How Baking Soda Benefits Exercise
A chemical combination of sodium and carbonic acid results in a type of salt called baking soda. It has many uses – from a cooking ingredient to getting rid of bad smells. Among its many benefits are its anti-inflammatory properties, useful for alleviating rheumatoid arthritis.
Meanwhile, can it be linked to weight loss? Well yes, it can directly and indirectly influence weight loss. Continue reading to find out more.
It contributes to physical exercise
One indirect way in which baking soda promotes weight loss is through physical body training. It reduces and neutralizes the lactic acid your body creates during intense exercise.
Lactic acid can make your body ache while training. A European study tested the effects of baking soda in certain foods and drinks in a group of athletes. The results showed a decrease in lactic acid. Therefore, adding it to your meals should yield better results during weight loss workouts.
You may find this interesting: Foods to eat before you exercise
It controls your appetite and regulates the digestive system
Bicarbonate of soda is good for tackling heartburn, since it temporarily neutralizes stomach acids. Most of all, when added in moderation to foods like bread or cookies, it will:
- Reduce appetite
- Make you feel full
- Regulate bowel movements.
This can be easily verified with the following experiment: mixing baking soda something acidic like vinegar will produce water (neutral pH) and carbon dioxide. Well, a more moderate version of this happens with stomach acid.
You may find this interesting: 10 foods that are good for bowel movements
Its benefits in diet and energy drinks
Adding bicarbonate of soda to energy drinks will help with weight loss workouts.
This increases electrolytes in the body that are essential for muscles and nerves. It can also be added in various diet teas, which are great for combating obesity and can even to tone abs.
Consuming baking soda for more than just weight loss
Despite all the benefits mentioned, you need to take caution. Baking soda may well be good for the stomach and muscles, but not for the heart. In conclusion, it can benefit the entire human body, as long as it is consumed in moderation. It can even help to treat certain diseases such as rheumatic joint conditions.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
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- Al-Abri, S. A., & Olson, K. R. (2013). Baking soda can settle the stomach but upset the heart: case files of the Medical Toxicology Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Journal of medical toxicology : official journal of the American College of Medical Toxicology, 9(3), 255–258. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13181-013-0300-4
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- McNaughton L, Dalton B, Palmer G. Sodium bicarbonate can be used as an ergogenic aid in high-intensity, competitive cycle ergometry of 1 h duration. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1999;80(1):64-69. doi:10.1007/s004210050559
