Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is an antacid that aids to neutralize stomach acid. It is used to get relief from heartburn and indigestion.
If you are on a low-salt diet, or if you have high blood pressure, you should try to avoid consuming it or can rather consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking it. Besides, the ones who are suffering from health conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, or liver disease are also strictly suggested to avoid the consumption of sodium bicarbonate until consulted by a doctor.
3 Common Uses of Sodium Bicarbonate
Sodium Bicarbonate is widely used in different sectors or industries for various purposes. It is used in many different fields ranging from chemical industries to household applications. Besides, this compound is also used extensively to manufacture medicines.
- Medicinal Uses – Sodium bicarbonate is one of the popular antacids, which is used by a large number of pharmaceutical companies to make medicines. The chemical properties present in it helps to prevent indigestion, treat metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia, urine alkalinization, and others.
- For Toiletries – Sodium bicarbonate is extensively used as an ingredient for preparing mouthwashes as it is a great cleanser of teeth and gums. Besides, it also helps to decrease the production of acids in the mouth, preventing oral infections. This chemical compound is also used in non-fluoride toothpaste to act as anti-fungal properties. Also, it is used in shampoos and deodorants too.
- Industrial Uses – This chemical compound is also used in the textile industry for dyeing and printing operations, whereas in the leather industry, it is used as a neutralizer of dyeing agents in the tanning processes.
Side Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate
This white crystalline powder has some side effects when taken under different circumstances, including:
You must get emergency medical help if you have the signs of an allergic reaction such as:Â
- Hives
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty in breathing
You should stop using sodium bicarbonate and call your doctor immediately if you are having:
- Swelling, rapid weight gain
- Severe stomach pain
- Shortness of breath, even with mild exertion
Some other common side effects of sodium bicarbonate may include:
- Urinating more than usual.
- Increase in thirst
- Drying of mouth
Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate on Pregnancy
It is yet unknown that whether sodium bicarbonate will be harmful to an unborn baby. However, consumption of sodium bicarbonate can cause the fluid inside the body to build up, which might be dangerous during the pregnancy period. Hence, you are suggested to not use this medicine or any other sources of this chemical without consulting a doctor, if you are pregnant.
Further, it is also not known whether the sodium bicarbonate passes into breast milk or can it be harmful while nursing a baby. Hence, make sure to ask the doctor, if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Conclusion
Sodium bicarbonate has several uses. Among these several benefits of sodium bicarbonate is has the ability to eliminate most of the bacteria and fungi and act as a disinfectant making it a very important ingredient of several medicines and cleaning agents. But as mentioned, it also holds some side effects that can occur under some poor health conditions.
