National Bicarbonate of Soda Day - 2012

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By Nurse Diane

A friend of mine is not a huge fan of pills and medication; he prefers the more natural remedies.  That’s why when he suffers from indigestion or gas especially after eating all these big holiday meals and goodies, he grabs a box of Bicarbonate Soda, commonly known as Baking Soda.  Stomachs naturally contain hydrochloric acid and too much of it leads to indigestion. The so-called 'baking soda burp' is a sign that this antacid is working. The burp is caused by the release of carbon dioxide gas - a natural byproduct when sodium bicarbonate reacts with the acid in the stomach.  Simply mix a teaspoon in a glass of cold water 1-2 hours after eating.  Do not take sodium bicarbonate or any antacids without first talking to your doctor if you have:

An intestinal problem or appendicitis;

Heart problems;

High blood pressure;

Swelling of the arms or legs;

Kidney disease;

Liver disease; or

Problems urinating

If you are pregnant or nursing.

Side effects of sodium Bicarb include:

Nausea or vomiting;

Headache;

Sever mood changes

Muscle pain;

Swelling of feet, ankles or legs

Decreased appetite;

Unusual tiredness;

Constipation;

Dry mouth or increased thirst; or

Increased urination.

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Baking Soda also has other uses such as:

Baking- helps baked goods, like bread, to rise

Relieve stomach indigestion and heartburn when mixed in water

Removing odors in the refrigerator, vents, storage areas, and closets

Removing odor in kitty litter

It is used in fire extinguishers for grease and oil fires

It is often used as a cleaning agent

It can be used as a meat tenderizer

Put it in water with beans to minimize flatulence from eating beans

Polish Silverware

Remove burned food from a pot or a pan

And, the list goes on, and on.

According to punchbowl.com, The ancient Egyptians used natural deposits of sodium bicarbonate as a cleansing agent like soap, but it wasn't until 1791 that French chemist Nicolas Leblanc produced sodium bicarbonate in its modern form. In 1846, two New York bakers named John Dwight and Austin Church established the first factory to make baking soda.

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So, today, on National Bicarbonate of Soda Day, Grab a box and see how many ways you can use it.

National Bicarbonate of Soda Day

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By Diane Forrest,

Well this has been a very busy month, with all the parties, baking, eating and family fun is it any surprise that the end of the month would be National Bicarbonate of Soda day?  Bicarbonate of Soda, or baking soda as it is commonly called, is useful for so many things especially during the month of December.  It is used for baking all those Christmas goodies and also for indigestion after eating all those goodies.  It is also useful for cleaning and removing stubborn stains and for keeping odors out of the refrigerator.  Some more uses include:

• Removing odor in kitty litter
• It is used in fire extinguishers for grease and oil fires
• It is often used as a cleaning agent
• It can be used as a meat tenderizer
• Put it in water with beans to minimize flatulence from eating beans
• Polish Silverware
• Remove burned food from a pot or a pan

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Since most of the baking for the season has been done...it will probably be useful now as an antacid.  Just mix a level teaspoon in a glass of water, mix and drink.  It has been a common staple in medicine cabinets for years, and the best part is the price.  It costs less than a dollar, and is so useful in all types of areas.  So, after you have baked, and used it for indigestion, dip your toothbrush in the soda and brush your teeth, it will whiten your smile too.

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