I have seen a lot of people asking about this recently. Research shows that people feel better digestive comfort after drinking baking soda water. Thus, I can assure you it’s a great drink that will improve your hydration and oral health.
In order to, I must warn you about something: excessive consumption is not going to help you. In fact, the Mayo Clinic notes that overuse of sodium bicarbonate can result in metabolic alkalosis, a condition characterized by elevated blood pH.
Thus, your sodium levels will skyrocket to dangerous levels, won’t they?
However, healthcare professionals often suggest using 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in water to alleviate indigestion and heartburn.
And of course, I recommend you check with your doctor first before trying it.
For this reason, I’ll go over the baking soda and water benefits and risks, plus tips for safe consumption
What is Baking Soda and Water?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a versatile compound with many uses. When mixed with water, it creates what’s called baking soda water or alkaline water.
It’s calorie-free and has no carbs, fat, or protein, so it’s a simple yet powerful solution for many health issues.
The chemical reaction that happens when baking soda is mixed with water activates its alkaline properties, which can neutralize acids in the body.
That’s why many people drink baking soda water to help balance pH levels and health by adding baking soda.
Health Benefits of Drinking Baking Soda Water
Drinking baking soda water has many benefits, from digestion to hydration. It can neutralize stomach acid, support muscle endurance, and even support kidney function.
Let’s go over these benefits in more detail.
1. Digestive Support
Baking soda water is known for digestion support. It neutralizes excess stomach acid, creates a balanced pH environment in the digestive tract, and gives relief from acid reflux and indigestion. This home remedy is a quick fix for that uncomfortable heartburn after a heavy meal.
Plus, baking soda water is believed to help with bloating and gas, so it’s a great solution for those who experience occasional digestive discomfort. It supports gut health and bowel function by promoting a healthy pH balance in the digestive system.
2. Hydration
Hydration is key, especially for athletes and those who are exposed to high heat. Baking soda water can hydrate better than plain water due to its sodium content, which helps in better water absorption and retention in the body. It’s a great solution for replenishing electrolytes lost through sweating.
For those who are into high-intensity training, baking soda water can also buffer lactic acid buildup, improve endurance, and reduce muscle soreness. Whether you’re an athlete or just want to stay hydrated, drinking baking soda water can be beneficial.
3. Oral Health Improvement
Baking soda is often praised for its oral health benefits. It neutralizes mouth acidity, which can prevent tooth decay and freshen breath.
Some studies suggest it may also reduce plaque and control gingivitis, but more research is needed in this area. Baking soda dentifrice can be a great option for oral hygiene.
But be cautious; too much baking soda can cause tooth enamel erosion. Using it occasionally as a mouth rinse can be helpful, but it should not replace regular brushing and dental care.
4. Balances pH Levels
Baking soda’s alkaline nature makes it an effective agent in balancing pH levels in the body. Neutralizing excess stomach acid promotes overall pH balance, which is important for overall bodily function.
Therefore, let me say that although baking soda water is great, as shown in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry, 82% of people who used a baking soda-based toothpaste regularly saw their oral pH levels get better.
This balance can help mitigate many health issues caused by high acidity.
5. Relieves Heartburn and Indigestion
Drinking baking soda water can quickly relieve heartburn and indigestion. As a natural antacid, baking soda neutralizes stomach acid and gives fast relief from these symptoms.
6. Soothes Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
The alkalizing effect of baking soda water can reduce urine acidity and ease the burning sensation and discomfort from UTIs.
This is a great home remedy for managing UTI symptoms.
7. Aids in Exercise Recovery
Athletes can benefit from baking soda water during recovery. It can reduce lactic acid buildup in muscles and potentially improve endurance and reduce post-exercise soreness.
This can improve athletic performance and recovery time.
8. Detoxifies the Body
Baking soda water may help detoxify the body by flushing out toxins and promote kidney health. This is great for overall bodily function and health.
9. Improves Kidney Function
Studies show that baking soda may slow down chronic kidney disease progression by reducing acid buildup. This can be a great addition to the diet of those who want to support their kidney function.
10. Promotes Healthy Digestion
Regulating digestive acids is another benefit of baking soda water. It can ease bloating, gas, and discomfort and promote a healthy digestive system.
11. May Support Oral Health
Using baking soda water can neutralize acids in the mouth, reduce bad breath, and create a healthier oral environment. This supports overall oral health and hygiene.
12. Reduces Inflammation
Some studies show that baking soda may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit those with autoimmune conditions or chronic inflammation.
13. Natural Detox for the Stomach
Baking soda water can cleanse the stomach lining and give relief from upset stomach and minor digestive issues. This detoxifying effect can be a gentle way to maintain digestive health.
Baking Soda and Water for heartburn
Baking soda and water is a popular home remedy for heartburn, providing temporary relief by neutralizing stomach acid. The alkaline nature of baking soda helps to balance the acidity in the stomach, alleviating the burning sensation associated with heartburn.
To use, mix about 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it. While this remedy can be effective for quick relief, it should be used sparingly, as overuse can lead to side effects like metabolic alkalosis or increased sodium levels.
For long-term management, it’s best to seek advice from a healthcare provider.
Risks and Side Effects
While baking soda water has many health benefits, be aware of its risks and side effects. Consuming large amounts can lead to serious health issues like poisoning, dehydration, and stomach rupture in severe cases.
Those with specific health conditions should be cautious.
High Sodium Content
One of the risks of baking soda water is its high sodium content. A half-teaspoon of baking soda in water has about 630 milligrams of sodium, which can increase blood pressure and is harmful to those sensitive to sodium or those with high blood pressure.
High sodium levels can also affect the body’s balance and cause other health issues.
Risk of Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the body’s pH levels become too high and disrupt the acid-base balance. Consuming too much baking soda (an alkaline substance) can cause this condition and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and muscle twitching.
Impact on Tooth Enamel
Using baking soda water as an oral rinse can pose a risk to tooth enamel due to its abrasive nature. Frequent use can cause erosion of tooth enamel and increase sensitivity and risk of cavities.
Limit the use of baking soda water for oral care and consult a dentist to minimize the risks. Excessive use can result in discoloration and tooth decay and make teeth more prone to decay.
Safe Consumption Guidelines
Moderation is the key to enjoying the benefits of drinking baking soda water and avoiding the side effects.
The maximum recommended amount per serving is 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in water. Start with a smaller amount like 1/4 teaspoon to see how your body reacts.
Here are some tips for safe consumption:
- Drink baking soda water after meals for the best digestive relief.
- Consult with a healthcare provider if you are on a sodium-restricted diet, have certain health conditions, or are pregnant.
- Avoid continuous use for more than two weeks without medical advice.
Who Should Avoid Baking Soda Water?
Certain individuals should avoid drinking baking soda water. Those with high blood pressure, pregnant women, and children should stay away from this remedy.
Baking soda can affect the absorption of certain medications so consult with a healthcare provider if you are taking other medications.
Continuous use beyond two weeks should also be avoided unless advised by a doctor.
Wrap Up
With all of this in mind, baking soda water has many health benefits, from digestion to hydration and oral health. But be aware of the risks and consume in moderation. Follow the safe consumption guidelines and consult with healthcare providers, and you can enjoy the benefits while minimizing the side effects. Remember, balance is key to overall health.
