Ways To Use Baking Soda Instead Of Toxic Commercial Products
Baking soda has been used for hundreds of years as a natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners and personal care products. Here are the top 11 ways to use baking soda for personal hygiene, cleaning, health conditions, and even as an exercise aid.
Realize that using baking soda for health conditions only addresses symptoms, it doesn’t target the underlying cause of the problem. To truly heal, we must get to the root of the problem as you will soon see.
Ways To Use Baking Soda #11 – Acid Reflux
Baking soda helps alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Acid reflux, also known as heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest.
One of the simplest ways to use baking soda for acid reflux relief is by mixing 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drinking it. The alkaline properties of baking soda neutralize heartburn, providing quick relief.1
Getting To The Root Cause Of Acid Reflux
Surprisingly, acid reflux is caused by low stomach acid levels. This is due to the buildup of bile within the liver. There are two ways to deal with GERD directly at the source. One is by taking betaine HCl and the other is with coffee enemas. Coffee enemas help flush out the toxic bile sludge that has built up in the liver and gallbladder, backing up the entire digestive system.2 3
Ways To Use Baking Soda #10 – Dental Care
Many commercial toothpaste brands contain toxins. One of the most common toxins found in toothpaste is fluoride. While this chemical compound has been added to toothpaste for decades, studies have shown that excessive intake of fluoride leads to health issues.4
Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame are also commonly used in toothpaste to give it a sweeter taste. However, these chemicals have been associated with various health problems.5
Baking soda helps to neutralize the acidic environment created by bacteria in our mouths which leads to plaque build-up and cavities. When mixed with water, baking soda creates an alkaline solution that balances the pH level in your mouth, preventing bacteria from thriving and causing harm to teeth.6
Apart from neutralizing acid, baking soda also has mild abrasive properties that help remove stains on the surface of our teeth. However, avoid brushing too hard for the same reason.7
A combination of baking soda, sea salt, and coconut oil makes for an ideal natural toothpaste.
Ways To Use Baking Soda #9 – Deodorant
The most common toxins found in deodorants include parabens, aluminum compounds, and phthalates.
The most basic way to use baking soda as a deodorant is by creating a solution with water. Mix equal parts of baking soda and water until it forms a paste-like consistency. Apply it directly onto your underarms and let it dry. Baking soda helps neutralize odor-causing bacteria.8
Another effective way to use baking soda as a deodorant is by combining it with coconut oil. Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties that also help combat body odor. Simply mix equal parts of baking soda and coconut oil until it forms a smooth paste. You may add a few drops of essential oils for a pleasant scent.9
Cornstarch is another popular natural ingredient used in deodorants. It helps absorb moisture and keep your underarms dry. To make a baking soda and cornstarch deodorant, mix equal parts of both ingredients with a tablespoon of coconut oil until it forms a paste.10
Ways To Use Baking Soda #8 – Fungal Infections
Baking soda is often used as a natural remedy for fungal infections by soaking the affected area in a baking soda bath. Simply fill a tub with warm water and add half a cup of baking soda. Soak the affected area for 15-20 minutes, twice a day if possible. The alkaline properties of baking soda help create an environment that is unfavorable for fungi to thrive, thus reducing inflammation and promoting healing.11
Ways To Use Baking Soda #7 – Acne Treatment
Acne is a hormone dysfunction condition that is driven by hormone resistance. To truly get to the root cause of acne, we have to deal with what is driving hormone dysfunction.
Read about hormone dysfunction.
Baking soda has anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing redness, swelling, and pain associated with acne. Baking soda’s antibacterial properties help in killing off the bacteria that cause acne. Baking soda acts as a natural exfoliant due to its alkaline nature, gently removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores.12
Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 tablespoon of water to form a paste. Apply the paste, only focusing on areas with acne. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
Ways To Use Baking Soda #6 – Washing Produce
If you can, you should always eat organic produce. However, if that is not possible, one of the easiest ways to remove pesticides from produce is by using a baking soda wash. Simply soak produce in a mixture of water and baking soda for at least two minutes, but ideally, 15 minutes.13
Ways To Use Baking Soda #5 – Multipurpose Cleaner
Mix equal parts water and baking soda to create an all-purpose cleaner for various surfaces in your home. This mixture may be used on walls, in the bathroom, kitchen, and even outdoor furniture. It’s a safe and effective way to clean without any harsh chemicals.14
Ways To Use Baking Soda #4 – Weed Killer
Glyphosate, a commonly used fertilizer, is linked to a long list of health issues. Avoid it at all costs. To create a simple and natural weed-killing solution, mix one cup of baking soda with two cups of water in a spray bottle. Shake well until the baking soda dissolves completely. Once the solution is ready, simply spray it directly onto the weeds. This method works best on small or young weeds, as larger ones may require multiple applications.15
Ways To Use Baking Soda #3 – Exercise Enhancer
A mix of baking soda and water creates a pre-workout drink that improves athletic performance, commonly known as soda doping. Baking soda helps reduce the build-up of lactic acid in your muscles, delaying fatigue and improving endurance. Simply mix ¼ teaspoon of baking soda in half a glass of water and consume it before hitting the gym.
