8 Health Benefits of Baking Soda and Lemon

Baking soda and lemon are two powerful ingredients that offer a range of health benefits, individually and in combination. Many people know this duo for its role in natural remedies like teeth whitening, but their uses go far beyond that.

From aiding digestion to supporting heart health, baking soda and lemon can be a valuable addition to your routine. In this article, we will cover the top 8 health benefits of using baking soda and lemon, review their unique properties, and how they work to support your health.

Understanding Baking Soda and Lemon

Before we jump right into the health benefits of baking soda and lemon, let’s understand what these ingredients are and why they benefit your health.

Baking soda, scientifically termed sodium bicarbonate, is a commonly used chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is helpful for many purposes, including cleaning, cooking, and treating various health ailments. It is a crystalline compound with an almost powder-like appearance and tastes slightly salty.

Baking soda is rich in anti-inflammatory properties (R) and neutralizes the excess production of stomach acids. Its unique qualities have a pronounced effect on several health issues.

Lemon, on the other hand, is a fruit of an evergreen tree native to Asia. These yellow fruits belong to the citrus group and are primarily tangy to taste. Due to their high concentration of Vitamin C, acidic properties, and antioxidant qualities, they are highly valued in alternative medicine (R). They are used in cooking and cleaning and are a favored option for several health ailments.

Now, let us focus on some of the most important health benefits of baking soda and lemon.

Health Benefits of Baking Soda and Lemon

1. Treats Cancer

Our blood’s pH should be maintained at around 7.365, and any distortion in this balance often has negative effects on the body. Baking soda has amazing benefits for treating and possibly preventing cancer (R).

Cancerous cells tend to grow better in an acidic environment. Baking soda is alkaline in nature,  and lemon juice, although acidic, becomes alkaline once metabolized (R).

1. Take two tablespoons of lemon juice in a glass.
2. Add half a teaspoon of baking soda and let the fizz die down.
3. Fill the glass with water and mix thoroughly until everything dissolves.
4. Drink this in one go.

Check your pH levels frequently if you are consuming baking soda regularly, to prevent the levels from fluctuating to uncontrollable levels. It is also important to never consume this half an hour before or after meals, as it can disrupt acid formation in the stomach, potentially leading to indigestion.

2. Weight Loss

Baking soda and lemon, when consumed together, indirectly affect weight loss (R).

Both baking soda and lemon help regulate metabolism, contributing to weight loss. Baking soda also regulates cholesterol and LDL levels, inadvertently contributing to weight loss.

1. Mix half a tablespoon of baking soda with two to three tablespoons of lemon juice in a glass.
2. Mix well to get rid of all the lumps.
3. Add lukewarm or cold water to the glass and drink it first thing in the morning.

Check your body pH levels before opting for any remedy involving baking soda, as higher alkalinity in the blood can result in adverse effects.

3. Treats Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is common in our day-to-day lives due to overeating or other unhealthy eating habits. The formation of excess stomach acid causes a burning sensation in our gut and leaves us feeling uneasy. The acid often triggers anti-peristaltic movement, which is never a good sign.

The combination of lemon juice and baking soda is beneficial in treating the signs and symptoms of stomach bloating, acid reflux, and flatulence (R).

1. Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda and one tablespoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water.
2. Sip this drink gradually to get instant relief from acid reflux.

The alkaline properties of baking soda help balance out the excess acidity caused by the overproduction of stomach acid. Use this remedy to neutralize the effects of acid reflux immediately.

4. Reduces Underarm Odor

Baking soda and lemon minimize armpit odor. The baking soda helps absorb sweat from the underarms, and the citric acid in the lemon helps kill bacterial growth in the area, which is one of the primary reasons for the bad odor.

1. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of lemon juice in a bowl.
2. Apply this directly onto the armpits and let it dry for 15 minutes.
3. Wash off with water.

You can repeat this process every night before sleep to help reduce unpleasant underarm odor.

5. Cures Bad Breath

Bad breath is primarily caused by improper oral hygiene or other health issues.

Combining lemon juice and baking soda helps balance the acid levels in the mouth, which is one of the primary causes of bad breath or halitosis. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of lemon help kill the bacteria responsible for bad breath.

• Mix half a tablespoon of baking soda with a glass of water.
• Add two tablespoons of lemon juice to it.
• Gargle or rinse your mouth with this solution once a day.

This can be done every other day to achieve the best benefits of baking soda and lemon.
If you suffer from severe bad breath, try these home remedies to cure it soon.

6. Purifies the Liver

The liver is the body’s primary organ for filtering toxins. The combination of lemon juice and baking soda helps in getting rid of harmful toxins from the body, which in turn improves the functions of the liver and the gallbladder, the primary sites for toxin filtering in our body.

1. Make a solution using half a teaspoon of baking soda, two tablespoons of lemon juice, and a glass of water.
2. Sip on this every two hours throughout the day.

However, it’s essential to exercise caution and get your pH checked if you are regularly consuming baking soda. An altered pH with excessive alkalinity can cause adverse effects on the body.

7. Promotes Heart Health

Studies show that consuming baking soda (R) and lemon (R) helps reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body, specifically low-density lipoprotein. This, in turn, reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis, which helps keep the risks of heart attacks and other heart ailments at bay.

1. Add ½ teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of warm water.
2. Squeeze the juice of ½ a lemon into the water and stir well.

Drink this mixture once a day, preferably in the morning.

8. Aids Digestion

Baking soda and lemon are a fantastic remedy for aiding digestion. The alkalinity from the baking soda helps neutralize excess acid production and promotes digestion and the successful absorption of nutrients from food. If you are feeling bloated, try this recipe:

1. Mix half a teaspoon of baking soda and a tablespoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water
2. Drink this to reduce signs and symptoms of indigestion or bloating.

Side Effects of Baking Soda and Lemon

Although the combination of lemon juice and baking soda is beneficial for health, there are several instances when the side effects have outweighed the list of benefits. If you consume baking soda and lemon for their benefits, do so in moderation and never overdo it.

Some of the noticeable side effects of baking soda and lemon include:

• Gas formation in the stomach
• Acidosis
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Hypokalemia (decrease in potassium levels), Hypochloremia (decrease in chlorine levels), or Hypernatremia (increase in sodium levels)
• Possible heart failure with persistent consumption
• Muscle weakness
• Frequent urination
• Worsening of kidney functions

Conclusion

Combining baking soda and lemon offers a wide range of health benefits, from weight loss and digestion support to promoting heart health. These ingredients work together to enhance various bodily functions and can provide effective home remedies for common health concerns.

However, using them in moderation is essential, as excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects. By being mindful of the dosage and frequency, you can enjoy the full benefits of this powerful duo while minimizing potential risks. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

• July 2018
  Written by Somapika D
• Dec 2024
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri