You Won’t Believe What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Baking Soda Water

Baking soda, a kitchen staple, has become increasingly popular as a potential health supplement, with claims ranging from improved athletic performance to reduced acid reflux.

The Chemistry Behind Baking Soda: What It Does to Your Body

Baking sodaor sodium bicarbonate, is an alkaline compound made of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. It is well known for its ability to reduce acidity, which is why it is a common ingredient in antacids used to relieve heartburn and indigestion.

It does not dissolve in waterbaking tin raise the pH level of the liquid, making it more alkaline. This property is why many believe that drinking soda water can help balance the body’s pH levels, which can reduce the symptoms of acid-related conditions.

However, the human body is fine-tuned to maintain a a certain pH levelespecially in the blood, which normally stays between 7.35 and 7.45. “Our bodies do a very good job of keeping our pH where it needs to be,” says Grace Derocha, a nutritionist and national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

He emphasizes that as he baking soda can cause stomach acid to decrease, regular use can disrupt the body’s natural pH control, which can lead to metabolic alkalosis—a serious condition in which the blood becomes too alkaline.

Possible Benefits: What Science Says About Baking Soda Water

One of the most popular the benefits of baking soda water is its ability to improve athletic performance. During intense physical exercise, the body produces hydrogen ions, which increase acidity in the muscles and blood, which leads to fatigue and reduced performance. Dr. Tamara Hew-Butlerexercise expert and assistant professor at Wayne State University, explains that drinking more soda before exercise can help. prevent this acidityallowing athletes to play at high power for a long time.

Studies have shown that athletes eat baking soda before doing activities such as cycling, running or rowing to delay the onset of muscle fatigue. Dr. “Drinking more soda can make your muscles work longer,” says Hew-Butler. time and values are important, as too much baking soda can cause gastrointestinal distress, including bloating, nausea, and diarrhea—effects that can actually hinder the process rather than improve it.

More than its capacity athletic and cardiovascular benefitsBaking soda has been praised for its ability to aid digestion and relieve symptoms of indigestion and acid reflux. To follow Jennifer Christman, registered dietitian and director of clinical nutrition at OPTAVIA, an alkaline soda company neutralize stomach acidproviding relief from nausea and sour stomach. “Some people find that drinking water with an extra teaspoon of baking soda helps ease digestion,” Christman says, noting that the basic form of baking soda can lower the pH of the solution. of acid.

Britt Brandon also emphasizes that baking soda It can help reduce gas build-up to restore the body’s pH to neutral levels. This change can slow down the digestive process, allowing food to be broken down normally without causing problems. Additionally, Brandon suggests that regular use of soda water and baking can be support kidney health by regulating pH levels, improving hormone balance, and aiding nutrient absorption.

Dangers: Why Too Much Baking Soda Can Be Dangerous

Despite its potential benefits, baking soda is not without its dangers. Excessive use or long-term use of soda can lead to serious health problems. Metabolic alkalosis, a condition in which the body’s pH becomes too alkaline, can disrupt normal body functions, including heart rhythm and blood pressure regulation. This condition can result in symptoms such as confusion, muscle tremors, hand tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or fainting.

Moreover, Baking soda is high in sodium– just one teaspoon has more 1,200 milligrams. This is about 80% of the recommended daily intake of sodium for most adults, according to the American Heart Association. Excessive sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease and strokemaking regular use of soda water dangerous, especially for people with existing heart problems. Frances Largeman-Roth, a registered dietitian, advises, “If you eat a low-sodium diet or have high blood pressure, you should definitely avoid baking soda as addition.”

Baking soda it can also interact with certain medications, reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. People taking medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, kidney disease, or chronic heart disease should consult with their health care provider before considering drinking more soda.

Expert Tip: How to Use Baking Soda Safely

Based on the potential risks, experts recommend using baking soda sparingly and only under the guidance of a health care professional. Grace Derocha says: “There is no one-size-fits-all formula that works for everyone, and emphasizes that what may be good for one person may be harmful for another.” For occasional relief from acid reflux, a small amount of baking soda—such as ¼ teaspoon mixed with water—may be sufficient, but it should not become a regular habit.

Dr. Hew-Butler also cautions against using baking soda such as process improvement without proper knowledge of rates and timing. “If you’re not careful, the side effects can outweigh any potential benefits,” he warns.

Finally, once to make soda water may provide some health benefits, it is not a cure-all and should be used with caution. Understanding the science behind its effects on the body and discussing it with a health care provider can help prevent potential risks associated with its misuse.