After an intense workout session, our muscles tend to become sore due to the accumulation of lactic acid so a post-workout drink of ½ teaspoon of baking soda in a full glass of water is also effective after a workout.16
Ways To Use Baking Soda #2 – Support Kidney Health
Baking soda is beneficial for kidney health. It works by preventing acidosis, a condition where there is too much acid in the blood. Acidosis puts strain on the kidneys and increases the risk of developing kidney disease.17
Ways To Use Baking Soda #1 – Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract and multiplying in the bladder or urethra. They cause discomfort, pain, and frequent urination. Baking soda helps alleviate symptoms of UTIs.
One of the most common methods of using baking soda for UTIs is by mixing it with water and drinking it. The alkaline properties of baking soda help neutralize acidic urine, making it harder for bacteria to thrive in the urinary tract. To make this remedy, mix half a teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water and drink it once or twice a day until your symptoms improve.18
Getting To The Core Cause Of Health Issues
In most cases, using baking soda only deals with the symptoms of health problems. In order to truly address health issues, we must focus on the root of the problem. My 5Rs provide a comprehensive roadmap for getting to the cause of health issues, instead of just focusing on symptoms.
R1 – Remove The Source Of Stressors
R1 involves identifying and eliminating toxins that harm our cells. To prevent external toxins from entering our bodies, it is important to make changes in our daily habits and surroundings. This includes avoiding processed foods and reducing exposure to chemicals found in common household products and plastic materials. Opting for organic and natural alternatives like baking soda significantly decreases our intake of harmful substances.
R2 – Regenerating The Cellular Membrane
R2 is the next crucial step, as years of toxic buildup have damaged the cellular membrane around our cells. Repairing and rebuilding cellular membranes is essential for addressing health issues at their core. This process involves lipid synthesis, where new phospholipids are created and incorporated into damaged membranes.
In addition to nutraceuticals included in the Pompa Program, our diet also plays a significant role in regenerating cellular membranes. Consuming the right types of dietary fat, such as omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in the correct ratio, 4:1, provides vital building blocks for membrane repair.19
R3 – Restoring Cellular Energy
R3 focuses on optimizing the function of mitochondria, the powerhouse organelles responsible for producing ATP. Adequate levels of ATP allow for the effective functioning of other important processes within our cells, including detoxification and regulating gene expression. The Pompa Program incorporates specific nutraceuticals to support and enhance mitochondrial function.20
R4 – Downregulating Cellular Membrane Inflammation
The use of specialized nutraceuticals is necessary to reset cellular membrane inflammation and promote healing. By resetting cellular membranes back to their default state, they are able to function normally again.21
R5 – Reestablish Methylation
R5 addresses the decrease in methylation levels that activate “negative” genes responsible for promoting disease. By reestablishing proper levels of methylation, we can finally turn these genes off and put an end to disease-promoting phenotypes.22
11 Ways To Use Baking Soda
Combining the ways to use baking soda together my 5Rs provides a holistic approach to restoring cellular function and promoting overall health. By addressing the root causes of health issues, rather than masking symptoms, we can truly achieve optimal health and vitality.
To learn even more about the 5Rs, join me in my free webinar or read more about the connection between a lack of sleep and autoimmune conditions.
References
1 Sarah C. Ray, Babak Baban, Matthew A. Tucker, Alec J. Seaton, Kyu Chul Chang, Elinor C. Mannon, Jingping Sun, Bansari Patel, Katie Wilson, Jacqueline B. Musall, Hiram Ocasio, Debra Irsik, Jessica A. Filosa, Jennifer C. Sullivan, Brendan Marshall, Ryan A. Harris, Paul M. O’Connor. Oral NaHCO3 Activates a Splenic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway: Evidence That Cholinergic Signals Are Transmitted via Mesothelial Cells. The Journal of Immunology, 2018; ji1701605 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1701605
2 Yago MR, Frymoyer AR, Smelick GS, Frassetto LA, Budha NR, Dresser MJ, Ware JA, Benet LZ. Gastric reacidification with betaine HCl in healthy volunteers with rabeprazole-induced hypochlorhydria. Mol Pharm. 2013 Nov 4;10(11):4032-7. doi: 10.1021/mp4003738. Epub 2013 Sep 10. PMID: 23980906; PMCID: PMC3946491.
3 Nehlig A. Effects of Coffee on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative Review and Literature Update. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 17;14(2):399. doi: 10.3390/nu14020399. PMID: 35057580; PMCID: PMC8778943.
4 Ullah R, Zafar MS, Shahani N. Potential fluoride toxicity from oral medicaments: A review. Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2017 Aug;20(8):841-848. doi: 10.22038/IJBMS.2017.9104. PMID: 29085574; PMCID: PMC5651468.
5 Shaher SAA, Mihailescu DF, Amuzescu B. Aspartame Safety as a Food Sweetener and Related Health Hazards. Nutrients. 2023 Aug 18;15(16):3627. doi: 10.3390/nu15163627. PMID: 37630817; PMCID: PMC10459792.
