Do you sometimes find your coffee a tad too acidic for your liking? Or perhaps you’ve been struggling with a sensitive stomach that doesn’t take kindly to your caffeine love affair? Believe it or not, the solution to these problems might be in your pantry, and it goes by the name of baking soda. Yes, you heard that right, adding baking soda to your coffee can be a game-changer, and I’m here to share why.
A few months ago, I found myself in a curious predicament. While visiting friends, I observed them sprinkling baking soda onto their coffee grounds before brewing. As a self-confessed coffee purist, I was taken aback, to say the least. Yet, they insisted that this peculiar practice made their coffee easier on the stomach. Intrigued, I decided to do a little research to see if there was any truth to their claim.
It’s no secret to any coffee lover that this beloved beverage is acidic. But what may not be common knowledge is that the acidity in coffee can exacerbate certain health conditions like gastric ulcers, acid reflux, and irritable bowel syndrome. This means that if you’re a coffee enthusiast with a sensitive stomach, you might need to keep a watchful eye on your intake.
Here’s where the chemistry comes into play. On the pH scale, coffee clocks in at around five, which is decidedly acidic. Baking soda, on the other hand, is alkaline. By adding as little as a 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda to a pot of coffee, you can neutralize some of the acids, shifting the pH balance towards alkalinity. This simple action can take the edge off the harsh flavors of budget-friendly coffee and make it more palatable for those with sensitive stomachs.
However, there’s a caveat. While my friends and others swear by the alkalizing effect of baking soda on coffee, the research is, to be fair, largely anecdotal. If coffee is giving you digestive woes, it might be more beneficial to switch to low-acid coffee or, in extreme cases, eliminate it from your diet altogether. Personally, I favor investing in high-quality beans over adding baking soda.
Why Should You Consider Adding Baking Soda to Your Coffee?
There are several reasons why adding a sprinkle of baking soda to your cup of joe might be worth considering, besides cleaning a coffee maker with baking soda.:
Combatting Heartburn or Acidity
A pinch of baking soda can help counterbalance the acidity in your coffee, which is often a result of using lower-cost or medium-quality beans. This minor addition can turn your brew into a beverage that won’t cause stomach troubles.
Alleviating Stomach Aches
For those with sensitive digestive systems, the acidity in coffee can trigger intense stomach aches. Adding baking soda to your coffee can provide a soothing effect against these acids, offering timely relief.
Mitigating Acid Reflux
If you’re grappling with acid reflux or stomach ulcers, drinking coffee may exacerbate these conditions. Fortunately, incorporating baking soda into your coffee routine can help you continue to enjoy your favorite hot beverage without the associated discomfort.
Potentially Relieving Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when excess uric acid crystallizes and deposits in the joints. Baking soda may help lower uric acid levels in the blood, aiding in the breakdown and expulsion of these crystals from the body. Just add a pinch to your coffee, or more if needed, and see if it helps.
Side Effects of Baking Soda
Add too much baking soda to coffee or overdo it. Due to the extremely high sodium in baking soda, there will undoubtedly be consequences, including raised blood pressure and heart and kidney issues.
Besides, adding baking soda to your coffee too much can alter the taste of your brew. You might end up with a soapy taste in your mouth. For the best experience, just a tiny pinch is all you need!
Is Baking Soda Good for Alkalizing the Body?
Baking soda has an alkalizing effect, which means it eliminates the acids in acidic substances. Research is currently being done on baking soda’s usefulness in slowing down cancer cell growth.
While it is known that cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment, there is insufficient evidence to show the efficiency of baking soda in cancer treatment.
Additionally, baking soda can be used as a mouthwash as well. It has a proven antibacterial and antimicrobial property that makes it worthwhile when you suffer from gum problems or even an abscess.
Athletes also use sodium bicarbonate to enhance their athletic performance. It has proven especially useful for high-intensity training and sprinting.
This compound is also helpful in the reduction of itchiness due to sunburns and other skin conditions. Just add a 1-cup of sodium bicarbonate to your regular bath and let it works its magic.
Sodium bicarbonate is linked to many health benefits, some of which I have just mentioned. It is difficult to mention them all here. But if you wish to learn how else sodium bicarbonate is helpful to your health, let me know. I will provide you with that information.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. Remember to support us by purchasing through the Amazon/Walmart/Impact Radius links provided. Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
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