Baking soda can be indicated for:

1. To whiten teeth
The use of toothpastes that contain bicarbonate in the composition is a way to deeply clean the teeth and gums, because it removes the yellowish color of the stains present in the enamel of the teeth and the bacterial plaque that tends to accumulate in the places less reached by the brush.

How to use: it is recommended to brush your teeth with bicarbonate toothpaste 2 to 3 times a day.

2. Fight stomach acidity and reflux
Bicarbonate helps minimize the effects of burning and pain that come after eating and that are caused by stomach acidity and reflux, as it helps neutralize stomach acids.

How to use: to neutralize excess acidity and fight reflux it is recommended to prepare a solution with 1 teaspoon of baking soda with 250ml of water and drink at least half of the mixture to get the desired effect, acting directly to minimize the effects of burning and pain, especially after meals. Know 5 home remedies to treat reflux.

3. Exfoliate and fight foot odor
The baking soda scrub helps to eliminate dead cells present in the thicker and rougher areas of the foot, such as the heels and plantar region. In addition, the bicarbonate is an excellent odor neutralizer due to its antifungal action.

How to use: to perform the treatment, it is recommended to mix 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate in 2 tablespoons of liquid soap or sweet almond oil, and perform circular movements for 10 minutes, then wash with warm or cold water and dry with a soft towel. See other options for homemade body scrubs.

4. Do a sitz bath against urinary infection
When the symptoms of urinary infection are present, such as urgency to urinate, pain and burning, it is possible to opt for a home treatment with baking soda to relieve the symptoms.

How to use: to treat urinary tract infections, you should fill a basin with 3 liters of water and add 3 tablespoons of baking soda until it is completely dissolved. Then you should sit naked in this water for about 20 to 30 minutes, and repeat this once a day.

It is possible to observe a significant improvement in the symptoms after 4 days of treatment, but it is essential to follow some precautions, such as drinking 2 liters of water a day and performing the proper hygiene of the intimate region, in addition to consulting a general practitioner for a more thorough investigation of the condition. See what else you can do to combat urinary infection.

5. Remove dark spots from the skin
The dark spots on the skin arise, due to an increase in the production of melanin in the skin, which is usually the result of some factors, such as sun exposure, inflammatory processes or hormonal changes, for example.

How to use: to treat dark spots it is possible to make a homemade scrub by mixing 1 spoon of baking soda in 3 spoons of sweet almond oil or coconut oil, until you get a homogeneous mixture. Then perform circular movements on the area you wish to treat for 10 minutes and wash with warm water until any residue is eliminated.

6. Wash the hair deeply
The small granules of bicarbonate can act as an exfoliator, being useful to eliminate excess oiliness in the hair, seborrheic dandruff, and also to open the hair cuticles, facilitating the absorption of actives present in moisturizing creams and masks, such as hair sealing.

How to use: to wash your hair, it is recommended to mix one or two tablespoons of baking soda with a little water until it forms a paste. Then apply it on the scalp and hair, leave it on for 15 minutes, and rinse. Then wash your hair with the shampoo normally used.

7. To lighten fingernails
Baking soda is capable of eliminating the yellowish color of the nails, in addition to strengthening their growth.

How to use: to perform the treatment, it is recommended to mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda with half a squeezed lemon. Then, rub this mixture on each nail, with the help of a gauze or cotton pad, and leave it on for 5 minutes. Finally, wash your nails under running water and apply sunscreen to your hands to avoid stains and skin burns.

8. Exfoliate your skin before epilating
The elimination of dead cells, present in the first layer of the skin, helps the penetration of natural actives and assists in the most efficient and less painful removal of hair.

How to use: to perform the exfoliation, it is recommended to mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with water or coconut oil and perform light circular movements for 10 minutes, avoiding intense scrubbing, so as not to damage the skin. Then wash the area you want to shave with warm or cold water and dry it with a soft towel. The ideal is to exfoliate 1 day before waxing.

9. Gargle against itchy throat
The itchy throat can be caused by some factors, such as allergies, irritation or infection. In this case, the bicarbonate can help to eliminate the microorganisms present in the area.

How to use: it is recommended to gargle by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with half a cup of warm water and repeat the procedure 4 to 5 times.

10. Sanitize food
Baking soda can help to decrease or eliminate some viruses and bacteria that may be present in some foods and cause diseases such as hepatitis, cholera, and salmonellosis, for example. In addition, baking soda helps to eliminate dirt and some pesticides and pesticides in unpeeled fruits and vegetables and in green leafy vegetables.

How to use: to sanitize the food, you should soak it in a container with 1 liter of water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda for about 15 minutes. Then wash with running water to eliminate the residues before consumption.