National Bicarbonate of Soda Day - 2012

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By Nurse Diane

A friend of mine is not a huge fan of pills and medication; he prefers the more natural remedies.  That’s why when he suffers from indigestion or gas especially after eating all these big holiday meals and goodies, he grabs a box of Bicarbonate Soda, commonly known as Baking Soda.  Stomachs naturally contain hydrochloric acid and too much of it leads to indigestion. The so-called 'baking soda burp' is a sign that this antacid is working. The burp is caused by the release of carbon dioxide gas - a natural byproduct when sodium bicarbonate reacts with the acid in the stomach.  Simply mix a teaspoon in a glass of cold water 1-2 hours after eating.  Do not take sodium bicarbonate or any antacids without first talking to your doctor if you have:

An intestinal problem or appendicitis;

Heart problems;

High blood pressure;

Swelling of the arms or legs;

Kidney disease;

Liver disease; or

Problems urinating

If you are pregnant or nursing.

Side effects of sodium Bicarb include:

Nausea or vomiting;

Headache;

Sever mood changes

Muscle pain;

Swelling of feet, ankles or legs

Decreased appetite;

Unusual tiredness;

Constipation;

Dry mouth or increased thirst; or

Increased urination.

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Baking Soda also has other uses such as:

Baking- helps baked goods, like bread, to rise

Relieve stomach indigestion and heartburn when mixed in water

Removing odors in the refrigerator, vents, storage areas, and closets

Removing odor in kitty litter

It is used in fire extinguishers for grease and oil fires

It is often used as a cleaning agent

It can be used as a meat tenderizer

Put it in water with beans to minimize flatulence from eating beans

Polish Silverware

Remove burned food from a pot or a pan

And, the list goes on, and on.

According to punchbowl.com, The ancient Egyptians used natural deposits of sodium bicarbonate as a cleansing agent like soap, but it wasn't until 1791 that French chemist Nicolas Leblanc produced sodium bicarbonate in its modern form. In 1846, two New York bakers named John Dwight and Austin Church established the first factory to make baking soda.

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So, today, on National Bicarbonate of Soda Day, Grab a box and see how many ways you can use it.