How to Use Baking Soda to Treat Constipation

Baking soda contains an alkaline composition that can aid in neutralizing the acidic digestive juices. It is commonly used as a home remedy for indigestion and for many years was used in enemas to restore the pH balance. The reasons it helps constipation include:

• Baking soda can help relieve pressure and pains associated with the digestive tract, relieving gas, air, stomach aches and bloating.

• Baking soda helps loosen stool and act as a laxative and makes it easier to move through the intestines. It can draw fluid into the digestive tract which prompts contractions of the gastrointestinal muscles that move the food through the intestines.

• The air released from the digestive tract by consuming baking soda forces blockages out of the system.

• It also acts a cleanser for the colon, so there is less odor when clearing out the digestive tract.

Consuming Baking Soda

• Baking soda and warm water. Drink a ¼ cup of warm water or room temperature water mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking soda in the morning before you eat anything else will help break down food. You can add in a pinch of salt to the mixture as well. To prevent constipation, be sure to drinking plenty of water through the day when trying this remedy.

• Baking soda with apple cider vinegar. You can mix baking soda with apple cider vinegar to create a paste or as a liquid. For a paste, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and take 1-2 times a day. This remedy can cause diarrhea if too much is taken. To drink the mixture, cut the baking soda in half and combine the apple cider vinegar and baking soda with a glass of water.

• Baking soda with lemon juice. The additional citric acid found in lemon juices helps flush toxins from the colon walls. Combine a large teaspoon of baking soda with half the juice of a lemon in a glass of water. Drink the mixture regularly.

Soaking in Baking Soda

Stir in three tablespoons baking to warm bath water and soak for a few minutes. Dry off and repeat on a regular basis until you feel relief. This works greatly.

Besides baking soda, there are more natural ways to deal with constipation. Just watch the video below to know more.

While there are few reported instances of side effects occurring while using baking soda for constipation, too much baking soda can cause:

• diarrhea

• frequent urination

• vomiting

• muscle weakness

• muscles spasms

• irritability

• convulsions

In very rare occurrences, the stomach can rupture. If your digestive tract is too full, the carbon dioxide that is produced when the stomach acid and baking soda mix cannot escape, which eventually causes the stomach to burst.

If you are sensitive to salt or have high blood pressure, kidney disease or heart disease, the high amounts of sodium in baking soda can increase your risk of developing heart problems.

Medication and supplements may not mix well with baking soda and can cause negative interactions.

If you feel severe or sudden abdominal pain while taking baking soda for constipation, seek medical attention immediately.