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food to rise. Without it, all cakes and cookies would be flat bricks. You don’t
need very much baking soda in any given recipe, but the box it comes in is
relatively large. Wouldn’t it be nice to have another use for the product?
Well, there are actually a ton of things you can do with baking soda that
don’t involve baking. It’s a pretty handy natural cleanser, for one thing. But
even more exciting are 7 great things baking soda can do for your hair, skin,
and body. Dollar for dollar and use for use, it is probably the most
you’ve ever been in desperate need of #4, you’ll know what we’re talking
about.
1. Treat Heartburn
Heartburn is one of those relatively harmless conditions that make you feel
like your chest is going to explode. Also known as acid reflux, heartburn
occurs when stomach acid creeps up out of your stomach and enters the
but even if you just get hit after overindulging in rich or spicy food, the pain
Baking soda can neutralize stomach acid and provide rapid relief from acid
reflux. Just dissolve a teaspoon of it in some cold water and drink the
mixture slowly. (Gulping it can lead to a lot of froth in your stomach that will
Baking soda is an excellent tool for oral care as well. Studies show that
toothpaste containing baking soda is better at breaking down plaque and
whitening teeth than toothpaste without it. But you don’t necessarily have
to buy the toothpaste to enjoy the benefits. You can make a small amount
of paste with baking soda and water, and then dip your toothbrush right in
there before brushing.
Baking soda also has strong antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that
make it an excellent mouthwash. Just ½ teaspoon of baking soda in half a
glass of water is enough – swish it around your mouth and spit it out just
as you would any other mouthwash. The mixture is great for reaching
crevices between and around teeth that might be missed while brushing.
4. Use as Deodorant
Deodorant is another product that often contains baking soda because it is
excellent at absorbing odors. This is the same reason that some people leave
an open box of the stuff in their refrigerators or bathrooms. It works because
of its antimicrobial properties.
Did you know that human sweat is actually odorless? It only starts to smell
when the bacteria on our skin begin to break it down into acidic waste
products. Baking soda doesn’t fully halt this process, but it makes the result
significantly less acidic and therefore, less pungent. Try patting some onto
your armpits in a pinch as a natural deodorant.
5. Rock Your Workout
Baking soda is actually quite popular among endurance athletes. Certain
studies have shown that baking soda allows you to perform at your peak for a
longer period of time, especially during high-intensity training. During this
type of exercise, your muscle cells produce something called lactic acid. Lactic
acid is the reason you feel a burning sensation while exercising hard. It also
lowers the pH inside your cells, which causes the muscles to fatigue.
Baking soda has a high pH and can compensate somewhat for the lactic acid.
This may help keep you going longer. One study found that people who
ingested some baking soda before exercising went for about 4.5 minutes
longer than those who didn’t. Remember that this is 4.5 minutes longer at
peak exertion. It may not sound like a lot in terms of an everyday workout,
but when you’re running a race, it can make all the difference.
6. Soothe Itchy Skin and Sunburns
Baking soda is a good treatment for all kinds of skin ailments. It is especially
good at taking the chronic itchiness and irritation out of bug bites and stings.
For this, make a thick paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the
affected areas.
If your itchy skin is the result of a sunburn, try a baking soda bath. Simply
add 1-2 of baking soda to a warm (not hot) bath. Then soak for at least 30
minutes, making sure that the affected areas are completely covered. Some
evidence suggests that sunburns respond even better when cornstarch and
oatmeal are added to the bath as well.
. Soften Calluses
Calluses are hard, rough patches of skin that form in areas that receive a
consistent pressure or friction. Guitarists have distinctive calluses on their
hands, for example. Calluses are also common on the feet because they are
frequently under pressure. Any consistent repetitive action can tend to cause
calluses at the point of impact.
Calluses are not dangerous; in fact, they are protective. But sometimes they
can be unsightly or uncomfortable and you may want to soften or reduce
them. Baking soda can help with that, too. Soaking in a baking soda bath can
relieve soreness and soften calluses enough to shave off rough spots.