Benefits of Baking Soda for Weight Loss
Baking soda is a chemical compound, also called sodium bicarbonate. Now, it is believed that drinking baking soda can help you lose weight, and we are not surprised. Read more to know if the claim is valid or not.
What is baking soda?
Simply put, it’s a white powder known as sodium bicarbonate. This simple ingredient has so many amazing benefits, tooth whitener, cleaning carpets, using its paste to relieve bug bites, or as an ingredient for rising cakes and cookies in baking and many more.
Since many use it in baking, we know it’s safe to consume. But why would you want to take it?
Intake of baking soda with water reacts with the acid in your stomach and turns it into saltwater, and carbon dioxide. Because of its alkaline effects, baking soda can help soothe symptoms of indigestion and nausea.
Generally, the pH of your stomach is supposed to be low. But when you consume a meal heavy in protein, the gastric cells have to produce extra acid in order to break down the food. And when there is massive pressure on your stomach, the acid can travel to your esophagus and can cause indigestion and acid reflux. Taking baking soda may ease the problem.
Weight and Baking soda
Though baking soda can help you feel better if you have indigestion, it may not help you lose weight. Only one little way in which it can assist is by making you feel fuller for a brief period and thus reducing your calorie intake. But this is momentary.
Weight loss is achievable only when one follows the proper diet and exercise regimen. One also needs to make a calorie deficit (burn more calories than what you are consuming) in order to shed weight.
Baking soda can enhance your gym performance.
According to a research published by the European Journal of Applied Physiology, athletes who consumed baking soda 60 minutes before their performance, did better with less muscle fatigue as compared to those who consumed a placebo before the performance.
Another study says consuming baking soda before the gym can help expedite the exhaustion period.
But consuming it can also cause abdominal distress, which ultimately may ruin your performance.
Precautions while taking Baking Soda
Although baking soda is a general household item and an age-old home solution for indigestion, it’s not without hazards. Intake of too much baking soda or consuming it too close to a massive, voluminous meal has resulted in cases of stomachs bursting because of the plethora of carbon dioxide released into an already loaded stomach. Although these instances are uncommon and likely due to an underlying problem, the possibility of such a complication cannot be ruled out.
Baking soda also contains considerable amounts of sodium, which could compromise the health of people with heart or kidney problems. Regular excessive intake of sodium can also trigger high blood pressure, heart, and kidney issues in healthy people. Baking soda can interact with various medicines, including aspirin, certain antibiotics, and some diabetes medications, so don’t take it without getting your doctor’s OK first.
Here are three easy ways to enjoy sodium bicarbonate or baking soda for weight loss and better health:
Baking soda and lemon juice
Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, lemons are dieters’ favorite owing to their powerful fat-burning effects. So, when you combine lemons with baking soda, it will definitely help your fat burning and assist in weight loss. It’s effortless to prepare.
Pour a cup of water – not too cold or hot
Add the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon to a teaspoon of baking soda.
Mix the preparation well and take it in the morning, desirably on an empty stomach for excellent weight loss results.
Baking soda and green tea
You already know green tea’s renowned health benefits for everything – from battling cancer to improving your heart health, from reducing your risk of type 2 diabetes to lowering cholesterol. Research groups suggest that green tea contains an active antioxidant substance, catechins, which can help you burn more calories and thus helps in weight loss.
Pour the heated water into a Jug (over the green tea leaves) and let it steep for 3-5 minutes.
Take a pinch of baking soda and add it to warm green tea and stir well. Drink it once the fizz has settled.
Baking soda water drink
The fact is that baking soda is an economical way to decrease heartburn and relieve indigestion by counterbalancing stomach acids. The problem is that some digestive issues can lead to long-term weight gain.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder to 2 cups of water.
Drink this mixture one hour after taking food to get respite.
Precaution: But before trying out these things, be sure to consult your physician, especially if you happen to suffer from high blood diabetes, pressure, kidney, or heart problems, to ensure that intake of baking soda is safe for you. Moreover, nursing mothers and pregnant women should avoid it unless directed by their medical practitioner.