The caffeine in soda is not your friend.
“Drinking too much caffeine can make you dehydrated, and it can overstimulate
the nervous system, making you fatigued and exhausted,” says Smith. “I find
that when people cut back on caffeine they have more energy because the
caffeine causes very big highs and lows,” she adds. In her practice, Smith has
seen that quitting soda can lead to a positive domino effect. “There is way
more energy for our bodies in real food than in processed foods,” she says,
adding, “When people cut back on processed items, they often look for more
fresh foods and make better choices. By giving up soda, it may seem like you’re
making one change, but it can actually change a couple aspects of your diet for
the better.”
Baking Soda Toxicity
Because baking soda breaks down into sodium ions in the body --
an electrolyte that can have powerful effects -- taking too much baking soda
can disrupt the activity of your muscles, heart and brain. According to a study
published in the December 2013 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
and Therapeutics," more than 50 percent of the 192 people reported to the
California Poison Control System for baking soda between 2000 and 2012 had to
go to the emergency room for treatment. Dosages ranging from a quarter of a box
to more than a full box caused seizures, abdominal pain, chest pain, muscle
pain and other serious conditions.
Safe Dosage
According to Arm & Hammer, a manufacturer of baking soda,
mixing 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda into 1/2 glass of water is a safe dose for
the relief of heartburn. People between the ages of 5 and 60 can take up to 7
doses spaced at least 2 hours apart in a 24-hour period. If you are older than
60, take up to 3 doses in 24 hours. The instructions caution consumers to avoid
taking the maximum dosage for more than two weeks. If you have such frequent
heartburn or stomach upset, see your doctor.
Tips for Drinking Baking Soda
§ Baking soda is high
in sodium. It's not safe in high doses and shouldn't be used for long periods
of time.
§ Individuals who
have edema, liver disease, kidney disease, or high blood pressure shouldn't use
baking soda.
§ Baking soda should
be considered unsafe for nursing mothers or pregnant women unless advised by their
doctors.
§ Possible side
effects of consuming baking soda in water include cramping of the stomach and
increased thirstiness.
§ Contact your doctor
if you experience swelling of the feet, weakness, slow breathing, or nausea.
§ NEVER take baking
powder; it is an entirely different substance than baking soda or sodium
bicarbonate. Ingredients in baking powder can harm your body.
§ Avoid drinking
anything with bicarbonate of soda if you're on a sodium-restricted diet or if
you have high blood pressure, unless directed by your doctor.
§ If you're on
prescription drugs, get medical clearance before taking baking soda.
§ Do not give baking
soda with water to children younger than age five.
§ If you have a full
stomach, do not drink baking soda water until you've had a chance to digest.
§ Athletes should
find out from their trainers and doctors if baking soda is considered a banned
performance enhancer in their sport.
§ To avoid impurities
like aluminium that some brands of baking soda may contain, you can buy pure
sodium bicarbonate, which is widely available online.
§ Be cautious with
baking soda and consult your doctor if you are on a sodium-restricted diet or
have high blood pressure, because it's moderately high in sodium.
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