Baking Soda (1 cup)

Baking Soda

Baking Soda is a leavening agent—a substance used in doughs and batters that causes them to rise. In the presence of moisture, heat, acidity, or other triggers, the leavening agent reacts to produce gas (often carbon dioxide) that becomes trapped as bubbles within the dough. When a dough or batter is baked, it "sets" and the holes left by the gas bubbles remain. This is what gives breads, cakes, and other baked goods their soft, sponge-like textures. Baking Soda is also an inexpensive and effective cleaner and deodorizer that has many household uses.

Caution: As with any dietary or herbal supplement, you should advise your health care practitioner of the use of this product. If you have ulcers, gallstones or are nursing, pregnant, or considering pregnancy, you should consult your health professional prior to taking this product.

Baking Soda is a safe and effective antacid for temporary relief from the discomfort of heartburn, sour stomach and acid indigestion caused by excess gastric acidity. Baking Soda has a somewhat bitter taste, but can be taken mixed with water. Baking Soda acts as an antacid, neutralizing stomach acids that digest food. When the stomach produces too much acid, the feeling of discomfort associated with heartburn becomes a factor. However, it is important to understand that heartburn can also be caused by too little stomach acid. If this is the case, repeated use of antacids may create an alkaline environment in the stomach that seriously impairs digestion.

If you suffer from indigestion or heartburn on a regular basis, contact your Health Professional to take a simple test* that will determine if you are producing too much or too little stomach acid.

*Some Health Professionals check stomach acidity with an acidic supplement such as Betaine HCL. Basically, if you ingest some HCL and do not experience any burning or discomfort you are probably secreting insufficient stomach acid. Warning: if you do experience a burning sensation, stop. Do not ingest any more HCL. Your stomach acid secretion is probably adequate.

Problems relating to supplementary HCL are rare, but they can be serious. Those taking HCL should be supervised by a Health Professional.