to animal and test-tube studies, human research is needed. If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, consult your doctor before complementing your chemotherapy treatment with baking soda.
Relief for Feet
Baking soda is a common yet versatile home remedy for foot fungus known for its ability to neutralize odor and absorb excess moisture. Moist environments are breeding grounds for fungi, so keeping your feet dry is crucial. Sprinkle baking soda inside your shoes or create a paste with water and apply it to the affected areas. This solution can help dry out the infection and prevent it from spreading.
In addition to treating fungal infections, bicarbonate’s antibacterial properties help prevent and heal blisters faster. In this case, soak your foot in a mixture of warm water and bicarbonate (4 large spoonfuls for a basin) for a quarter of an hour.
Share your love of Baking Soda, whether it be the health benefits, its uses in the kitchen as a leavening agent, or as a household cleaning agent, by posting on social media with the hashtag #NationalBicarbonateOfSodaDay.
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