6 Valkenburg C, Kashmour Y, Dao A, Fridus Van der Weijden GA, Slot DE. The efficacy of baking soda dentifrice in controlling plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review. Int J Dent Hyg. 2019 May;17(2):99-116. doi: 10.1111/idh.12390. Epub 2019 Mar 6. PMID: 30734996; PMCID: PMC6850485.
7 Li Y. Stain removal and whitening by baking soda dentifrice: A review of literature. J Am Dent Assoc. 2017 Nov;148(11S):S20-S26. doi: 10.1016/j.adaj.2017.09.006. PMID: 29056186.
8 Drake D. Antibacterial activity of baking soda. Compend Contin Educ Dent Suppl. 1997;18(21):S17-21;quiz S46. PMID: 12017929.
9 Varma SR, Sivaprakasam TO, Arumugam I, Dilip N, Raghuraman M, Pavan KB, Rafiq M, Paramesh R. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil. J Tradit Complement Med. 2018 Jan 17;9(1):5-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.06.012. PMID: 30671361; PMCID: PMC6335493.
10 Wang B, Dong Y, Fang Y, Gao W, Kang X, Liu P, Yan S, Cui B, Abd El-Aty AM. Effects of different moisture contents on the structure and properties of corn starch during extrusion. Food Chem. 2022 Jan 30;368:130804. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.130804. Epub 2021 Aug 8. Erratum in: Food Chem. 2022 Mar 30;373(Pt A):131468. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131468. PMID: 34404001.
11 Letscher-Bru V, Obszynski CM, Samsoen M, Sabou M, Waller J, Candolfi E. Antifungal activity of sodium bicarbonate against fungal agents causing superficial infections. Mycopathologia. 2013 Feb;175(1-2):153-8. doi: 10.1007/s11046-012-9583-2. Epub 2012 Sep 19. PMID: 22991095.
12 Surber C, Humbert P, Abels C, Maibach H. The Acid Mantle: A Myth or an Essential Part of Skin Health? Curr Probl Dermatol. 2018;54:1-10. doi: 10.1159/000489512. Epub 2018 Aug 20. PMID: 30125885.
13 Roberts, C. (2017, October 25). An easy way to remove pesticides. Consumer Reports. https://www.consumerreports.org/pesticides-herbicides/easy-way-to-remove-pesticides-a3616455263/
14 Rutala WA, Barbee SL, Aguiar NC, Sobsey MD, Weber DJ. Antimicrobial activity of home disinfectants and natural products against potential human pathogens. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2000 Jan;21(1):33-8. doi: 10.1086/501694. PMID: 10656352.
15 Jordison, T. (2024, May 14). Experts say baking soda could be the solution to your garden weed problems – here’s how to use this everyday item in… homesandgardens.com. https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/does-baking-soda-kill-weeds
16 Hadzic M, Eckstein ML, Schugardt M. The Impact of Sodium Bicarbonate on Performance in Response to Exercise Duration in Athletes: A Systematic Review. J Sports Sci Med. 2019 Jun 1;18(2):271-281. PMID: 31191097; PMCID: PMC6544001.
17 Cheng F, Li Q, Wang J, Wang Z, Zeng F, Zhang Y. The Effects of Oral Sodium Bicarbonate on Renal Function and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2021 Dec 7;17:1321-1331. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S344592. PMID: 34908841; PMCID: PMC8665881.
18 Kavanagh ON. Alkalising agents in urinary tract infections: theoretical contraindications, interactions and synergy. Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2022 Mar 16;13:20420986221080794. doi: 10.1177/20420986221080794. PMID: 35321040; PMCID: PMC8935415.
19 Gu C, Philipsen MH, Ewing AG. Omega-3 and -6 Fatty Acids Alter the Membrane Lipid Composition and Vesicle Size to Regulate Exocytosis and Storage of Catecholamines. ACS Chem Neurosci. 2024 Feb 21;15(4):816-826. doi: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00741. Epub 2024 Feb 12. PMID: 38344810; PMCID: PMC10884999.
20 Zolkipli-Cunningham Z, Falk MJ. Clinical effects of chemical exposures on mitochondrial function. Toxicology. 2017 Nov 1;391:90-99. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2017.07.009. Epub 2017 Jul 27. PMID: 28757096; PMCID: PMC6078194.
21 Pall M. L. (2013). The NO/ONOO-cycle as the central cause of heart failure. International journal of molecular sciences, 14(11), 22274–22330. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms141122274
22 Dhar GA, Saha S, Mitra P, Nag Chaudhuri R. DNA methylation and regulation of gene expression: Guardian of our health. Nucleus (Calcutta). 2021;64(3):259-270. doi: 10.1007/s13237-021-00367-y. Epub 2021 Aug 16. PMID: 34421129; PMCID: PMC8366481.
Disclaimer: All rights reserved. Information provided is for general purposes and not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare professional for medical concerns. About Dr. Pompa
