Mahatma Gandhi not only lived a simple life, but also adopted natural remedies to take care of his health. One of them was baking soda, which we also know as baking soda.

In today's time, we hear a lot of new things related to health, such as detox drinks, pH balance or home remedies for stomach gas and acidity. But do you know that our Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, i.e., Bapu, used to adopt some such home remedies long ago, which would be hard to believe. Mahatma Gandhi not only lived a simple life, but he also adopted a lot of natural remedies to take care of his health.

One of these remedies of Mahatma Gandhi was baking soda, which we also know as baking soda or sodium bicarbonate. Bapu used to drink water by adding a little baking soda to it, especially during fasting or body fatigue, he used to drink water regularly by adding salt and baking soda to it. In such a situation, let us know why Bapu used to drink water by adding baking soda and how much benefit it has for health.

Why did Bapu drink water mixed with baking soda?

Mahatma Gandhi fasted for a week during which his body became very weak, he had to take support to walk and his stomach condition also worsened. One thing that Bapu used to take regularly during this fast was to drink water mixed with salt and baking soda. This gave him relief from nausea and stomach irritation. Bapu kept drinking this water for the entire seven days and when he finally broke the fast, he slowly started his diet again with grape juice, orange juice and goat milk. During this time he lost 7 pounds.

What is baking soda?

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate is a white powder that is naturally alkaline. When it is mixed with water and an acidic substance, it undergoes a chemical reaction and releases gas. This is why it is used in baking, but this same process can also affect the digestive system and other parts of the body, which sometimes provides health benefits. 

Benefits of drinking baking soda and water

1. Relief from heartburn and indigestion - Baking soda neutralizes stomach acid, which can provide relief from acidity, gas and heartburn. It acts as a natural antacid.

2. Maintaining the pH balance of the body - Some experts believe that baking soda can reduce the acidic effect in the body.

3. Beneficial for kidney health – In some cases of serious kidney disease, baking soda is used to reduce the accumulation of acid in the body.

4. Increases stamina – It can help reduce lactic acid, which can improve your performance and increase stamina.

5. Beneficial for electrolytes – The sodium present in baking soda can help keep the body hydrated, especially during heat and exercise.

Harmful effects of drinking baking soda and water

1. Risk of metabolic alkalosis - If baking soda is consumed in large quantities, it can increase the alkaline in the body, which can cause an imbalance in the blood pH. This can cause dizziness, muscle cramps and even heart problems.

2. Diarrhoea, vomiting and dehydration - If taken in large amounts, it can have adverse effects on the digestive system.

3. Effect on kidneys - People who already have kidney problems should not consume it without consulting a doctor.

4. Risk of increasing sodium levels - 1 teaspoon of baking soda contains about 1200 mg of sodium, which can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure and heart disease.