The surprising advantages of baking soda

If you are like me, you probably have a box of baking soda nestled in your pantry. Maybe you use it for cooking, cleaning or deodorizing the refrigerator. I recently made a deep dive and I discovered that baking soda actually has advantages that are impressive for health. It can even be one of the most neglected well-being tools.

I started to experiment with soda bicarbonate (aka bicarbonate of sodium) as part of my wellness routine. So far, the results have been fascinating. Soda bicarbonate has a variety of advantages, improvement in energy and endurance to the balance of pH and even sleep. This modest ingredient may have much more to offer than we grant.

This article explores what I have learned, what science has to say and how I use baking soda in my daily routine.

Why the baking soda account for your body

Soda bicarbonate is not only for cooking cookies (although they are delicious!). It is a natural compound already found in our body and plays a key role in maintaining acid-base balance or pH. Our blood pH is closely regulated between 7.35 and 7.45, and our body works hard to keep it in this beach. Sometimes even draw minerals from the bones or other tissues to maintain balance.

This is where baking soda comes into play. It acts like a stamp to neutralize excess acids in the body. Modern life throws us a lot that can push us towards more acidic, including intense exercise, stress, processed foods and even infections. Supporting the natural buffer system of the body can help restore balance. And as I discovered, it can also improve our way of feeling and working daily.

Breathe

What fascinated me the most was how soda bicarbonate interacts with carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen administration. We often hear about the importance of obtaining enough oxygen, but CO2 plays an essential role by ensuring that oxygen really penetrates into our tissues. Thanks to a process called BOHR effect, higher CO2 levels help red blood cells to release oxygen where it is necessary. These include places such as your brain, muscles and mitochondria (cell energy factories).

Many of us are involuntarily under-residents, breathing too people, too quickly, or mainly through the mouth. This lack of air consumption can then reduce CO2 levels and alter oxygen administration. Soda bicarbonate supports CO2 balance, which can in turn help improve energy, concentration and endurance.

Soda bicarbonate for energy and endurance

One of the first things that drew my attention when looking for baking soda was how it was used in the sports world. It was even prohibited by the World Anti -Doping Agency (AMA) as a substance improving performance. Studies show that baking soda can avoid fatigue and improve endurance. It is no longer banished, because it is a natural and common substance.

After an intense exercise, lactic acid accumulates in the muscles, causing this familiar burning sensation and possibly fatigue. Soda bicarbonate stamps this acid to help delay muscle fatigue. A meta-analysis of 2013 in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research confirmed these results. They found that the supplement with baking soda improves short -term and high intensity exercise performance in elite athletes.

You don’t need to be an elite athlete to feel positive effects of baking soda!

Mitochondria, oxygen and balance

Beyond the athletic advantages, the effects of baking soda go much further, even to the cellular level. Our mitochondria thrive in a very narrow pH range and need good oxygen administration to make ATP (energy). By helping to balance CO2 and pH, baking soda can help stimulate mitochondrial efficiency for more sustainable energy.

When I started to experiment, I noticed a clearer reflection, a more stable energy and an improved training recovery. Personally, I think it is worth paying attention, especially since it is one of the cheapest well-being tools.

Anti-inflammatory and immune support

You may not think of immune health when you think of baking soda, but this can deserve a place next to your elder syrup.

A 2018 study in the Journal of Immunology found that sodium bicarbonate activates anti-inflammatory pathways through the spleen. It seems to move the balance of immune cells, reduce pro-inflammatory macrophages and increase anti-inflammatory T cells.

The same study has also shown some evidence that baking soda can reduce inflammatory cytokines in people prone to autoimmune diseases. It can even support the vagus nerve, which is essential to calm the nervous system. As a person who has dealt with autoimmune problems in the past, it is something that I try to keep at a distance.

Although human research is still limited, I found that when I take baking soda in a coherent way, I feel calmer and less ignited. It is only my own experience, but science the support is promising.

Renal and digestive support

Medical experts use baking soda for years in specific situations. Doctors sometimes prescribe it to slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease by reducing the acid charge of the body. A study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology has shown that it slows the decline of the kidneys and reduces the need for dialysis in some patients.

It is also a quick solution well known for occasional stomach burns or acid reflux because it neutralizes gastric acid. However, I do not recommend using it very often for this. In the long term, we want to support healthy gastric acid, and not unnecessarily reduce it.

Some people also use soda bicarbonate to allocate urine and discourage bacterial growth in urinary tract infections (UTI). I had friends to use this in a pinch when traveling, and it worked surprisingly for them.

Best sleep and stress support

Another advantage of baking soda that surprised me was how it can help sleep and relaxation. Research suggests that it can increase the production of nitric oxide, which improves blood circulation. Drinking a little in the water throughout the day was linked to a better sleep quality and less bathroom trips at night.

I used baking soda baths on occasion for years to help detox, especially combined with EPSOM salts. A 20 -minute soaking is really relaxing, supports detoxification and reduces stress. Many studies carried out on the advantages of Baking Soda have used it as part of a hot bath.

Nights after difficult training, this bathing routine is incredible and seems to help me fall asleep more quickly.

Oral health benefits

One of its more popular and well -known uses, baking soda is ideal for oral care. Soda bicarbonate is already a popular ingredient in natural toothpaste because it helps to allocate your mouth and whiten teeth. It can help reduce acidity in the mouth and support a healthy oral microbiome.

That said, it is important to use it properly. Too much can be abrasive or too alkalizing. If you are looking for a natural toothpaste that uses a balanced quantity of baking soda, here is what I use. No more DIY type? Here is my recipe for recall toothpaste.

How I use baking soda

Although I focus on movement and training, I am not an elite athlete who takes huge doses. Some athletes make the tablespoon at a time, which can cause digestive distress if you are not careful. What I do is much more modest, about ½ teaspoon in the water once or twice a day. Sometimes I will add an additional dose before training. So far, I have noticed better endurance, faster recovery and less muscle pain.

Here is more about how I use baking soda in my daily routine

• Orally– I drink half a teaspoon of baking soda in the water on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before breakfast. Sometimes I take another teaspoon half in the middle of the afternoon or before training, especially on high intensity training days.
• Thermal baths – A mixture of Epsom salts and baking soda in a hot bath for 20 minutes. It really feels good on days when I was more active or more stressed!
• Oral care – The natural toothpaste that I use every day has baking soda.

Some precautions

Even if the baking soda is natural and inexpensive, the more is not always better. High doses can cause nausea, bloating or diarrhea. People with certain health problems, in particular renal or heart issues, should first speak to their health professional.

If you want to try it, start small and see how your body reacts. A small quantity can have a surprisingly significant effect. And yes, it has a salty and not particularly pleasant taste in the water. I sometimes add a pinch of lemon juice or a pinch of sea salt to make it more pleasant to the taste.

I also make sure to withdraw this from meals because baking soda can temporarily reduce gastric acid, and I want gastric acid for digestion.

Final reflections on the advantages of baking soda

Soda bicarbonate could be one of the most underestimated well-being tools. By supporting the PH balance, CO2 levels and mitochondrial function, it can improve energy, endurance and even sleep, all for a few cents per day.

As always, be sure to do your own research before you start new supplement. It’s also a good idea to start little ones and listen to your body. This simple addition has changed the situation for my energy, my recovery training and even mental clarity. And the best part is that it is probably already in your pantry!

Have you ever used baking soda? What are your favorite ways to use it? Let a comment and let us know!