More commonly known as baking soda, this mineral has a long history of use in cooking, cleaning and medicine. Sodium bicarbonate is composed of particles of sodium interspersed with particles of bicarbonate – a mild base. The formula reacts with certain acids in the stomach and blood by neutralizing them. It is prescribed as an antacid to treat acid reflux, gout and uric acid kidney stones, and is one of the ingredients used in hemodialysis, helping to regulate and maintain body pH.
Sodium bicarbonate serves a very important purpose in the intestinal tract, where acids from the stomach spill out into the small intestine. The acids are potentially dangerous, as our intestines do not have the thick, acid-proof lining our stomach does. Our pancreas naturally produces sodium bicarbonate to counter-balance these stomach acids, but this can be depleted.
One other use can be to aid recovery from vigorous work outs. Exercise produces lactic acid in the body that can interfere with muscle contractions and energy production.
Whenever you introduce a new chemical compound into your system, it is best to inform yourself of all possible reactions and side effects that should be considered. Even natural compounds like sodium bicarbonate can be toxic when mixed with other chemical compounds. Talk to your health care provider before beginning any new treatment.
Sodium ions are used against potassium ions to build up charges on cell membranes, allowing transmission of nerve impulses when the charge is dissipated.
