Drinking baking soda, or bicarbonate powder, dissolved in water is a
folk remedy that has been used for many generations to alleviate the
symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, infections and arthritis, among
other problems. Baking soda is an alkaline compound that reduces acidity
in the body. The typical American diet is highly acidic, which allows
many diseases and conditions to develop and flourish. Baking soda, taken
in moderate amounts and at appropriate times, promotes healthy
biochemistry
Acidic Diets
The
typical American diet has changed greatly over the last century. In
earlier eras, Americans consumed much more fresh vegetables, fruits,
dairy products, while only eating moderate amounts of animal-based
protein, which contributed to a healthy alkaline environment within the
body. In recent decades, the American diet has become based on "fast
foods," refined and processed prepared foods, carbohydrates, sugary
drinks and excessive amounts of high-fat meats. Modern diets produce
much more acidity within the body, which compromises immunity and causes
a variety of symptoms.
Acidity Crisis
Human
blood must be alkaline to effectively transport nutrients and waste
products, and to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide with other tissues.
Specifically, the blood must measure close to 7.35 on the pH scale,
which is a logarithmic measurement of hydrogen ions and acidity. An
acidic diet puts the body into a crisis because it threatens to lower
the pH measurement of the blood. According to "Biochemical,
Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition," the body reacts
by liberating calcium and magnesium from the skeleton and depositing it
into the bloodstream and other tissues, which has an alkalizing affect.
However, mineral loss weakens and disfigures bones and leads to
osteoporosis, osteomalacia and arthritis. Excessive minerals in the
bloodstream contribute to atherosclerosis, or hardened arteries.
Further, acidity reduces immunity and promotes the growth and
proliferation of pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Benefits of Baking Soda
Drinking
baking soda dissolved in water is a quick and affordable method of
neutralizing the effects of an acidic diet or meal. Baking soda readily
dissolves in water and is absorbed quickly in the intestines. It can be
helpful for acid reflex, indigestion or an upset stomach. The
carbonation that occurs when baking soda is mixed with water can promote
burping, which can relieve excess gas and bloating. According to "Human
Biochemistry and Disease," the alkalinity that occurs with drinking
baking soda can dissolve the painful uric acid crystals of gout and
relieve the inflammation of arthritis.
Recommendations
Baking
soda dissolved in water is best taken between meals. If taken with
food, it will reduce the effectiveness of the stomach's acid and
compromise digestion. One or two teaspoons of baking soda in an eight
ounce glass of purified water twice daily is a common recommendation for
people wanting to increase the alkalinity of their body. Of course,
dietary changes are helpful too, but the baking soda is often easier for
people to start with. A complementary addition to the baking soda
beverage is a wedge of lemon or lime, which are strongly alkalizing
fruits that also add some flavor. Because baking soda does contain some
impurities, some people prefer pure bicarbonate powder, which has the
same alkalizing affect.
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