Baking soda is an amazing, versatile, and often overlooked product that is extremely cheap and can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Its numerous uses range anywhere from improving your appearance to supporting your overall health. Here are seven surprising uses for baking soda that you may not have been aware of.
1. Relieves Indigestion and Heartburn
Baking soda reacts with stomach acid to produce carbon dioxide gas, which in turn helps to neutralize excess acid and provides relief from heartburn and indigestion. To try this remedy, simply mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in half a glass of water and drink it slowly.
2. Clear, Blemish-Free Skin
Baking soda’s mild abrasive properties help to exfoliate the skin and unclog pores. Additionally, its antiseptic and pH-balancing effects make it an ideal alternative to expensive facial cleansers. To create a face mask, mix equal parts of baking soda and water, apply it to your face, gently massage in, then rinse with warm water. This treatment can help you achieve clear, blemish-free skin.
3. Freshens Breath
If you struggle with bad breath, don’t worry— baking soda has you covered. Its antimicrobial properties kill odor-causing bacteria in your mouth, leaving your breath fresh and your teeth whiter. Make your own inexpensive mouthwash by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water and a pinch of salt.
4. Soothes Sunburn and Bug Bites
Did you know that baking soda can help to alleviate skin irritation from sunburns and bug bites? To make a sunburn or bug bite remedy, create a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. Gently apply it to the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with cool water. This will help to soothe and relieve pain or itching associated with sunburns and bug bites.
5. Detoxifying Bath Soak
To make a detoxifying bath soak, add half a cup of baking soda to your bath water. It will help to neutralize the chemicals and pollutants your body absorbs on a daily basis. Soaking in a baking soda bath has been claimed to be a natural way to help improve kidney function, as it can help in flushing out toxins and waste from the kidneys.
6. Natural Deodorant
Because of its ability to absorb moisture and neutralize odor-causing bacteria, baking soda can be a great natural deodorant. Simply dust a small amount of baking soda directly onto your underarms or make a paste by combining equal parts of baking soda and cornstarch, which can then be applied to your underarms for extended odor protection.
7. Enhances Exercise Performance
Some research suggests that baking soda may help improve exercise performance as it has a buffering effect and increases the pH of the blood, which in turn delays the time to fatigue during high-intensity exercise. Athletes often use baking soda as a performance-enhancer by consuming a dose of baking soda mixed with water 30 minutes before a workout. However, it’s important to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting this method, especially if you suffer from any pre-existing medical conditions.
Baking soda is truly a miracle item that can be incorporated into your daily routine for various purposes, from personal care to health improvements. Its numerous benefits and uses make it a cheap, easy, and natural alternative to many expensive products on the market. So give it a try and enjoy the transformative powers of baking soda!
