15 HEALTH BENEFITS OF BAKING SODA - NUTRITION - 2025

The benefits of sodium bicarbonate range from teeth whitening to hair strengthening to cancer prevention. Learn about some properties of this white powder present in many homes around the world.

Sodium bicarbonate (also called sodium bicarbonate, or bicarbonate of soda) is a white crystalline solid element soluble in water, with a slightly alkaline taste similar to that of sodium carbonate (although less strong and more salty than the latter), of formula NaHCO3. It is found in nature as a mineral, although it is also produced artificially.

When talking about home remedies, one present in the kitchen or bathroom of homes in the West, has characteristics that are generally unknown.

We are talking about baking soda. White powder that is in our homes, but whose uses are linked more to cleaning. Here we show you that it also has multiple benefits in health.

Properties of sodium bicarbonate for the well-being of your body

1- Eliminate heartburn

Discomfort is typical after sharing a barbecue, for example, drinking different drinks or alcohol. Heartburn and indigestion do their thing in the body.

According to Dr. Ax, baking soda is an effective way to reduce heartburn and digestive upset. A home remedy is to add half a teaspoon of baking powder to two cups of water. The idea is to drink this mixture after one hour of eating. Thus, the person will feel relief in their abdominal part and will feel deflated.

2- Fight acne and pimples

Especially in teenagers, pimples and acne are a nightmare. To suppress these skin infections, you don't need to invest in an expensive cream or use invasive chemicals.

There is a homemade recipe based on baking soda that addresses this problem. Its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties help treat the cause and symptoms of acne. On the other hand, using baking soda helps balance the skin's pH.

Paraloscurioso.com propose the following recipe: “Mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a little water to make a paste. Apply to affected skin for 1 to 2 minutes. Rinse with cold water. Repeat once a day for 2 or 3 days and then reduce the frequency to 1 or 2 times a week ”.

3- Clean fruits and vegetables

Another valid application of baking soda has to do with hygiene. With this compound you can clean dirt and residues from fresh fruits and vegetables.

The Care2 site states that it is enough to sprinkle a little of this powder on a clean damp sponge, spread it on it and clean the food, and then rinse it well with water. A different way to disinfect and leave these products ready for safe human consumption.

4- Treat insect bites and itchy skin

A form of home remedy, it can be seen after insect bites. Making a paste of baking soda and water, thick, and applied as a balm on the affected skin, is a way to disinfect, heal and improve the affected area of ​​the skin.

On the other hand, you can also relieve itching, applying directly to the bite, after a cold shower. To relieve itching, shake some baking soda in your hand and rub it into damp skin after bathing or showering.

5- Improves sports performance

Believe it or not, this compound is also applied in the world of sports. In fact, many athletes have practiced so-called "soda doping." According to Dr. Mercola, in an article he wrote on his website, runners are supplied sodium bicarbonate capsules before races to enhance performance.

It has also been shown to improve speed among swimmers. 'Sodium bicarbonate is an alkaline substance that increases the pH of the blood.

This appears to reduce and compensate for the acidity produced in the muscles during intense, anaerobic exercise that produces lactic acid more rapidly, such as fast running or swimming, ”says Mercola.

6- Prevents kidney stones

Another health benefit of baking soda includes relief from kidney stones. It should be noted, that kidney stones are like stones within the body. There are different types like calcium stones, cysteine ​​stones, uric acid, etc., all of these can cause severe pain.

According to Organic Facts, baking soda helps reduce stone formation and remove the material that causes kidney stones to form. Bicarbonate supplements or water with half a tablespoon of this element is recommended.

7- Bladder infections

Fighting bladder infections is another contribution of sodium bicarbonate to human health. It is known that there are many cases of bladder infection caused by bacteria that reproduce in that organ. This is because these microorganisms thrive in environments that are slightly shed and acidic.

To prevent this type of infection or treat it, it is done by taking a solution consisting of baking soda and a cup of water, according to the site www.organicfacts.net.

8- Improves nail health

It is a nuisance and unaesthetic to have fungus in the nails of the hands and feet. Baking soda prevents fungus from spreading by creating an uninhabitable environment for it.

Sodium borate, commonly known simply as borax is a naturally occurring mineral that is also a powerful fungicide. These two combined create a remedy that can cure nail fungus fast.

