If you have read our articles about the benefits of lemon juice and of baking soda, you probably know that both are popular ingredients in home wellness routines.
Today, we write about baking soda and lemon together, and what you can realistically expect from combining these two ingredients.
A Glass of Lemon Juice with Baking Soda – Benefits
Combining lemon juice and baking soda has generated both excitement and controversy. Bold claims that it can protect against serious illness have been at the heart of the debate, and they have rightly been viewed with skepticism. A lot of remedies and foods get such labels, particularly those with alkalizing and antioxidant properties. But just because they have these features doesn’t mean they can protect people from serious disease. There is no scientific proof of that.
Lemon and baking soda, as well as other foods like strawberries, tomatoes, or grapes, are part of a varied diet. Fruits and vegetables contain minerals, vitamins, and enzymes that support general health. However, they only help as part of a healthy lifestyle and are not a treatment by themselves.
A healthy diet that includes lemon and a little baking soda can be a pleasant habit, but no food or drink can fully protect anyone from disease. Here is what people usually mention when they talk about a glass of lemon juice and baking soda:
1. Alkalizing
Baking soda is alkaline, and it is the reason this drink is often described as alkalizing. In practice, a healthy body keeps its own acid balance within a narrow range, mainly through the kidneys and lungs. Acidosis is a medical condition that needs a doctor’s care, not a home drink. Still, many people enjoy this combo as part of their morning hydration routine.
2. Digestion
One of the lemon benefits people mention most often is support for digestion. A common way to use it is to mix a little baking soda into some lemon juice. Baking soda is a well-known antacid, so some people use this mix when they feel bloated or have flatulence. Many also report short-term relief from occasional acid reflux. If these problems are frequent, see your doctor.
3. Nutrients
If you drink lemon juice with some baking soda in the morning, you will take in some potassium, vitamin C, and antioxidants from the lemon. Some people include it in routines aimed at supporting the liver, although the liver does this work on its own.
4. Cholesterol and the Heart
What does this mean? Lemon is often included in diets aimed at healthy LDL, or “bad”, cholesterol levels and good cardiovascular health. The overall diet matters much more than any single drink.
How to Use and Who Should Avoid This Remedy
In a glass of warm mineral water, add the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of baking soda, and mix well. People usually drink this beverage in the morning on an empty stomach. Consume it for a period of 2 weeks, and then rest for 2 more. It’s important to take this 2-week rest, as an excessive amount of baking soda can cause alkalosis.
People who have gastritis, heart problems, or hypertension should avoid this remedy because of the sodium it contains. If you are pregnant or take any medication, ask your doctor first.
As you can see, this simple drink has a few modest uses, which, however, doesn’t make it a wonder remedy. When it comes to claims about serious illness, take them with a dose of skepticism, since studies haven’t proved them.
Via Step to Health
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.