Ailment: Weak digestion

Remedy: Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Baking soda / sodium bicarbonate. How to use it as a home remedy, why it works, and warnings on its use.

Lemon juice and baking soda may also be of interest

Baking soda / sodium bicarbonate and lemon juice, how to use this mixture, a potent traditional home remedy.

Comment posted by David Niven Miller of Perth, WA, Australia on 19 January 2012 at 10:25       561

Reply to Johanna: I have removed the reference to Arm & Hammer being aluminium-free. Thanks for the question. If they do not advertise as aluminium-free then they are probably not, at the least they should not be promoted as such.

Question posted by johanna of wijchen, gelderland, The Netherlands on 19 January 2012 at 2:42       560

Is ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda really aluminum free? Are you sure? I have asked them this question via their website twice and heard nothing from them. Your reply would be truly appreciated. Yours truly, Johanna From Holland

Comment posted by Tashimoto of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada on 29 October 2011 at 10:49       518

YES
Lemons taste acidic but they leave an alkaline ash upon digestion. The point of combining lemon and baking sodium is to achieve a more balanced sodium (baking soda) to potassium (lemon/lime) ratio which is very good for the human organism. Additionally, it is recommended to take the mixture on an empty stomach, away from meal times so as to eliminate any concerns about acid-alkaline digestive issues while eating meals.

Comment posted by Bo of Brisbane, Qld, Australia on 19 May 2011 at 9:30       462

NO
What is the point of neutralising the acidity of the lemon juice with baking soda? That defeats the purpose, because it's increased acidity that you need for weak digestion (unless it's not hydrochloric acid you lack but digestive enzymes, in which case take some digestive enzymes with your meal). If it's hydrochloric acid you need, just take the ACV or lemon juice with your meal, and if you are worried about corroding teeth, just brush your teeth after your meal. Or, rinse out your mouth with bicarb solution after taking the lemon juice or ACV BUT THEN SPIT IT OUT.

Comment posted by David Niven Miller of Perth, WA, Australia on 2 November 2010 at 11:51       417

Crohn's disease and weak digestion have much in common.

With Crohn's disease the weak digestion is associated with Inflammation, which is also associated with many other degenerative diseases like heart disease, arthritis, many skin ailments etc. The inflammation of the digestive tract results in diarrhoea and poor absorption of nutrients. Lack of nutrients often results in weight loss, fatigue, bad skin, loss of concentration, and a vicious circle of general poor health. Unfriendly bacteria and fungi build up in the intestines, digestion gets even worse, and so on.

To relieve or cure Crohn's disease, you need to tackle it in several directions, tailored to the causes in your particular case.

You need to get a wide range of digestible minerals. Fulvic acid and / or humic acid are a good source. Take them three times per day according to supplier's instructions. You may get some diarrhoea in the first few days of use particularly if you are taking large quantities and there is a detox effect, but the benefits are substantial. Other Ionic mineral and juice supplements (Juice Plus, for example) from a variety of suppliers may also be very effective, though they can be expensive.

Sea salt. Once a week take a teaspoon of unprocessed sea salt (such as Celtic salt or pan salt) in a glass of water. Take it in the early evening. It may have a slight laxative effect, but it has many benefits such as a wide mineral spectrum and alkalising effect.

Fecal transplant (FMT). The introduction of colonic bacteria from a healthy donor. After the transplant there is usually complete remission. If symptoms gradually recur after a period, doing another transplant gets things back to normal again.

Increase stomach acidity. Apple cider vinegar is most effective, discussed at length on this growyouthful site.

Alkalise. Take a quarter teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water three times per day. It may take 2 weeks to notice any effects. If taking it on its own, take it between meals so it does not counter the acidity of apple cider vinegar. The Grow Youthful web page on baking soda also explains how to mix them.

Probiotics. Build up good bacteria. Eat and drink lactic bacteria rich foods, such as sauerkraut, Kimchee, liquid whey, kefir, rejuvelac etc.

Drink pure water. No fluorides. No chlorides. No other pollutants. Use a reverse osmosis or distiller filter, or get clean rain water or unprocessed water.

Borax. 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon borax in 1 litre of water, taken throughout the day. Take 4-5 days each week.

Foods that are rich in Vitamin the B complex (fresh organic foods rather than processed factory foods. Liver, kefir, egg yolk, avocados, fresh tree-nuts, fish and seafood - the diet recommended in Grow Youthful.

Iodine. An iodine supplement or foods that are rich in iodine.

Comment posted by David Niven Miller of Perth, WA, Australia on 7 June 2010 at 19:59       264

YES
Apple cider vinegar and fresh lemon / lime / citrus juice are our most effective and voted for remedies for acid reflux / heartburn. Read above why is it beneficial to take them with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda).
Baking soda is also a fantastic way to alkalise the body, and is a great remedy for many skin ailments.