According to Natural News, you can mix equal parts of powdered borax and baking soda with enough water to make a paste. So, wet your feet with this solution and gently rub the mixture on the infected nails. This should be done twice a day, for at least two weeks, to see concrete results.

9- Teeth whitening

Baking soda is present in toothpastes. The above, because it has teeth whitening properties and eliminates bacterial plaque.

Also, when fighting cavities, it is commonly used in some mouthwashes as well. Tip: If you run out of toothpaste and want to brush them, put a half tablespoon of baking soda on the toothbrush and wash, then rinse with water.

According to Australian Science, bicarbonate acts as an antiseptic and neutralizes acid production in the mouth. This is why it can be used as a substitute for toothpaste.

10- Remedy for sunburn

Dr. Mercola recommends adding a half cup of baking soda to warm bath water, and then soaking in there for natural sunburn relief.

When you go out, ”he says,“ let your skin air dry, rather than toweling yourself dry for added relief. You can also add a mixture of baking soda and water to a cold compress and apply it to direct sunburn.

11- Promotes healthy hair

Our hair is exposed to many pollutants. Removing oil, dirt, styling product build-up, and chlorine residue and scalp by washing with baking soda is effective.

Natural News recommends adding about 4 tablespoons of pure aluminum-free baking soda to a 16-ounce bottle of warm water. Shake well and use to wash hair instead of shampoo, then condition hair with a natural moisturizer such as coconut or argan oil. Hair will shine clean and natural.

12- Natural deodorant

Driving away bad odors is also a way to apply baking soda.

This element is a natural deodorant, which clears the body of bad smells and the environment as well. Dr. Whitaker suggests mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with enough water to create a milky liquid, and rubbing it on your feet and armpits. With this, the skin will have a fresh and natural smell, away from smelly pathogens.

13- Medical uses

We already said that bicarbonate fights heartburn and an upset stomach, but an injection of baking soda also helps the body. It is used medicinally to replenish the body's electrolytes, such as when severe dehydration has occurred.

According to the Livestrong site, sodium bicarbonate injections are used to treat drug overdose and poisoning. It is used to restore pH balance when the body has high levels of acid, such as in metabolic acidosis, which can occur in response to kidney disease, diabetes, and other conditions.

14- Eliminate dandruff

We already said that baking soda strengthens and beautifies hair. But it also prevents and eliminates dandruff, which is difficult to disappear, especially in winter.

This element can help banish those pesky white flakes on your scalp and hair. Also, since baking soda is alkaline, it helps bring the scalp's pH balance to a healthy balance.

The recipe, according to the Top10 Home Remedies site, is as follows: “Rub 1 tablespoon of baking soda on your wet hair and scalp. Wait a minute, then rinse thoroughly with water. For this, only once a week ”.

In parallel, on the page they propose to mix freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon with 1 teaspoon of baking soda. “Apply it to your scalp, let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes and then rinse your hair with water. Follow this remedy once a week just to keep your scalp free of dandruff, "she suggests.

15- It would prevent cancer

According to Dr. Whitaker, studies have shown that daily bicarbonate intake increases the pH of acidic tumors without disturbing healthy tissues. Although it has not been studied in human clinical trials, animal models of breast cancer show that bicarbonate given by mouth makes tumors more alkaline and inhibits metastasis.

Based on these studies, Whitaker has adopted the consumption of this element as part of cancer treatment. "We do this as part of our general protocol for nutritional and immune support of patients who are dealing with cancer," he says.

At his clinic, they use 12 g (2 teaspoons) of baking soda mixed in 2 cups of water, along with a low calorie sweetener. It is taken three times a day and the results are seen in the medium term.

Side effects

Now, not everything is wonderful. Consuming too much of this element causes an overdose of bicarbonate, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness and spasms. Therefore, care must be taken, regarding the consumption of products that contain sodium bicarbonate, such as drug supplements, or not to abuse water with this compound.

As in almost any health field, it is best to consult your specialist before ingesting it.

The doses of sodium bicarbonate must be taken with caution, since consuming a dose greater than a teaspoon could cause a gastric rupture. This occurs because the mixture of bicarbonate with the hydrochloric acid in the stomach produces carbon dioxide (CO2).

Therefore, the call is to consume it, but with responsibility and only according to recommended doses, and after the suggestion of your doctor.