Baking Soda
Health Benefits

Baking Soda Health Benefits: Natural Remedies & Cleaning Tips

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Bacterial and Viral Infections
Posted by Linda (Denver, Colorado) on 04/27/2007
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

For me and my family and friends, baking soda has cured all kinds of microbial infections, probably due to the regulation of pH balance.

For at least 12 years now I've relied on drinking baking soda in water whenever I would come down with some sort of viral or bacterial infection, whether it is a cold, flu, stomach bug, or respiratory illness. I am convinced this method can kill any kind of infection.

When the West Nile virus was prevalent here in Colorado a few years ago, I became infected with it. I was skeptical that my baking soda cure would work, but gave it a try anyway since I was so utterly miserable. But, sure enough, later that evening the symptoms started to subside and I was nearly recovered by the next day.

Every time I have used the baking soda method it has worked. And everyone I have suggested it to and tried it has had it work for them, too.

The remedy is 1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water 2 to 3 times each day, sipping throughout the day. Take it for approximately 2 to 3 days. If symptoms do not resolve by the end of the third day then perhaps it will not be helped by baking soda; I have not found this to ever be the case though. It works no matter what stage a person is in their infection. For stomach bugs I will also add 10-15 drops of grapefruit seed extract.

Being female, however, I have noticed that I will get a vaginal yeast infection shortly after a course of baking soda. Because I believe it affects the pH, I treat myself with an apple cider vinegar/garlic rinse (1/4 cup of ACV and one clove of garlic, quartered, in 1 cup of water). I've wondered if the baking soda also kills the good bacteria in the body so afterward I supplement myself with probiotics (specifically Lactobacillus GG, the only known beneficial bacteria to survive stomach acid).

I know people who take Airborne to fight off colds. I looked at the label one day when my friend showed me the bottle, and sodium bicarbonate is one of the main ingredients. Perhaps this is the reason it works.

I believe that if there is ever a severe viral outbreak, such as SARS or H5N1, then this remedy would be worth a try. It seems I've always relied on home remedies to successfully treat myself and your site just adds to my collection of simple therapies!