The Health Benefits of Baking Soda
This everyday household item has now become a non-negotiable part of our wellness routines. Why? There is a laundry list of health benefits that come with regular use, from cancer support to skin treatments. These days, I've been taking baking soda baths two times a week (at least) and have already started to notice a difference in my skin. It's a part of my ritual that helps me relax while also improving my circulation - umm, what's not to love?
Baking soda is probably sitting in your cupboard as we speak, and while its great for cookies and cakes, it is so, so much more than that. Of course, we're all about the science, so let's break down the health benefits of baking soda:
1. Baking Soda and Cancer Support
One of the most striking claims about baking soda is its potential role in cancer treatment. Some studies suggest that baking soda may help by reducing acidity in the body, which could influence tumor growth.
What the Research Says:
• Baking soda and prostate cancer: In animal studies, 16 g/L of baking soda in water stopped cancer growth in 70% of cases and helped shrink tumors in the rest.
• Pancreatic cancer survival: Some reports suggest that taking 1 teaspoon of baking soda daily could improve cancer survival rates by up to 3-4 times by reducing acidity in the body.
• The acidity connection: Cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment, and baking soda may help neutralize this, slowing the spread of aggressive cancers.
While this research is still emerging, it’s clear that alkalinity plays a role in cellular health, and baking soda may contribute to balancing pH levels in the body.
2. Baking Soda and COVID-19 Recovery
A recent meta-analysis reviewed how sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) was used to treat COVID-19 patients. The results showed:
• Improved recovery rates
• Lower mortality rates
• Shorter hospital stays
The hypothesis behind this is simple: viruses thrive in an acidic environment, which allows them to infect cells more easily. By alkalizing the body, baking soda creates an inhospitable environment for viral replication.
While more research is needed, these findings suggest that baking soda could be an effective supportive treatment alongside traditional medical care.
3. Baking Soda for Inflammation and Autoimmune Health
Inflammation is the root of many chronic diseases, from arthritis to Alzheimer’s. Some new studies suggest that baking soda can reduce inflammatory markers and activate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in calming inflammation throughout the body.
Potential Benefits:
• Reduces inflammatory macrophages (immune cells that contribute to chronic inflammation).
• Increases anti-inflammatory T cells, which help regulate immune responses.
• May support conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s.
4. Baking Soda Baths: A Simple Detox Ritual
Baking soda isn’t just useful when ingested—it also works wonders in bathwater.
The Benefits of Baking Soda Baths:
• Anti-stress effects: A 20-minute baking soda bath daily was shown to significantly lower job-related stress and improve immune function.
• Improved circulation: 15g of baking soda in bathwater daily helps stimulate nitric oxide production, leading to better blood flow and higher body temperature regulation (helpful for those who feel cold all the time).
• Absorption through the skin: Bicarbonate ions from the bath can enter the body transdermally, helping to restore balance.
For those dealing with stress, circulation issues, or chronic inflammation, a simple baking soda bath might be a game-changer.
5. Baking Soda for Sleep and Energy
If you wake up multiple times a night or struggle with fatigue, baking soda may offer surprising benefits.
How It Works:
• Decreases nighttime urination: Baking soda helps balance kidney function, reducing the urge to wake up at night.
• Boosts daytime energy levels.
• Enhances subjective sleep quality: Many people report feeling more rested after supplementing with baking soda.
Dosage Suggestion: 1 tsp of baking soda twice daily (morning and evening) may support sleep cycles and overall energy.
6. Thyroid Function and Baking Soda
The thyroid plays a crucial role in metabolism, energy, and hormone balance, and acidity in the body may suppress thyroid function.
A study found that baking soda supplementation led to:
• Increased total T3 (active thyroid hormone)
• Increased free T3
• Better CO2 regulation in the body
This means that for those with sluggish thyroid function, balancing acidity through baking soda may help optimize metabolism and energy levels.
7. Baking Soda and Alcohol Reduction
Struggling with alcohol cravings? Believe it or not, baking soda might be an unexpected ally.
Research suggests that excess acidity in the brain can interfere with dopamine and GABA neurotransmitters, leading to stronger addiction tendencies. Correcting this acidity with baking soda may cut alcohol dependency by nearly 50%.
8. Baking Soda as a Performance Enhancer
Athletes have used baking soda supplementation for decades to reduce lactic acid buildup, decrease muscle pain, and enhance endurance.
How Baking Soda Helps with Exercise:
• Improves muscular endurance
• Boosts power output in weightlifting
• Reduces pain and fatigue during exercise
The International Society of Sports Nutrition recognizes sodium bicarbonate as a legitimate performance enhancer. It works by buffering lactic acid, which can delay muscle fatigue and improve workout capacity.
Baking Soda Baths for Skin Conditions and Vaginal Health
Now, let's get into the nitty gritty. For us, non toxic, inexpensive wellness is kind of our calling. We want to spread the good word - you do not need overpriced, full-of-fragrance, chemicals to treat everyday ailments.
Why we love baking soda baths:
We’re all exposed to toxins every day—through the air we breathe, the skincare we slather on, and even our daily stressors. A warm bath infused with baking soda helps pull impurities from the skin, leaving you feeling refreshed, soft, and squeaky clean (but never stripped).
Baking Soda Bath Benefits for Your Skin
Baking soda gently exfoliates, sloughing off dead skin cells for a natural glow. It soothes irritation and redness (great for post-shave or post-wax care). It also helps combat body odor by neutralizing bacteria on the skin. Sitting in a baking soda filled tub will also help to soften rough patches in your skin (elbows, knees, and heels).
The Feminine Health Benefits of Baking Soda: pH Balance and Beyond
Now, let’s talk about a topic that deserves more open conversation: vaginal health. Your vaginal flora is a delicate ecosystem, and when things get out of balance (hello, BV, yeast infections, and irritation), discomfort can quickly follow. Because baking soda is alkaline, it can help gently balance vaginal pH, creating an environment that’s less hospitable to harmful bacteria and yeast overgrowth.
How It Helps:✔️ Supports a healthy pH to prevent and soothe BV (bacterial vaginosis).✔️ Alleviates itching and irritation caused by imbalances.✔️ Provides gentle relief for yeast infections when used alongside other treatments.
How to Take a Baking Soda Bath for Feminine Health:
Fill your bathtub with warm (not hot) water.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pure baking soda and stir until dissolved.
Soak for 15-20 minutes, letting the baking soda do its magic.
Rinse with warm water and pat dry—avoid harsh soaps or fragrances afterward.
A Simple Yet Powerful Beauty Ritual
Incorporating baking soda baths into your self-care routine is a low-cost, high-reward practice that your skin and body will love. Whether you’re looking to detox, soothe irritation, or support your vaginal health naturally, this simple ingredient is a game-changer.
So, the next time you need a little reset—physically or energetically—draw yourself a baking soda bath, light a candle, and soak it all in. Your skin, body, and lady bits will thank you.