Adding baking soda to your food or water is thought to help you lose weight in several ways. Proponents believe that baking soda acts as a filler, suppresses the appetite and makes the food or water to which it is added alkaline, possibly contributing to weight loss. However, these claims have not been validated by research.
Theory
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a chemical commonly used in baking. Baking soda works as a filler and makes food look bigger. Psychologically, you may think you ate more than the calories you actually consumed. Baking soda also produces bubbles, which may suppress your appetite. Baking soda makes the food or water to which it is added alkaline, which means it increases the pH, making our body alkaline. Advocates claim that when added to food or water, baking soda may help you lose weight.
Benefits of Alkalinity
According to Dr. George M. Wolverton, an alkaline body turns fat into muscle and energy, while an acidic body burns muscle and stores fat. He has routinely seen people lose weight who are steadfast in following an alkalarian diet. Wolverton claims the typical American diet high in white sugar and flour keeps the body in an acidic state of burning muscle and storing fat. According to the Acid Alkaline Diet website, drinking alkaline water and eating alkaline foods helps your body get rid of acid waste, returns your body to a healthy pH and may help you lose weight.
Risks
Adding baking soda to your food or water comes with risks. Because it is a relatively new concept, the amount of baking soda that is safe to consume is unclear. According to HealthCentral.com, symptoms of a baking soda overdose can target the gastrointestinal system and nervous system or be experienced body-wide. Symptoms may include irritability, constipation, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, convulsions and frequent urination.
Considerations
According to Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. of the Mayo Clinic, drinking alkaline water is not necessarily better for you than drinking plain water. She acknowledges the potential benefits of drinking alkaline water, such as neutralizing acid in your bloodstream, boosting your energy level and metabolism, helping your body absorb nutrients more effectively, slowing the aging process and resisting disease. However, she emphasizes that researchers haven't verified these claims. The only claim that has been researched is that alkaline water may slow bone loss.
Solution
There is no "quick fix" for weight loss, including consuming baking soda. While some have found it beneficial, it is not supported by research. Losing weight is best achieved through lifestyle changes that include drinking plenty of water, eating a diet rich in a variety of fruits and vegetables and exercising on a regular basis. If you are considering including baking soda in your weight loss plan, do so only under the supervision of a qualified practitioner due to the associated risks.
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