We use baking soda for baking, but that’s not all it’s for! Baking soda is a powdered ingredient that has leavening properties, meaning that it reacts with an acid and causes dough to rise by producing carbon dioxide. This ingredient has many hidden talents. It is a cheat code to have sodium bicarbonate at home because it’s cheap and healthy.
Sodium bicarbonate should not be mistaken for baking powder. They perform similar roles in baking, but baking soda is the ingredient that transcends the kitchen and is used for other household activities.
Baking Soda: Quick fix For Acid Reflux
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If you’ve ever been a victim of acid reflux, you’ll agree that it is one of the most uncomfortable feelings to have. Acid reflux is when stomach acid flows from the stomach back into the esophagus. The backwash of acid irritates your esophagus, leading to symptoms like heartburn and regurgitation. Although it can be a serious condition in rare cases, people just hate the feeling of discomfort that comes with acid reflux, and a quick fix is always sought.
Sodium bicarbonate is known to tackle this problem easily, as well as other minor health issues. So, other than alleviating acid reflux, here are three health-related things you can do with baking soda.
Acid Reflux Cure Recipe
Acid reflux occurs because there is excess acid in your stomach. The main ingredient of baking soda, sodium bicarbonate, is an absorbable antacid that treats acid reflux by balancing out the excess acid.
Here’s how to use baking soda for acid reflux:
- It should be taken 1-2 hours after eating.
- Mix 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda in 4 ounces of water.
- Baking soda is not suitable for children under 12 years old. Only use it if you are 13 and up.
As with all things, do not overuse baking soda. If symptoms persist, contact a doctor.
A Great Mouthwash Substitute
Using baking soda as a mouthwash is known to increase the pH levels of your saliva. It helps your mouth grow good bacteria, which eventually leads to a healthier mouth overall. Gurgling with mouthwash daily is recommended because it reaches corners and crevices that a toothbrush cannot.
To make your baking soda mouthwash, add 1/2 teaspoon (2 grams) of baking soda to half a glass (120 mL) of warm water, then swish as usual. Be careful not to swallow, and rinse out with water afterward.
Homemade Deodorant
![Baking soda](https://totalapexentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/baking-soda-768950_1920.jpg)
One shocking truth about the human body is that sweat doesn’t smell. It only starts to smell when it comes into contact with the bacteria around your armpits. To avoid having a sweaty smell, create your own homemade deodorant by dabbing baking soda on your armpits. Be careful while using it on your skin to avoid chaffing. This is also a good way to avoid chemical deodorant if you’re prone to reactions.
Washing Fruit And Vegetables
![Washing fruit with Baking soda](https://totalapexentertainment.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/pexels-shvetsa-12673924-scaled.jpg)
Fruits and vegetables pass through so many hands before you bring them home. It is always advised to wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them to get rid of pesticides, germs, and soil. You can take it further by putting baking soda in the water, which provides a gentle cleaning.
How to wash fruit and vegetables with baking soda
- Wash your hands with soap to remove dirt.
- Put 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a bowl and add 2 cups of water
- Place fruits in the water for 10-15 minutes.
- Move around till baking soda touches every part of the fruits.
- Rinse with water. Pat dry with a clean napkin.
Conclusion
Baking soda is a must-have for every household. It’s an ingredient that goes beyond baking and even cleaning kitchen counters and utensils. It can be used to improve healthy living by adding it to the little things we do every day. Keep in mind that it is not a permanent solution for acid reflux, and you should check in with a doctor if symptoms persist. You can add these great recipes that use baking soda to your cookbook.
About Author
Annastaciah is a fresh college graduate who does voiceovers, content creation and works part-time as a Chinese translator. She’s a cat lover who’s obsessed with reading fantasy novels, watching anime and donghua, doing yoga exercises, and making cute crochet things. She’s trying to incorporate her interests by making anime inspired crochet pieces. You can follow her through her experimental journey @annahojeba on Instagram and see the cute crochet things she makes @oz_tiny.crochet.stuff on all media platforms.
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