The properties of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) are well known because this chemical is often used in baking, pastry making, and in the production of soft drinks and cleaning products. Its main characteristic is to release carbon dioxide when mixed with other compounds.
Of course it is also a resource of Ayurvedic medicinebecause baking soda has been used for many years to relieve various digestive disorders, such as nausea and indigestion.
These properties are linked to the ability of bicarbonate to neutralize the acids excess product from the stomach.
It may also slow the progression of decreased renal function in patients suffering from this chronic disease or reduce inflammation, such as that caused by arthritis.
However, There is a lack of studies demonstrating its effectiveness of bicarbonate. Some specialists even warn that its daily consumption can be harmful to your health.
What happens if I drink a glass of water with baking soda?
It is possible that drinking a glass of water with baking soda to combat heartburn or indigestion is effective and has no major consequences. However, Its effectiveness is not entirely clear for other conditions or take it every day.
The portal Better with health assures, in a detailed article, that it not only relieves heartburn and indigestion, but is effective against typical inconveniences of the first months of pregnancy and could also be effective in counteracting the proliferation of bacteria both in the mouth and in the digestive tract.
But the portal also cites the Guide to Food Hoaxes, a book by Gemma del Caño, where the author states that it can be abrasive and even cause burning in the throat. It may also erode tooth enamel, dry out hair, and even produce kidney stones or alter stomach pH instead of regulating it.
But it also highlights a clinical study published in Trials in 2013, which established that consuming sodium bicarbonate regularly could slow the progression of reduced kidney function in patients with this chronic disease. However, Further studies on this would be necessary.
Better with health also refers to the fact that “experts at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University have concluded that a daily dose of this substance (sodium bicarbonate) could help reduce inflammation caused by diseases such as arthritis.” These findings were published in Science Daily.
In addition to all this, it is advisable to know the most common way to prepare it: pour a teaspoon of bicarbonate (5 g) into a glass of hot water (200 ml), mix until completely dissolved and drink.
When to stop taking baking soda
Sometimes, compulsive intake of baking soda can cause problems. A detailed note from Clarín on how to take baking soda highlights that if any of these symptoms appear, You must stop taking baking soda immediately. The symptoms are:
- Bad headache.
- Stomach ache.
- Vomiting with a material similar to coffee beans.
- Loss of appetite.
- Irritability.
- Muscle weakness.
- Need to urinate frequently.
- Appearance of blood in urine or feces.
- Breathing slower than usual.
- Swelling of the feet or legs.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.