Baking soda has been used not only for cooking and cleaning – but also for personal health. The benefits of using baking soda range the gamut from functioning as an antacid to itch relief, and teeth whitening to performance enhancement for athletes. Here’s how:
Antacid
Baking soda is known for it’s ability to neutralize acid. There are actually baking soda tablets available for purchase which can be dissolved in water and used as an antacid to relieve both heartburn and indigestion.
Itch Relief
The same baking soda paste can be applied to the skin for relief of irritation caused by a sunburn, insect bite, rash, bee sting, or exposure to poison ivy.
Oral Hygiene
Baking soda can be used as an oral hygiene agent by combining 1 teaspoon with 1 cup of water. – Simply mix into a paste to use the solution as a breath freshener, for relief of canker sores, to whiten teeth, and even to clean dentures!
Performance Enhancement
According to the results of a study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine on a group of runners, baking soda tablets dissolved in 16 ounces of water can be used as a performance enhancement tool. – Some of the runners who participated in the study saw results and were able to shave seconds off of their times.
Other Uses:
- Decongestant | Add 1 teaspoon to a vaporizer to clear congestion or a stuffy nose.
- Make-Up Remover/Facial Cleanser | Use a baking soda paste as a mildly abrasive facial scrub.
- Water Softener | Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda to the washing machine to soften the water.
- Deodorant | Putting baking soda on the underarm area is known to reduce odor.
- Deodorize An Area | Placing an open container of baking soda in a refrigerator, washing it down a drain, pouring a little in the bottom of a trash bag, or sprinkling onto carpet and then vacuuming it up are all great uses of baking soda’s odor absorbing qualities!
- Fire Extinguisher | When baking soda is heated, it releases carbon dioxide, which smothers small flames. Of course, never hesitate to contact the fire department.
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