Baking soda is one of the most alkalizing substances listed on the pH Food Chart. Find out what studies show about baking soda's alkalizing effects for reducing systemic inflammation and shutting down a reactive immune response. As you read, listen intuitively to feel if any information speaks directly to you. Do you feel the need to make any dietary/lifestyle changes yourself?
Research published in The Journal of Immunology reports that a daily dose of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate | NaHCO3) may reduce the destructive inflammation of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. It does this by activating the spleen’s anti-inflammatory pathway.
Tests show that when healthy people drink a baking soda solution (made with water) it triggers the stomach to produce more acid to digest the next meal. It also triggers mesothelial cells, sitting on the outside of the spleen, to tell the spleen it doesn’t need to initiate a protective immune response.
As yet, there is little information about the function of the mesothelial cells. However, it is known that mesothelial cells are neuron-like and line all of the body's cavities and the exterior of your organs to keep them from rubbing together.
The mesothelial cells also provide protection from foreign invaders. Tiny microvilli, on the surface of the mesothelial cells, sense the environment and send warning signals to organs that triggers an immune response.
Scientists think that drinking baking soda essentially tells the spleen, which is part of the immune system, that all is well and no immune response is needed.
This conversation appears to promote a broad spectrum shift away from inflammation in the entire body.
The studies show test subjects’ immune cells (macrophages) in the spleen, as well as the blood and kidneys shift away from primarily promoting inflammation to anti-inflammation (or calm), after drinking water with baking soda for just two weeks. Macrophages are first responders in defending your body against foreign invasion and consume cellular debris from injured or dead cells.
With kidney disease, there is impaired kidney function to balance minerals resulting in the blood becoming too acidic. Of course, when the kidneys begin to malfunction, “It sets the whole system up to fail basically,” lead researcher Dr. Paul O’Connor says. “Clinical trials have shown that a daily dose of baking soda cannot only reduce acidity but actually slow progression of kidney disease, and it’s now a therapy offered to patients.”
Each time the scientists tested the baking soda solution they saw the same result. “The shift from inflammatory to an anti-inflammatory profile is happening everywhere,” O’Connor says. “We saw it in the kidneys, we saw it in the spleen, now we see it in the peripheral blood.”
The scientists also saw a shift in other types of immune cells, like the regulatory T cells, which drive down the immune response and help keep the immune system from attacking its own tissues.
The treatment was also shown to reduce inflammation and disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis.
“You are not really turning anything off or on, you are just pushing it toward one side by giving an anti-inflammatory stimulus,” O’Connor says, “in this case, away from harmful inflammation. It’s potentially a really safe way to treat inflammatory disease.”
HEALTH BENEFITS OF BAKING SODA
To recap a too acidic pH causes the spleen, liver, heart and kidneys to work overtime. To buffer the excess acidity, your body robs existing minerals (calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium) from your bones and tissues. This can lead to inflammation and development of health conditions like osteoporosis. An acidic environment also has been shown to contribute to the development of heart and kidney disease, diabetes, cancer and arthritis, among other diseases.
Diets rich in animal products (meat and dairy) as well as processed foods, sugar and grains are more likely to produce an imbalanced acid/alkaline pH.
Use the FREE pH Food Chart to discover the more alkalizing foods to consume, such as vegetables, to balance excess acidity and prevent disease.
BAKING SODA RECOMMENDED USES
There are countless recommended uses and health benefits reported for baking soda. Here are just a few with the research to support the claims, along with the best essential oils to use for each.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
A compromised cardiovascular system can decrease your energy levels, negatively impact your mood and mental functions, as well as undermine your digestion, and immune system. It can also put you at risk for heart disease.
Studies show reduction in cardiovascular risk by drinking sodium-bicarbonated mineral water in young adults with moderately high cholesterol. Significant reductions were assessed for blood pressure and cholesterol levels after 4 weeks of drinking sodium bicarbonate mineral water.
Cypress (Cupressus sempevirens)
One of the best oils oils for promoting healthy blood circulation and a healthy cardiovascular system, Cypress contains powerful astringent properties and has been used since ancient times for ritual cleansing and purification. Hippocrates recommended cypress for treating bleeding hemorrhoids. Cypress oil has an established reputation for strengthening the heart’s energies.
KEEP YOUR KIDNEYS HEALTHY
The kidneys rid your body of toxins and promote healthy hormone production. Chronic metabolic acidosis is known to contribute to the progression of chronic kidney disease and renal failure.
Studies conducted in both the U.S. and U.K. show that treatment therapy with baking soda for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has beneficial outcomes. It slows progression of CKD and improves nutritional health. Those using bicarbonate of soda showed marked improvement with less likelihood of renal failure.
Juniper berry (Juniperus communis)
Has an excellent reputation as a powerful detoxifier and blood cleanser. It can promote healthy nerve and kidney function. Traditionally, it has been used for its regulating and balancing effect on conditions of excess. Juniper berry is used in cellulite beauty treatments, as well as in remedies for congestion and constipation.
TEETH WHITENING
Many oral care products contain baking soda due to its antibacterial properties, and its ability to remove plaque without eroding tooth enamel.
A 2017 report that reviewed 21 studies concluded that baking soda is effective for removing surface-level tooth stains. Making baking soda one of the most effective and affordable alternatives to traditional teeth whitening.
Another report involving 5 studies showed enhancement of plaque removal by tooth brushing with baking soda.
Clove bud (Eugenia caryophyllata)
A terrific breath freshener, clove oil contains potent soothing and calming properties and is frequently used as a first aid remedy for toothache.
ANTACID TO COMBAT ACID REFULUX
Baking soda is universally known as one of the best antacids available on the planet! In fact a 2017 study of the antacid effects of commonly consumed foods compared the highest antacid activity foods, cold milk and broccoli, to that of sodium bicarbonate.
A word of caution when using baking soda as an antacid. You need to watch overdoing consumption. If you take too much you can neutralize your stomach acid. As we discussed earlier when you take baking soda it signals your stomach to produce more acid to maintain its normal pH level and prepare for the next meal. Doing too much baking soda can initiate a vicious cycle and negate benefits.
Ginger fresh root (Zingiber officinale)
A study conducted for the Integrative Treatment of Reflux and Functional Dyspepsia in Children showed that holistic methods such as the administration of ginger can often provide adjunct symptomatic relief with a good safety profile.
CANCER
Studies conducted by Arizona Cancer Center showed that baking soda can alkalize the areas around tumors and help prevent metastasis in cancer patients.
A 2015 study conducted on human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro (in test tubes) found that limonene (found in citrus oils) inhibited cancer cell growth. It also inhibited rapid proliferation of cellular growth, as well as apoptosis (programmed death of cancer cells). Studies also noted that limonene had “cancer specific toxicity,” meaning it specifically targets cancer cells.
General Guide Limonene Content in Citrus Essential Oils
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Orange (Citrus sinensis) - 85-99.5% limonene
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Tangerine (Citrus reticulata) - 85-98.6% limonene
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Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) - 85-96% limonene
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Mandarin (Citrus deliciosa) - 65-75% limonene
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Lemon (Citrus limon) - 59-79.4% limonene
Baking Soda Dosage Amount? Answer: Will be individual to you.
CAUTION: Please consult with your doctor first before taking baking soda as it can increase sodium levels in the blood and elevate your blood pressure.
READ first article in this series, Intuitive Living Using Essential Oils & Food As Medicine.
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