Baking soda water: fib or fact? (part one)

I’ve been seeing more and more material popping up on my social media channels as of late pertaining to baking soda water. When I initially heard of such a thing, my first thought was ‘ew, that probably doesn’t taste great,’ but upon actually investigating the topic of baking soda water, I’ve come to learn a thing or two.

Baking soda is a bit of a powerhouse in terms of what it can do, with some examples being that it is simultaneously an ingredient used in both cooking and baking, a cleaning agent, a deodorizer, and more. Regarding baking soda water and the reasoning behind it, check out the following information from health.com.

“Baking soda water, often called alkaline water, is a common home remedy for various digestive issues. For example, research has shown that bicarbonate-rich water may relieve heartburn, similar to other reflux remedies.1

“Drinking baking soda and water may aid digestion by creating a less acidic environment in the gastrointestinal tract. Baking soda’s alkaline nature can help neutralize excess acids in the stomach and balance its pH levels.

“Drinking baking soda water may increase your levels of hydration more than drinking plain water. It contains a significant helping of sodium, which can replace the electrolytes commonly lost through sweat or dehydration.

“Furthermore, baking soda water may improve water absorption in your digestive system, supporting overall hydration. A small research study involving 19 participants found that consuming water enhanced with sodium bicarbonate may improve water retention and increase plasma volume.2

“Some evidence suggests that drinking baking soda water may improve muscular endurance during physical activity. The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) determined that sodium bicarbonate, in doses of 0.2-0.5 grams (g) per kilogram (kg) of body weight, can improve performance in muscular endurance activities, such as high-intensity cycling, running, and swimming.3

“A meta-analysis of 13 clinical studies also supports ISSN’s position. It found that sodium bicarbonate may not affect muscle strength but can improve muscle endurance,4” the web page explains.

Check back tomorrow for more information about the benefits of drinking baking soda water, and, as always, be sure to consult with a health professional before trying this out.

Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash


Leave a comment