Sodium bicarbonate
Sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly used in cooking and baking. It has a variety of other uses as well, including as a cleaning agent, a deodorizer, and a medical treatment.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Sodium bicarbonate is a salt that is composed of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions. It is a weak base and can react with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, which is what makes it useful in cooking and baking. When heated, sodium bicarbonate breaks down into sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and water. This reaction is used in baking to create aeration in dough and batter, which helps to make baked goods light and fluffy.
Uses[edit | edit source]
- Sodium bicarbonate has a variety of uses, including:
- Cooking and Baking: Sodium bicarbonate is used as a leavening agent in baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, and breads.
- Cleaning: Sodium bicarbonate is a mild abrasive and can be used to clean and deodorize surfaces, such as sinks, countertops, and ovens.
- Personal Care: Sodium bicarbonate is sometimes used as a toothpaste or mouthwash, and is also used in some deodorants and antiperspirants.
- Medical: Sodium bicarbonate is sometimes used as an antacid to treat heartburn or indigestion, and can also be used to treat certain medical conditions, such as metabolic acidosis and kidney disease.
Safety and Precautions[edit | edit source]
- Sodium bicarbonate is generally considered safe when used in small amounts. However, excessive consumption of sodium bicarbonate can lead to a number of health problems, including:
- Alkalosis: Excessive consumption of sodium bicarbonate can cause the body's pH level to become too alkaline, which can lead to a variety of health problems.
- Electrolyte Imbalance: Consuming large amounts of sodium bicarbonate can lead to imbalances in the body's electrolytes, which can cause muscle weakness, cramping, and other problems.
- High Blood Pressure: Sodium bicarbonate is high in sodium, which can contribute to high blood pressure in some individuals.
- It is important to follow the recommended dosage and use of sodium bicarbonate, and to consult with a healthcare professional before using it as a medical treatment.
See also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
