We’re all for home remedies that are cheap, healthy, and, most of all, effective! That’s why we’re HUGE fans of baking soda. Now, you may be familiar with its ability to soothe muscles and smooth skin, but it can also help promote wellness from the inside out. Here are some of the more unexpected ways that this miracle ingredient can help keep you at your best naturally!

1. It promotes oral health

   We all know that many popular toothpastes include baking soda as an ingredient, but its strength goes even further than repairing enamel. Using it can help whiten teeth, tame mouth ulcers, prevent gum disease, and even eliminate stinky breath!

2. It relieves the symptoms of UTIs

   Urinary tract infections can be painful! So, if your antibiotic isn’t working fast enough to relieve the more intense symptoms, speed up the process with a baking soda-water mixture. Doctors recommend mixing 1 tablespoon of the powder with 1 cup of cold water to ease the pain fast.

3. It can soothe painful stomach ulcers

   Baking soda has a neutralizing property which helps to calm the sharp, burning pains associated with ulcer flare-ups. In some cases, it may also help with the overall healing process of ulcers when they are exposed to acid.

4. It may tame bloating and gas

   If you’ve had a particularly regrettable culinary experience that’s left you feeling gassy and bloated, a baking soda-water mixture can help! The concoction may make you burp, but that’s a good thing! Belching is the natural way your body removes excess pressure from your tummy.

5. It can shorten the flu

   Scientific studies have shown that consuming this natural antiseptic at the onset of a bad cold or flu can stop it in its tracks. Click here for Dr. Cheney’s recipe and dosage guidelines.

6. It helps prevent gout

   Baking soda contains properties that work to regulate the pH balance in your body. Since gout is brought on by a buildup of uric acid, the ingredient works wonders to break down and level out the excess.

7. It quiets coughs and sore throats

   On top of drinking a small amount of the mixture, it is also recommended that you gargle with baking soda combined with a pinch of salt. The antiseptic element helps to kill bacteria as it neutralizes.

8. It can eliminate kidney stones

   Multiple factors can contribute to the appearance of painful, unwanted kidney stones, but baking soda can help keep them at bay. When your kidneys become stressed, they have trouble producing sodium bicarbonate, so adding it to your diet may help replenish what you have lost.

9. It can up your game

   Baking soda doesn’t just cure maladies, it can also make you a stronger competitor. A study done at National Taiwan College of Physical Education showed that athletes who consumed the sodium bicarbonate mixture experienced less fatigue during sports activities than those who were given the placebo.

It’s important to note that, before you start taking baking soda internally, you should consult your physician. According to Livestrong, baking soda does contain a “significant amount of sodium.” So, if you have heart or kidney problems, or if you are on certain medications, including aspirin, this may affect your doc’s decision.

Along with that, it’s also vital that you take baking soda ONLY as directed. In other words, don’t go crazy with the dosage. Taking far more than the suggested amount may cause some serious stomach problems, especially if consumed after a large meal.

Now that we have those two obligatory warnings aside, we suggest that you take a closer look at this effective natural remedy. Read Life Aspire’s article here to gain even more insight on recipes and proper dosages for your new BFF, baking soda! And, to get some perspective on baking soda as a performance enhancer, watch The Doctors’ video below.

What are your feelings on the health benefits associated with consuming baking soda? Are you a baking soda devotee? If so, how has it helped you? Tell us all about your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!