The Science Behind Baking Soda Health Benefits: Neutralize Acid and More

The Science Behind Baking Soda Health Benefits: Neutralize Acid and More

Most American households have at least one box of baking soda in their pantry or refrigerator, typically used for baking or cleaning purposes. However, baking soda can also serve as an effective remedy for several common and potentially serious ailments due to its alkaline nature. This article looks at the science behind the health benefits of baking soda, with evidence to back up the claims, and takes a closer look at what it means if you burp if you burp within 5 minutes of drinking baking soda water.

12 Surprising Health Benefits of Ba...

Please enable JavaScript

12 Surprising Health Benefits of Baking Soda Paste for Body

The concept of using baking soda water as a test for stomach acid levels is based on the idea that mixing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) produces carbon dioxide gas, which can cause belching. The time it takes to burp after drinking the mixture may indicate acidity in the stomach.

The reaction between sodium bicarbonate and hydrochloric acid is as follows:

NaHCO3 + HCl → NaCl + H2O + CO2

Anecdotally, the time it takes to burp after drinking baking soda could be interpreted as a rough indicator of stomach acid levels. The idea is that if you burp within a short period of time (say 2-5 minutes) after consuming the mixture, your stomach acid levels could be enough to react with the baking soda and produce carbon dioxide, causing burping. A longer time to burp or no burp at all could be interpreted as lower stomach acid levels.

What can happen if you have too much stomach acid?

High stomach acid, also known as hyperchlorhydria, can cause various symptoms. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other gastrointestinal diseases, so it is important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Some common symptoms of high stomach acid include:

Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest or throat, usually after eating, because stomach acid flows back into the esophagus.

Acid reflux: The backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, causing irritation and discomfort.

Indigestion: A feeling of discomfort or fullness in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by bloating, belching, or nausea.

Nausea and vomiting: High levels of stomach acid can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea and sometimes vomiting.

Stomach pain: Excess stomach acid can lead to gastritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining that can cause stomach pain or discomfort.

Ulcers: Over time, high levels of stomach acid can damage the protective lining of the stomach, small intestine, or esophagus, causing ulcers to form.

Loss of appetite: High stomach acid levels can cause discomfort and lead to a reduced desire to eat.

Bad breath: Excess stomach acid can cause bad breath by producing foul-smelling gases.

Difficulty swallowing: In some cases, high stomach acid levels can cause inflammation and scarring in the esophagus, making swallowing difficult.

Regurgitation: A sour or bitter taste in the mouth due to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus.

What baking soda can do for the body:

Neutralize stomach acid:

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate can help neutralize excess stomach acid and restore pH levels in the body. To do this, simply mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup of water and drink it. Maintaining an alkaline body is crucial for overall health. Dr. Otto Warburg, a Nobel Prize-winning physician, discovered that cancer cells cannot survive in alkaline environments but thrive in acidic ones (1).

Heartburn Relief:

Baking soda can be used as a natural remedy for heartburn. Mix ½ teaspoon of baking soda with 2 cups of water and drink it. This can serve as a replacement for commercial antacids such as Tums or Rolaids, which also contain bicarbonate (2). For those suffering from acid reflux, consider trying an apple cider complex that contains organic superfoods to improve digestion and gut health.

Eliminate UTIs:

Baking soda can help reduce acidity in urine and relieve pain associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Drinking a glass of water with a heaping teaspoon of baking soda once a day on an empty stomach can speed recovery from UTIs (3).

Relieve gout pain:

Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid, which leads to joint pain. Drinking ½-1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with a glass of water daily can help relieve gout symptoms (4).

Reduce Cold and Flu Symptoms:

A balanced pH level in the body can help reduce acidosis, which in turn can relieve cold and flu symptoms. Dr. Volney S. Cheney discussed the successful use of baking soda to treat colds and flu in his 1924 book, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda Medical Uses.

While there is no solid scientific evidence that the time it takes to burp after drinking baking soda can reliably indicate stomach acid levels, anecdotal observations suggest that faster burping could indicate adequate stomach acid levels. If you suspect that you are having problems with stomach acid levels or the acid in your body, it is best to consult a doctor for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. They may recommend more precise tests, such as: B. a pH test with a pH probe to determine the actual level of stomach acid or body acid.

Sources: