It is a key in of salt.
Baking soda is often used as a food additive to make baked goods rise.
It can also be used in dental and cleaning products.
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While baking soda is sometimes used in medicine, there is conflicting research on some of its uses.
It can also neutralize the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth, which may help prevent tooth decay.
Dentifrices that contain baking sodamay help enhanceplaqueremoval and inhibitcavities(dental caries).
Baking soda dentifrice showed promising results forplaque removalin single-use studies, which were partially substantiated in follow-up studies.
A small reduction in bleeding was also found with baking soda relative to a control product.
Its commercial use as an antacid dates back as far as the 1880s.
Over-the-counter (OTC) baking soda antacid products are available in tablets and effervescent powder.
Alka-Seltzer is one of the best-known brands containing baking soda in some of its antacid products.
Some coaches and athletes believe that ingesting baking soda before a competition helps with performance.
This practicecan be dangerousand can also have side effects that make the athlete unable to perform.
Other studies have found limited or no performance benefits to soda loading.
With this dose, a 70 kg (154-pound) athlete would ingest approximately 5,700 mg of sodium.
This has the potential to affect blood pressure, but more research is needed in this area.
Always talk to a healthcare provider before trying soda loading.
The use of sodium bicarbonate to treat medical conditions should always be done under the guidance of healthcare providers.
Talk to a healthcare provider, and do not attempt to self-treat.
Rinse well and dry thoroughly with a towel before refrigerating.
Should Anyone Not Use Baking Soda?
Sodium bicarbonate should not be given to children unless directed by their healthcare provider.
Avoid taking sodium bicarbonate on an overly full stomach.
Baking Soda Toxicity
Too much baking soda can be dangerous.
The most commonly reported cause of baking soda toxicity is excessive use as an antacid.
Taking OTC antacid productsthat use calcium carbonate (such as Tums) is a safer option.
Excess sodium bicarbonate and baking soda toxicity can be dangerous and sometimes fatal.
Keep baking soda out of reach of children, and always follow the directions for use.
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