07/20/2009: Luis from Cali, Colombia: "Good news for our natural health EC community of practice:

Baking Soda: For Cooking, Cleaning, And Kidney Health?

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716201123.htm

ScienceDaily (July 17, 2009) "A daily dose of sodium bicarbonate -- baking soda, already used for baking, cleaning, acid indigestion, sunburn, and more-- slows the decline of kidney function in some patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), reports an upcoming study in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology (JASN). "This cheap and simple strategy also improves patients' nutritional status, and has the potential of translating into significant economic, quality of life, and clinical outcome benefits," comments Magdi Yaqoob, MD (Royal London Hospital).

The study included 134 patients with advanced CKD and low bicarbonate levels, also called metabolic acidosis. One group received a small daily dose of sodium bicarbonate in tablet form, in addition to their usual care. For this group, the rate of decline in kidney function was greatly reduced--about two-thirds slower than in patients. "In fact, in patients taking sodium bicarbonate, the rate of decline in kidney function was similar to the normal age-related decline," says Yaqoob.

Rapid progression of kidney disease occurred in just nine percent of patients taking sodium bicarbonate, compared to 45 percent of the other group. Patients taking sodium bicarbonate were also less likely to develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis.

Patients taking sodium bicarbonate also had improvement in several measures of nutrition. Although their sodium levels went up, this didn't lead to any problems with increased blood pressure.

Low bicarbonate levels are common in patients with CKD and can lead to a wide range of other problems. "This is the first randomized controlled study of its kind," says Yaqoob. "A simple remedy like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), when used appropriately, can be very effective."

The researchers note some important limitations of their study%uFFFDthere was no placebo group and the researchers were aware of which patients were receiving sodium bicarbonate. "Our results will need validation in a multicenter study," says Yaqoob.

Other authors were Ione de Brito-Ashurst, RD, Mira Varaganum, PhD, and Martin J. Raftery, MD (William Harvey Research Institute and Barts and the London NHS Trust, London). The authors reported no financial disclosures.
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Journal reference:
1.Ione de Brito-Ashurst , Mira Varagunam , Martin J. Raftery , and Muhammad M. Yaqoob. Bicarbonate Supplementation Slows Progression of CKD and Improves Nutritional Status. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, 2009; DOI: 10.1681/ASN.2008111205"

[YEA]  08/12/2011: Paula J. Schutte, Ccht from Denver, Colorado: "Thank you for your information. I am a Colon Hydro Therapist who sees many clients with acid reflux, gout and rheumotoid arthritis. I have used your tip on baking soda, lime and lemon juice with a splash of water for a few years now and it has helped in 100% of the cases where folks stuck with it a bit. Thank you, thank you!"

11/27/2011: Andoy from Boise, Id replies: "Thanks for the tip. It worked for my constipation too."

03/29/2009: DrJ from Bombay, India replies: "Dear Linda, the reason for the genital yeast infection is because your urine become too alkaline, above 7, try taking 1/4 teaspoon instead and mix in lemon juice also it will still do the job but wont give you the infection afterward. Bicarb will not harm your good bacteria, as this is anerobic, and bicarb increases oxygen due to its base action."

07/03/2009: Linda from Denver, CO replies: "Dear DrJ - I am grateful for your very specific and helpful feedback, and I'm sure it is very useful to others who wish to use the same remedy. Recently (before reading your reply) I tried cutting back on the amount of baking soda and you are right -- it does prevent getting a vaginal infection. I haven't tried it with the lemon juice, but I believe that would be a beneficial addition to my remedy and will give it a try. Thanks!"

[YEA]  04/30/2009: Liz from Melbourne, Florida USA: "I have been dealing with SEVERE nausea since starting chemo treatments for leukemia in 2005. I stopped all chemo meds in 2006 but the nausea has stuck around since then. I have tried EVERYTHING that the doctors have given me. I finally got tired of putting chemicals into my body and started searching for natural remedies. I found this website through a cancer community and it has been a GODSENT! I tried the baking soda for nausea and within 5 minutes, my nausea is almost completely gone. It would have taken Phenegren over an hour to help. Thanks SO much for this website!"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  04/18/2009: Misty from Fullerton, California, USA: "I have tried baking soda to alkalinize my system. This is because a recent colonoscopy resulted in minor surgery to remove a large polyp. I was told the polyp was a "pre-cancerous condition" and because of info I've gotten on the net, I decided to try 1/4 tsp baking soda in drinking water several times a day to neutralize an acidic blood condition. Apparently an acidic condition can produce cancer. To my surprise, a great deal of pain happened very quickly, in the joints and hip. I couldn't walk. It subsided when I stopped taking the baking soda and then started up again when I took it a second time. So there seems to be a link between pain and baking soda for my body (not necessarily yours). I am wondering if you know about this and can explain it, and also can recommend any alternative ways to bring the pH balance to a more alkaline state."

06/06/2009: ZeeZee from Tillamook, Oregon replies: "this is just a guess, but i wonder if the joint pain is from things happening too fast. perhaps a lower dose to start. Also, diet and water filters can change body ph. I have done diet and baking soda (2tsp per gal) and joint pain is gone."

[YEA]  08/07/2007: Pat from Fredericksburg, VA, USA: "I have restless legs at night sometimes. Since reading about the many cures here I have tried 1/4 tsp of baking soda in a cup of water: within 20 minutes my legs are calm and I am able to sleep. I haven't found anything else that helps; won't try pharmaceutical drugs to help, don't want any side effects. The baking soda really helps me!"

01/14/2010: Phoenix75 from Carmel, Ca, U.s.a.: "I used baking soda, as an exfoliant, on my hands and arms; it made them super soft and worked wonderfully!!"

05/05/2010: Sesame from Minneapolis, Mn replies: "I suggest you try organic, cold pressed sesame oil as your skin moisturizer after washing with baking soda. I've had acne and skin trouble for decades, and I recently solved the problem with these simple, natural products.

You may also try using any good dandruff shampoo, since "combination" skin (oily yet with dry flakes)may actually be a form of dermatitis that creeps into your face from your scalp.

The sesame oil (buy at health food store)is so excellent for skin, you will be thrilled with the cleansing and tightening of pores (especially around the nose). Use very little. Use all over body either before or after shower, as you like. It removed the little bumps I had on my arms within 2 weeks. My skin is markedly improved. I've read that it cures gum diseases & athletes foot too. Fungus doesn't like it, but your skin & your whole system will love it. Sesame oil is a MUST! Good luck! :)"

05/06/2010: Tee from Chicago, Il replies: "I have used both olive and sesame oil for my acne with no improvement. I want to try them both again after reading the recent posts on the two. As anyone ever heard of ozonated olive oil? If so what is a reputable place to get it from?"

05/07/2010: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Tee,

The reason you don't see any improvement is because the source of the acne is from what is going on internally. Remember, our outside is a reflection of what is going on on the inside. Perhaps, there might be some relief by using oils on the skin but rashes, acne, skin afflicitons will persist if we do not go to the core and eradicate the problem. This is done through diet if you wish to see any real changes. Of course most drs. are not going to tell you that. Instead, they will just give you antibiotics to "clear up the problem" which only exacerbates the whole situation leading you further into bedlam. Antibiotics destroy any good flora that exists in the body- if there is any after eating a typical standard American diet (SAD).

I considered my diet very good if not excellent but always dealt with rashes occurring and re-occurring and also very dry skin unless I slathered oils on it. Problems with my scalp and both oily and dandruff conditions. Melasma on my face as well. Upon re-evaluationg my diet and being clear with that, I have turned all of that around.

I hope this info helps. Lisa"