The combination of baking soda and lemon juice has a number of health benefits, including the ability to detoxify the body, balance pH levels, improve digestion, boost the immune system, aid heart health, protect the skin, heal the liver and prevent chronic disease.
There are countless health remedies that have gained popularity in recent years, but the use of baking soda and lemon dates back decades in natural health circles. On their own, these two substances have plenty of healthy effects, but when combined, they can have an even more impressive impact on your overall health. To begin with, the juice of a freshly squeezed lemon, coming from the Citrus limon [1] fruit, is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, and is closely linked to immune system health and diuretic effects on the body. Lemons contain high concentrations of minerals and vitamins, making this juice, despite the tart taste, extremely popular in cooking and alternative health remedies.
Baking soda, on the other hand, is the common name for sodium bicarbonate, which is technically considered a medicine, despite its many culinary applications. The alkalizing effect of baking soda is well known, which is why so many people use it for digestive and heartburn issues, as it can reduce your risk of acidosis [2], and the many side effects that can accompany an imbalanced pH level in the body.
However, that being said, it is important to speak to your doctor or a medical professional before adding baking soda to your health regimen, as it can interact with other medications and may not be recommended for all.
Recipe: Baking Soda & Lemon Juice Drink
You can make a baking soda and lemon juice decoction by adding a teaspoon of baking soda and the juice from half a lemon to a glass of mineral water. For best effects, be sure to drink this on an empty stomach, in the morning, and then enjoy the effects all day! If it gets mixed up with a digesting meal, it won’t be able to work as quickly on the body, and won’t be as effective.
Benefits Of Baking Soda And Lemon Juice
The benefits of drinking baking soda and lemon juice include better metabolic function, more balanced pH levels, a healthier gut, a lower risk of chronic disease and cancer, improved heart health and a stronger immune system, among others.
Balanced pH Levels
People often overlook the importance of reducing acid levels in the body, but maintaining a balanced pH is crucial to overall health. Sodium bicarbonate [3] is known as an alkalizing agent that can lower acid levels, reducing things like heartburn and indigestion, but also keeping the body at an alkaline level, which makes it harder for illness and pathogens to take hold in the body. Similarly, the citric acid in lemons actually has an alkalizing effect once it is digested!
Weight Loss
There is no direct link between using baking soda and lemon juice and weight loss, but there is evidence that baking soda can provide more energy and endurance during workouts, and give a boost to the metabolism. Although the weight loss would be a secondary effect, it is still possible to aid your weight loss efforts with this decoction.
Cleansing Properties
Lemon juice has long been known as a diuretic [4] substance and is able to stimulate the body to urinate, thus expelling excess toxins, salts, fats, and water. This is very good news for the kidneys, as this can reduce stress and pressure on those organs and ensure that your body maintains a low level of toxicity.
Dental Care
Traditionally, many people used this combination for whitening the teeth, but the abrasive nature can be harmful to teeth. It may initially reduce staining of the teeth, and lower acidity levels in the mouth, but there are safer ways than using this decoction as a toothpaste.
Improved Digestion
The combination of baking soda and lemon juice acts as a wonderful antacid and is known to quickly reduce symptoms of indigestion, excess flatulence [5], bloating, cramping and heartburn. By preventing inflammation in the gut, which is a critical element of the immune system, lemon juice, and baking soda can significantly boost the health of your gut.
Heart Health
Research has shown that drinking water mixed with baking soda is able to regulate levels of “bad” cholesterol, and improve levels of HDL cholesterol, which can reduce your chances of atherosclerosis, and thus lower your risk of stroke and heart attacks.
Skin Care
Lemon juice is very high in citric acid [6], as well as other critical antioxidants that can reduce oxidative stress and prevent the negative effects of free radicals in the body. This is particularly good for the skin and can slow the signs of aging, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and give your skin a healthy glow.
Cancer Prevention
One of the most controversial uses of lemon juice and baking soda is its potential effect on cancer. Lemon juice, in particular, has been found to be very effective against carcinogenic cells [7], and with a reduction in oxidative stress throughout the body, your risk of cancer is significantly lowered.
Strengthened Immune System
The antimicrobial effects of lemon juice are well-known, which can prevent pathogens and illness from developing in the gut [8], as well as other parts of the body. Furthermore, but increasing the alkalinity of the body, thanks to baking soda, you prevent the acidic conditions within which disease is known to develop.
Word of Caution: As mentioned, the alkaline conditions that baking soda can create in the body are quite powerful, and baking soda is widely considered as a medicine. Before trying this natural remedy, it is wise to speak to your doctor or medical professional.
