The main function of sodium bicarbonate is to help keep pH levels where they need to be to sustain life.
Sodium bicarbonate balances pH levels
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a naturally occurring substance that is found in living things. It’s job is to help keep pH levels where they need to be to sustain life. Because of this ability, bicarbonate of soda can be used as a healing therapy for a number of conditions, including:
arthritis
indigestion
heartburn
infection
cancer
Most common uses of sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate is most commonly used to relieve heartburn or acid indigestion by neutralizing excess stomach acid. When used for this purpose, it is said to belong to the group of medicines called antacids. Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes acid in the stomach. If you suffer from acid reflux, you know just how annoying and painful it can be. Acid splashes from the stomach up into the oesophagus and can even go up as far as the back of the throat. Drinking baking soda dissolved in water helps to neutralize the hydrochloric acid and eliminates the pain of heartburn. Also, the effervescence (bubbling) that happens when sodium bicarbonate is mixed with water promotes burping that can relieve gas and bloating.