Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is secreted in the pancreas to help aid in digestion. It helps neutralize the stomach acid that is generated during the digestive process and helps in the breakdown of certain enzymes. Sodium bicarbonate levels in the body must be neither too low nor too high in order for digestion to function normally and for the digestive tract to remain healthy.
Its superpowers come from a two-letter term: pH. That stands for “power of hydrogen” to make something either an acid or a base (alkaline). Baking soda is an alkaline substance. When it mixes with an acid, it alters the pH level. That’s why it can quickly soothe an upset stomach or cover a bad smell.
You can use it to:
- Calm indigestion – Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water to zap acid in your stomach.
- Treat insect bites and stings – While it isn’t good for everyday use on your skin, it can soothe the redness, itching, and stinging that are signs of a mild reaction to an insect bite.
- Keep your mouth healthy – Brushing your teeth with toothpaste that has baking soda can hold off tooth decay and keep your gums and mouth in good shape. A half-teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a glass of water can also freshen your breath.
- Treat kidney disease – A daily dose of sodium bicarbonate can help people whose kidneys can no longer remove enough acid from their blood.
