The combination of carbon, sodium, hydrogen and oxygen molecules give rise to a type of salt known as sodium bicarbonate.
Although many are unaware of its chemical composition, its uses in cooking, cosmetics, cleaning and other areas are common knowledge. Particularly striking are its medicinal applications, since it is effective in combating heartburn and is an ally of dental health.
In fact, baking soda has many facets that are worthy of research. We invite you to know some of them.
What is baking soda?
Sodium bicarbonate is a white, crystalline, water-soluble salt with a slightly alkaline taste.
This compound is found naturally in mineral sources and is also produced industrially.
Properties of bicarbonate
The virtues of sodium bicarbonate make it a product with multiple uses in different areas of human life. Some of its main properties are these:
- Alkaline. It has a pH higher than 7, which gives it alkaline properties.
- Deodorizing. This type of salt helps to neutralize bad odors.
- Antibacterial. It has particular characteristics that allow it to contribute to the fight against bacteria.
- Antacid. It has the ability to neutralize stomach acid, relieving heartburn and indigestion.
- Exfoliating. It serves to eliminate dead skin cells.
- Anti-inflammatory. It has the virtue of reducing inflammation.
Benefits of baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate brings great benefits to health and personal hygiene, among them:
- Reduces heartburn. Given its chemical composition, this salt is effective in mitigating heartburn, indigestion and gastric acidity.
- Skin care. It is used as an exfoliant to eliminate dead skin cells and as a deodorant to combat bad odor.
- Oral hygiene. It has demonstrated its effectiveness as a teeth whitener, although it could damage tooth enamel due to its abrasive effect, and it is also used to freshen breath.
- Dental health. Sodium bicarbonate helps neutralize acidity in the mouth, which can prevent tooth decay.
- Prevents urinary problems. Some studies claim that this product can prevent the appearance of some pathologies of the lower urinary tract.
- Cardiovascular health. Some doctors claim that it is effective in treating hypertension and narrowing of blood vessels.
Uses of baking soda
Sodium bicarbonate is a multipurpose product that is widely accepted worldwide. It is usually distributed in the form of tablets, sachets and powder for oral consumption and its use in other fields. Some of its applications are mentioned below:
- Food. It is used as a leavening agent in baking, as a stabilizer in processed foods and as a neutralizing agent in the manufacture of chocolate and beverages.
- Personal care. It is used as an ingredient in toothpastes, soaps, deodorants and exfoliants.
- Medicinal products. It is used as an antacid to relieve heartburn and as an ingredient in some cough medicines.
- Household cleaning. It is often used as a natural cleaner for different surfaces, such as the kitchen, bathroom and clothing.
- Gardening. It can be used as a fertilizer and to improve soil pH.
- Natural deodorizer. It is included in products to eliminate odors in clothing, refrigerator and other places.
- Anti-acne cream. It is used together with other ingredients as a cream to treat acne.
- Hair treatment. It is included in shampoos to achieve clean and shiny hair.
What dosage of baking soda should I use in cases of heartburn and other health problems?
The dosage of sodium bicarbonate may vary from one patient to another. However, the doses most frequently recommended by health specialists are these:
- Heartburn (adults). 1 teaspoon of powder, 1 tablet or 1 sachet one hour after meals for a period of time of 2 weeks maximum.
- Alkalinize urine (adults). Use 3 grams every 2 hours until urine pH is above 7.
- Stomach acidity (children over 6 years old). Half the adult dose should be administered.
- Alkalinize urine (children over 6 years old). Administer 80 to 800 mg per kilogram of weight, following the doctor’s instructions.
Advantages and disadvantages of bicarbonate
The properties, benefits and applications of sodium bicarbonate are many, which makes it a very popular product.
Below you will learn about its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of baking soda
This natural salt has many advantages, such as:
- Natural: It is a natural and non-toxic product.
- Price: Baking soda is an economical product.
- Versatile: It has multiple uses in the home, kitchen, personal care and health.
- Effective: It is effective for various applications, such as cleaning, health and cooking.
- Application: Baking soda is very easy to apply.
Disadvantages of baking soda
Some disadvantages of baking soda are these:
- Causes irritation: it can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and respiratory system if used in excess or incorrectly.
- Interactions: May interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult a physician before use.
- It cannot be ingested in large quantities: Sodium bicarbonate may be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
- Sodium bicarbonate should be used in moderation, because its excessive consumption could cause systemic alkalosis. But using it in its right measure it can do a lot of good as an antacid, deodorizing, alkalizing or antibacterial, because it is a product with a thousand faces.
Bibliography
- Escobar, Laura, Mejía, Natalia, Gil, Helena, & Santos, Fernando (2013). Distal renal tubular acidosis: an inherited disease in which hydrogenions cannot be eliminated. Nefrología (Madrid), 33(3), 289-296. https://dx.doi.org/10.3265/Nefrologia.pre2012.Oct.11592.
- León-Ruiz, L., Hidalgo Tenorio, C., Díaz-Ricomá, N., Piédrola Maroto, G., & López Gómez, M.. (2002). Severe metabolic alkalosis due to bicarbonate ingestion. Annals of Internal Medicine, 19(7), 65-66. Retrieved July 29, 2024, from http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0212-71992002000700019&lng=es&tlng=es.