Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a well-known household item that is not only used in numerous recipes but also for different purposes, from cleaning to teeth whitening. However, there have been claims that it can cure autoimmune diseases as well.

Autoimmune diseases are conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues. Can baking soda be a magical cure for these disorders? Here, we delve into this claim and see if there’s any scientific evidence that supports it.

What are autoimmune diseases?

Autoimmune diseases are a class of disorders where the immune system mistakes some of the body’s tissues as foreign and attacks them. Some common autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes.

These disorders can affect multiple organs and tissues in the body and cause various symptoms such as inflammation, pain, fatigue, and organ damage. Autoimmune diseases are often chronic and have no known cure. However, treatments can alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

What is baking soda?

Baking soda is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It’s a white crystalline powder that is mostly used in food preparation, cleaning, and personal care products.

Baking soda has alkaline properties and reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide gas, which makes it useful as a leavening agent in baking. It also has been used for various health-related purposes throughout history.

The claims that baking soda can cure autoimmune diseases

There are some claims that baking soda can cure or treat autoimmune diseases, even cancer. It’s purported that baking soda can increase the pH of the body and make it more alkaline, which can prevent or reverse these diseases.

The idea is that most autoimmune diseases and cancer thrive in an acidic environment, so by increasing the body’s pH, the disease can be slowed down or eliminated. Some proponents suggest taking baking soda orally, while others recommend applying it topically or through enemas.

Is there any scientific basis for these claims?

There is no scientific evidence that supports the notion that baking soda can cure autoimmune diseases or cancer. The idea that these conditions are caused by an acidic environment is a myth that has been debunked by numerous studies.

While it’s true that some diseases and cancers are associated with acidic pH, it’s not the cause but rather a consequence of the disease. For example, in rheumatoid arthritis, joint inflammation can produce lactic acid that lowers the pH of the surrounding tissue. However, this acidification does not cause the disease but rather results from it.

Additionally, the body has several mechanisms to regulate its pH, so any changes induced by baking soda or other alkaline substances are quickly compensated.

The dangers of excessive baking soda consumption

While baking soda is generally safe when consumed in small quantities during cooking or as an antacid, excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects.

Baking soda is highly alkaline, and if ingested in large amounts, it can disrupt the acid-base balance of the body and cause metabolic alkalosis. Symptoms of alkalosis include nausea, vomiting, headaches, muscle twitching, and confusion. In severe cases, it can lead to seizures and cardiac arrest.

Baking soda and autoimmune diseases: The bottom line

There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that baking soda is a cure or treatment for autoimmune diseases.

While it’s true that baking soda can raise the pH of the body and make it more alkaline, the notion that acidic pH is the cause of these diseases is a myth. Furthermore, excessive consumption of baking soda can lead to dangerous side effects. Therefore, it’s important to rely on evidence-based treatments for autoimmune diseases that are prescribed by qualified healthcare providers.

If you have an autoimmune disease, consult with your doctor before trying any alternative or complementary therapies, including baking soda.

Conclusion

Baking soda is a versatile household item that has been used for different purposes for centuries. However, there is no scientific evidence that supports the claim that it can cure autoimmune diseases or cancer.

While some proponents suggest using it as a home remedy, excessive consumption of baking soda can lead to dangerous side effects. Therefore, it’s essential to rely on evidence-based treatments for these conditions and follow the advice of qualified healthcare providers.