What is Baking Soda?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate or bicarbonate of soda, is a white crystalline powder commonly used as an ingredient in baking. Chemically speaking, baking soda is a base that reacts with acid ingredients like vinegar or lemon juice to produce carbon dioxide bubbles that help batter and dough rise.
In its natural form, baking soda comes from the mineral nahcolite, which is found in abundance in mineral springs. Commercially sold baking soda goes through a refining process known as the Solvay process to produce the white powdery form we are familiar with.
Health Benefits of Baking Soda
While baking soda is most well-known for its culinary applications, it also has a number of health and medicinal uses. Here are some of the top health benefits of baking soda:
- Neutralizes stomach acid - Baking soda can provide quick relief from heartburn or acid indigestion by neutralizing stomach acid.
- Soothes canker sores - Creating a baking soda mouth rinse can reduce pain and speed healing of canker sores.
- Exfoliates skin - A baking soda bath or paste can remove dead skin cells leaving skin soft and smooth.
- Detoxifies - Taking baking soda internally may assist the body in removing toxins.
- Oral hygiene - Brushing with baking soda can whiten teeth, remove stains, and balance mouth pH.
What is Sea Salt?
Sea salt, also known as bay salt or solar salt, is a type of salt produced by the evaporation of seawater. It contains trace minerals like potassium, iron, and zinc that are not found in regular table salt.
High quality sea salt is harvested by allowing ocean water to flow into large salt pans and then slowly evaporate, leaving behind delicious salt crystals. The process is dependent on warm climates and sunshine, hence the nickname solar salt.
Health Benefits of Sea Salt
Like baking soda, sea salt also contains a number of therapeutic health properties. Here are some top benefits of sea salt:
- Supports electrolyte balance - The minerals in sea salt help maintain healthy fluid levels and nerve conduction.
- Boosts immune function - Zinc and selenium in sea salt may help strengthen the immune system.
- Promotes skin health - Trace minerals can nourish skin, while salt baths help reduce inflammation.
- Contains vital nutrients - Sea salt provides a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and electrolytes.
- Detoxifying - Unprocessed sea salt may assist with healthy toxin elimination.
Drinking Baking Soda and Sea Salt
Combining baking soda and sea salt in an elixir you drink has gained popularity due to potential synergistic health effects. Sometimes called sole water or the baking soda lemonade diet, this fizzy concoction has a number of proposed benefits.
Potential Benefits
Here are some of the top reasons people drink baking soda and sea salt water:
- Alkalizes pH - This combo creates an alkaline environment that may boost immunity, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
- Detoxification - By supporting pH and mineral levels, baking soda and sea salt water may aid cleansing and toxin removal.
- Weight loss - Proponents claim this elixir can reduce fat storage, control hunger, and support metabolic health for easier weight management.
- Heartburn relief - For occasional heartburn, this drink can neutralize stomach acid to quickly relieve symptoms.
- Congestion relief - The mix of baking soda and sea salt may thin mucus secretions and clear nasal congestion.
How to Make Baking Soda and Sea Salt Drink
Making this homemade health tonic is very simple. Here is an easy baking soda lemonade recipe to try:
- Gather 2 teaspoons sea salt, 2 teaspoons baking soda, and the juice from 1 fresh lemon.
- Add sea salt and baking soda to a large glass.
- Squeeze in lemon juice and stir until dissolved.
- Fill glass with 8 ounces of cool water (cold or room temperature).
- Drink the entire glass first thing in the morning before eating. Rinse mouth afterwards.
Start slowly with this drink. Limit intake to every other day. Pay attention to symptoms and discontinue use if any discomfort arises.
Precautions
While the combination of baking soda and sea salt shows promise, there are also some precautions to consider:
- May irritate digestive system - Stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or nausea are possible side effects.
- Interacts with medications - Baking soda can neutralize or reduce absorption of certain drugs.
- Sea salt quality important - Table salt lacks beneficial minerals found in solar harvested sea salt.
- Not for everyone - Those with high blood pressure or on salt-restricted diets should avoid.
As with any new supplement or health practice, check with your doctor before trying, especially if you have any medical conditions or take any medications.
The Bottom Line
When used judiciously, drinking baking soda and sea salt shows potential for a wide array of health benefits. It serves as a natural antacid and sports drink full of detoxifying alkalizers and electrolyte minerals. However, this powerful combo can also provoke side effects in some people.
If you try this health elixir, proceed slowly, pay attention to your bodys signals, and discontinue use if any discomfort develops. With careful and moderate use however, drinking baking soda and sea salt water may be a tasty home remedy that provides key health advantages.
FAQs
What's the ratio of baking soda to sea salt I should use?
A good ratio to start with is 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 teaspoon of sea salt per 8 ounce glass of water. You can adjust amounts from there depending on taste and how your body responds.
When is the best time to drink baking soda and sea salt water?
Most recommend drinking baking soda and sea salt first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. This allows optimal absorption of the health benefits before you consume other foods and beverages.
How much of this drink should I have per day?
It's best to start slowly with this combination. Begin by having only 4-8 ounces every other morning. Pay attention to how your body feels and don't overdo it. Too much too soon can cause unpleasant digestive side effects.
Who should NOT drink baking soda and sea salt water?
People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, or those on sodium-restricted diets should avoid this drink without first consulting their doctor. It is also not recommended if you take medications, as the baking soda can interfere with proper absorption.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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