Many online creators have been sharing videos of themselves mixing baking soda with water for its supposed health benefits, revitalizing an old pantry staple.
Many online creators have been sharing videos of themselves mixing baking soda with water for its supposed health benefits, revitalizing an old pantry staple.
“I think it’s becoming more and more popular because of the social media aspect,” says Christy Yousef, M.D., a family medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente in Fair Oaks, Virginia.
But how healthy is this drink, and why are so many people doing it?
“What people do is take baking soda to reduce the acidity of the muscles — the muscles that are working,” Yousef explained. “This reduces muscle fatigue and improves performance, especially during intense exercise.”
She says the thinking here is simple: Some people argue that sodium bicarbonate, the compound that makes up baking soda, raises the pH level in the blood, which could improve performance during exercise like cycling, running or weightlifting.
Yousef said the alkaline nature of baking soda could lend credence to this theory, but there is little scientific evidence to suggest this is the case.
And yet people still do it. There’s even a name for it.
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“This new ‘soda fill’ is a new phenomenon we’re seeing,” Yousef said.
She says baking soda has other well-known health benefits: Its high pH balance makes it an ingredient in antacids, helping to relieve heartburn and acid reflux.
But there are also risks behind it.
“Don’t make your stomach too alkaline,” warns Yousef. “The stomach acid used for protection and digestion will no longer perform the same function, and you risk abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and possibly diarrhea.”
Yousef said the main concern here is that the digestive and physiological problems that can result from consuming too much baking soda may outweigh the potential benefits for some people.
She also said that taking too much baking soda can “make you urinate more frequently.”
When this happens, valuable electrolytes, potassium and water are flushed from the body, which can cause severe dehydration, headaches and nausea.
“Use with caution and in moderation, and remember that overall, exercise, diet and lifestyle modifications are the best way to stay healthy,” Yousef said.
If you do decide to try this trend, she says there’s little scientific information on recommended dosages of baking soda: People looking to treat acid reflux or heartburn are typically told to take three teaspoons a day.
So, regarding this trend, Yousef said, “Two to three cups a day is safe, but don’t exceed five cups a day.”
“But there’s no magic shortcut or ultimate alternative to getting healthy other than making lifestyle changes and staying active to achieve your goals,” she added.
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