Is it true that baking soda can actually improve an athlete's performance?

This was a big issue during the recently concluded Olympics because they say that some athletes use bicarbonate of soda to enhance their performance. Some studies show that this has benefits for endurance and speed athletes, while some say it simply has a Placebo effect.

Studies show that because it is an alkali substance that increases the pH of the blood, it reduces and offsets the acidity produced in the muscles during intense, anaerobic exercise that produces lactic acid most quickly, such as fast running or swimming

Baking soda is called sodium bicarbonate. it is a crystalline chemical compound that taste like alkaline it can be found in mineral springs or can be made artificially. here are some uses and benefits from baking soda.

* It is used in combination with acidic compounds (such as cream of tartar, lemon juice, yoghurt, etc.) as a leavening agent in baking: some forms of baking powder contain sodium bicarbonate combined with cream of tartar. (Note: Some nutritionists, such as Erica White caution against combining with cream of tartar or tartaric acid, as they are toxic substances.)
* Formerly, it was used as a source of carbon dioxide for soda water.
* Sodium bicarbonate has been used as an endurance enhancer.
* It is used as an antacid to treat acid indigestion and heartburn.
* The anhydrous form is also used to absorb moisture and odours; an open box can be left in a refrigerator for this purpose. However, baking soda does not actually absorb odors well when used in a refrigerator (see [3])
* A paste from baking soda can be very effective when used in cleaning and scrubbing.
* Used in toothpaste, baking soda helps to gently remove stains, whiten teeth, freshen breath, and dissolve plaque.
* Baking soda helps remove body odours as it absorbs chemicals, apply using a powder puff.

There is no scientific explanation that baking soda can help an athlete's performance. Allister is correct.

Yes, and it is great in toothpaste and as a cleaning agent.

Yes, baking soda is a good cleaning agent and it is a ingredient for toothpaste.

What are other benefits that we can get from baking soda?

marian24 - 05 February 2009 07:58 PM

What are other benefits that we can get from baking soda?

Treat canker sores by using baking soda and lemon juice.
Olive oil, salt and baking soda can be used for bleeding gums.
Baking soda will also put out fires in clothing, fuel, wood, upholstery and rugs.
Oil and grease -- stained clothing washes out better with baking soda added to the washing water.
Sprinkle baking soda in tennis shoes, socks, boots and slippers to eliminate odor.
1/2-cup or more of baking soda to your bath water will soften your skin.
2-tablespoons of baking soda in your baby's bath water will help relieve diaper rash irritations.
Baking soda can be applied directly to insect bites, rashes and poison ivy to relieve discomfort.
Take a baking soda bath to relieve general skin irritations such as measles and chicken pox.
Unblock stuffy nose by adding a teaspoon of Baking soda to your vaporizer.
Add a cup to the toilet, leave it for an hour, and then flush. It will clean the toilet and absorb the odor.

The most amazing thing about Baking soda is that it’s very inexpensive. You can do all these things for a very small cost and this is just a few things. The list goes on. Baking soda is truly a miracle product, whether it’s used for baking or not.