Baking soda, also referred to as sodium bicarbonate, has been used in households for cooking, cleaning, and health remedies for years. While it is commonly used in baking and cooking, some people also drink it as a beverage.
In this article, we will explore the safety and benefits of drinking baking soda, as well as the potential risks.
Before You Consume Baking Soda: WATCH THIS
Benefits of Drinking Baking Soda
- Alkalizing Properties: One of the main reasons people drink baking soda is its alkalizing properties. Baking soda, when mixed with water, turns alkaline and can balance stomach acidity and body pH levels.
- Digestive Aid: Drinking baking soda can also help alleviate indigestion and other digestive issues. It works by neutralizing stomach acid and promoting the release of digestive enzymes.
- Athletic Performance: Some athletes use baking soda to improve their performance. Studies have shown that it can help reduce fatigue and improve endurance during high-intensity exercise.
Risks of Drinking Baking Soda
- Excessive Intake: While drinking baking soda can have benefits, excessive consumption can be harmful. Overconsumption can lead to electrolyte imbalances, muscle weakness, and even heart failure.
- Interactions with Medications: Baking soda can interact with certain medications, including those for hypertension and diabetes. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider before using baking soda as a beverage.
- Tooth Erosion: Drinking baking soda can also contribute to tooth erosion. The alkaline properties of baking soda can erode tooth enamel over time, leading to cavities and other dental problems.
How to Drink Baking Soda Safely?
- Dosage: The recommended dosage for drinking baking soda is ½ teaspoon per glass of water. It is important not to exceed this amount.
- Frequency: It is not recommended to drink baking soda every day. Limit consumption to occasional use, such as to alleviate indigestion.
- Preparation: When mixing baking soda with water, it is important to do so slowly and carefully to avoid excess foaming.
- After Drinking: After drinking baking soda, it is recommended to rinse the mouth with water to help prevent tooth erosion.
Can Baking Soda Kill You?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a common household item with a wide range of uses. It’s an effective cleaning agent, can be used for cooking and baking, and can even help treat some medical conditions.
But can this seemingly innocuous substance actually kill you?
It’s possible, but it would take a very large amount of baking soda to do so. The median lethal dose (LD50) for rats is 4g/kg body weight, which means that it would take around 280g of baking soda to kill a 70kg human. And that’s if the entire dose was consumed all at once – death from ingesting smaller amounts would likely take much longer.
So while it’s technically possible for baking soda to kill you, it would be very difficult to do so accidentally. And if someone did try to use it as a weapon, they would likely find it very difficult to get the victim to consume enough of the substance to cause death.
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Is It Safe to Drink Baking Soda every day?
No, it is not safe to drink baking soda every day as excessive consumption can lead to electrolyte imbalances, muscle weakness, and even heart failure.
How Much Baking Soda Can You Drink a Day?
The recommended dosage for drinking baking soda is ½ teaspoon per glass of water, and it is not recommended to drink it every day. It’s important to consume baking soda as directed and in moderation to avoid health risks.
What Happens When You Drink Baking Soda?
When you drink baking soda, it becomes alkaline in the stomach and can help neutralize stomach acid, promote digestion, and reduce fatigue during exercise. However, excessive consumption can lead to health risks, including electrolyte imbalances, muscle weakness, and tooth erosion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while drinking baking soda can have benefits, it is important to do so safely and in moderation. Excessive consumption can lead to health risks, and it can also interact with certain medications.
As with any dietary supplement or remedy, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before using baking soda as a beverage.
Sources:
- “Baking Soda: What It Does and Doesn’t Do for Your Health.” https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/baking-soda-do-dont
- “Sodium Bicarbonate: MedlinePlus Drug Information.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Sept. 2020, https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682001.html.
- “Sodium Bicarbonate in Sports Performance.” https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-021-00458-w
