Baking soda is a common ingredient in many food recipes. But baking soda can be used for many other things as well. For example, baking soda is an excellent disinfectant, it can be used in combination with other ingredients as a substitute for commercial tooth paste and so on.

Today, I happened to read an article in “The Hindu” newspaper espousing the health benefits of baking soda. Having piqued my curiosity, I decided to research on the various uses of baking soda and the following are my findings.

Baking soda as a deodorant

Sprinkling baking soda in armpits will help kill and prevent bacteria which cause body odour. Baking soda has to be sprinkled as soon as one finishes a bath. You should make sure your armpits are dry before baking soda is applied.
Why does baking soda work ?
Our sweat doesn’t cause body odour, it is the bacteria that grows under our arm pits that does. So after cleaning yourself, sprinkling baking soda will ensure the bacteria doesn’t thrive thus eliminating body odour.

Note: Do not use baking soda immediately after shaving your armpits. It will cause quite a rash and skin peeling, which might last for a week. If you have recently shaved your armpits, wait for a day before starting to apply baking soda.

[Reference : Life Less Plastic]

Baking soda for teeth – Toothpaste

Ingredients:

• 6 Teaspoons, Baking Soda
• 4 Teaspoons, Vegetable Glycerin
• 1/3 teaspoon, Salt
• 15 drops, Peppermint Extract

Directions:
Mix all together. Store in an airtight container.

[Source : Badhuman]

Baking soda as a cure to kidney disease

A new study has found that a daily dose of baking soda or sodium bicarbonate has been proven to slow the decline of kidney function in some patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). [Source: The Hindu Newspaper dated July 26, 2009]

Difference between Baking Soda and Baking Powder

Baking soda is not the same as baking powder. Baking soda is pure Sodium bicarbonate. Where as baking powder contains a combination of sodium carbonate, acidifying agent (cream of tartar) and a drying agent (usually starch). So don’t end up buying baking powder when you want baking soda and vice versa.