There are various benefits of baking soda, ranging from maintaining oral health to removing the layer of pesticides on vegetables and fruit. So that the remaining baking soda in your home is not wasted, let's find out what the benefits are!
Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is often used to make cake dough rise by producing carbon dioxide. However, did you know? The benefits of baking soda are not only that, but also can be used to support health.
Benefits of Baking Soda for Health and Hygiene
Here are the various benefits of baking soda that you need to know:
1. Maintain oral health
Gargling with half a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with half a glass of warm water is known to help freshen breath. In addition, toothpaste containing baking soda is also believed to help whiten teeth, clean tartar, and protect teeth and gums from damage.
This is thanks to the content of baking soda which has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria.
2. Relieve stomach acid
The next benefit of baking soda is that it can help overcome heartburn due to stomach acid. To get these benefits, you can add a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of cold water and drink it slowly.
3. Relieves itching due to insect bites
Baking soda is believed to help relieve itching caused by insect stings. You can make your own baking soda ointment by mixing baking soda in water, then mixing it well and applying it to the insect-bitten area of the skin.
4. Prevent and overcome jengkol poisoning
Several studies have found that giving baking soda is known to overcome jengkol poisoning by helping to improve the process of removing jengkolic acid. However, the benefits of baking soda on this one still need more research.
5. Cleaning pesticides on vegetables and fruit
Besides being beneficial for the body, you can use baking soda as an effective cleanser, for example to remove the pesticide layer on vegetables and fruit. The trick, you can soak vegetables and fruit in a solution of baking soda and water for about 12-15 minutes.
Things to Pay Attention to to Get the Benefits of Baking Soda
Although it has many benefits, baking soda should not be used carelessly. Below are some things to consider when using baking soda:
- Avoid using baking soda on your teeth for a long time. This is because this can cause erosion of the tooth enamel.
- Avoid consuming baking soda for at least 2 hours after taking medication, as it can reduce the body's ability to absorb some medications.
- Do not use baking soda for more than 2 weeks, unless directed by your doctor.
- Do not give baking soda to children under the age of 6, except on the advice of a doctor.
In order to get the benefits of baking soda safely and maximally, it never hurts to consult a doctor first, especially if you are undergoing certain medical treatments.