[domdabears]

I came across this video and found it interesting. Most of the uses is common sense, but there are some I had no idea it could be used for. Especially the medicinal uses.


Medical uses

Sodium bicarbonate is used in an aqueous solution as an antacid taken orally to treat acid indigestion and heartburn. It may also be used in an oral form to treat chronic forms of metabolic acidosis such as chronic renal failure and renal tubular acidosis. Sodium bicarbonate may also be useful in urinary alkalinization for the treatment of aspirin overdose and uric acid renal stones.

An aqueous solution is sometimes administered intravenously for cases of acidosis, or when there are insufficient sodium or bicarbonate ions in the blood. In cases of respiratory acidosis, the infused bicarbonate ion drives the carbonic acid/bicarbonate buffer of plasma to the left and, thus, raises the pH. It is for this reason that sodium bicarbonate is used in medically-supervised cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Infusion of bicarbonate is indicated only when the blood pH is marked (<7.1-7.0) low.

It is used as well for treatment of hyperkalemia. Since sodium bicarbonate can cause alkalosis, it is sometimes used in to treat aspirin overdoses. Aspirin requires an acidic environment for proper absorption, and the basic environment diminishes aspirin absorption in the case of an overdose. Sodium bicarbonate has also been used in the treatment of tricyclic antidepressant overdose. It can also be applied topically as a paste, with three parts baking soda to one part water, to relieve insect bites.

Adverse reactions to the administration of sodium bicarbonate can include metabolic alkalosis, edema due to sodium overload, congestive heart failure, hyperosmolar syndrome, hypervolemic hypernatremia, and hypertension due to increased sodium. In patients who consume a high calcium or dairy-rich diet, calcium supplements, or calcium-containing antacids such as calcium carbonate (e.g., Tums), the use of sodium bicarbonate can cause milk-alkali syndrome, which can result in metastatic calcification, kidney stones, and kidney failure.

Sodium bicarbonate is also used as an ingredient in some mouthwashes. It works as a mechanical cleanser on the teeth and gums, neutralizes the production of acid in the mouth and also as an antiseptic to help prevent infections occurring.

Miscellaneous

Sodium bicarbonate can be used to extinguish small grease or electrical fires by being poured or dumped over the fire. However, it should not be poured or dumped onto fires in deep fryers as it may cause the grease to splatter. Sodium bicarbonate is used in BC dry chemical fire extinguishers as an alternative to the more corrosive ammonium phosphate in ABC extinguishers. The alkali nature of sodium bicarbonate makes it the only dry chemical agent, besides Purple-K, that was used in large scale fire suppression systems installed in commercial kitchens. Because it can act as an alkali, the agent has a mild saponification effect on hot grease, which forms a smothering soapy foam. Dry chemicals have since fallen out of favor for kitchen fires as they have no cooling effect compared to the extremely effective wet chemical agents specifically designed for such hazards.

Sodium bicarbonate is used in a process for cleaning paint called sodablasting. It can be administered to pools, spas, and garden ponds to raise pH levels. It has disinfectant and antiseptic properties, and it may be an effective fungicide against some organisms.

Because it can be used to absorb odors, it is a tried-and-true method of used booksellers. The baking soda will absorb the musty smell, leaving the books less odorous.
Sodium bicarbonate - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[snowshoe67]

Domdabear; Thanks for that info. I use baking soda and lot for cleaning.

[domdabears]

Originally Posted by snowshoe67

Domdabear; Thanks for that info. I use baking soda and lot for cleaning.

thanks. I use it for cleaning too. when my kitchen sink drain gets clogged i pour baking soda and vinegar down it and it clears it right up. Ive also used it to brush my teeth when i ran out of toothpaste. It tastes horrible. other than that, thats really all ive used it for.
I like the antacid info on it.

[George]

My grandma sometimes used bicarb soda for baking.

Not sure how big is the difference between bicarb soda and baking powder, but this is what she did.

[tjwilhelm]

Baking Powder = Baking Soda + Cream of Tartar

[George]

Thanks Tjwilhelm,

Would you know what role has Cream of Tartar?

From memory Bicarb soda makes bubbles of CO2 in high temperature, so cake can rise, don't know about the other one.

[Slade N. Illinois]

Wow, yet another reason to keep a few boxes in the house.

[tjwilhelm]

Originally Posted by George

Thanks Tjwilhelm,

Would you know what role has Cream of Tartar?

From memory Bicarb soda makes bubbles of CO2 in high temperature, so cake can rise, don't know about the other one.

My understanding is that Baking POWDER has a leavening action in baked goods, making them a bit fluffy. My best guess as to HOW this happens is that Baking Soda is alkaline, and Cream of Tartar is slightly acidic. When water is added, the two likely react and release some CO2.

[George]

Originally Posted by tjwilhelm

My understanding is that Baking POWDER has a leavening action in baked goods, making them a bit fluffy. My best guess as to HOW this happens is that Baking Soda is alkaline, and Cream of Tartar is slightly acidic. When water is added, the two likely react and release some CO2.

Thanks,
This makes perfect sense, as it is advised to have oven preheated and bake soon after Baking Powder is stirred in.

[Camdor]

Originally Posted by tjwilhelm

My understanding is that Baking POWDER has a leavening action in baked goods, making them a bit fluffy. My best guess as to HOW this happens is that Baking Soda is alkaline, and Cream of Tartar is slightly acidic. When water is added, the two likely react and release some CO2.

You're correct

The tartar is acidic which creates the reaction causing the baked goods to rise. The primary difference in culinary of the 2 is this:

Because of the needed addition of acid in recipes calling for baking SODA or single acting baking powder, the reaction is immediate therefore baking must take place as soon as possible. With double acting baking powder, which act in 2 phases, the reaction is much less immediate and the dough can sit before baking. With double acting, some CO2 is released at room temperature, however, as with the other 2, most of the reaction occurs upon baking.

If you have a recipe calling for baking powder, simply mix 2 parts cream of tartar to 1 part baking soda. You can substitute baking powder for baking soda but not the other way around.

You will require more baking powder than baking soda and the flavor will most likely be changed but with some practice, it can be done and makes for interesting variations.

I have often substituted baking powder in home made pancake mixes calling for baking soda. The flavor is very nice, an interesting slight tartness and they rise a bit more.

However, don't make the same mistake a friend of mine made RE: baking soda as tooth cleanser and try to use baking powder. He ran out and thought that the baking powder would work.

He didn't notice anything at first, however within a week or so, he started to notice his teeth becoming more and more sensitive.

Apparently, the cream of tartar started to destroy the enamel of his teeth.

I HAVE, however, used baking powder to clean my drains. It works like MAD when added to vinegar! Imagine 2 acids to 1 base.

It was kind of cool.