Poor digestion is a widespread discomfort. It can occur after a large meal or as a result of improper nutrition or even too much stress. Digestive disorders are accompanied by easily recognizable symptoms:
- Belching;
- Heaviness;
- Heartburn;
- Cramps in the stomach;
- Aerophagia
To combat these digestion problems it is not essential to always use drugs (indeed some can be the cause, for example those based on ibuprofen, diclofenac or other non-steroidal inflammatories), sometimes the grandmother’s remedy is enough. The most well-known grandmother’s remedies to improve digestion are the hot water bottle and a drink made from lemon juice, water and baking soda, which helps reduce the acid present in the stomach, one of the main causes of symptoms.
In order to eliminate the digestive disorder we need three simple ingredients:
- The juice of half a lemon;
- Half a teaspoon of baking soda;
- A glass of water at room temperature.
The preparation is just as simple: we take the glass with water at room temperature and add lemon and baking soda. Stir vigorously for a few seconds until the baking soda has dissolved. As soon as we see a whitish foam forming, our natural remedy will be ready to be drunk. It is important to drink it during effervescence.
To regain the right intestinal balance and eliminate gastric acidity it is important to know that this solution should not be drunk immediately after meals but must pass an hour from the intake of food.
Baking soda for digesting: why it is useful
Baking soda has infinite uses, including food, but the best known is linked to digestive properties.
Digesting with baking soda produces numerous health and wellness benefits, and can help us in some cases take care of our digestive system.
Baking soda, not to be confused with potassium bicarbonate, is a salt that when added to water, forms a basic solution. This basic substance if used for digestive problems has antacid properties: it protects the intestinal mucous membranes by eliminating the acidity of excess gastric juices and simplifies the process of assimilation of food and helps digestion, reducing discomfort and restoring well-being to our stomach. Baking soda if taken on an empty stomach is also a panacea for the liver because it helps it to perform its purifying functions better.
Baking soda to digest: better not to overdo it
If our stomach acid lasts for weeks it does not mean that we must continue with the intake of baking soda, water and lemon to try to promote digestion. At this point it would be better to ask your doctor for advice to rule out pathologies. Baking soda helps if you use it every now and then otherwise it can have contraindications like everything.
The main side effects of exaggerated bicarbonate intake are:
Bloating in the stomach;
Feeling nauseous;
Hypertension;
Stomach pain;
Belly pains
Should baking soda be avoided by some people?
The answer is yes. Let’s see together who should avoid baking soda as much as possible:
- Those who take antacids because it could attenuate their action;
- Those who follow a low-sodium diet;
- Those suffering from high blood pressure;
- Children.
Are there baking soda products?
On sale there are many preparations based on baking soda that help to digest well. One of the best known is Citrosodine, also available in sachets, a calcium food supplement flavored with lemon flavor, which contributes to the normal functionality of digestive enzymes. Citrosodine is manufactured by Bayer; As with all food supplements, it is advisable to read the warnings before use. It is always important to always follow a balanced diet and not excessive, but if sometimes you need to regain lightness … you can count on Citrosodine!
Joycelyn Elders is the author and creator of EmpowerEssence, a health and wellness blog. Elders is a respected public health advocate and pediatrician dedicated to promoting general health and well-being.
The blog covers a wide range of topics related to health and wellness, with articles organized into several categories.