The Bodacious Benefits of Baking Soda Baths

When I was diagnosed with Hashimotos, my holistic osteopath gave me quite a few "alternative" suggestions on how to help my condition by lowering my stress and joint pain. One of her suggestions was to take a baking soda bath twice a week, with a 1/2 to 1 cup of baking soda, for 20-30 minutes. I had not heard of anything like this before, so why not try it? It was an easy ask, compared to monthly IV treatments and handfuls of supplements.  

Baking soda is a household staple that has been used for various purposes over the years. It is commonly known for its cleaning properties, but baking soda can also be used to improve your overall health and well-being in the form of soaking in a baking soda bath. Let's explore some of the surprising benefits of soaking in baking soda baths...

1. Alleviates Skin Irritation. Baking soda has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin irritation and itching caused by conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. When added to a warm bath, baking soda can help reduce inflammation and redness, leaving your skin feeling calm and comfortable. 

2. Promotes Relaxation. Soaking in a warm bath is known to promote relaxation and relieve stress. Adding baking soda to your bathwater can enhance this effect by soothing your muscles and reducing tension. Baking soda can also help regulate your body's pH levels, which can lead to a more relaxed and calm state of mind. 

3. Detoxifies the Body. Baking soda is a natural detoxifier that can help remove toxins from your body. Soaking in a baking soda bath can help draw out impurities from your skin and pores, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. 

4. Relieves Muscle Pain. If you're experiencing muscle soreness or pain, soaking in a baking soda bath can help relieve discomfort. Baking soda helps reduce inflammation and swelling, which can alleviate muscle pain and speed up the recovery process. 

5. Improves Skin Health. Baking soda is known for its exfoliating properties, which can help remove dead skin cells and promote healthy skin. Soaking in a baking soda bath can help unclog pores and improve skin texture, leaving you with a smooth and radiant complexion. 

6. Deodorizes the Body. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that can help neutralize odors on your skin and in your sweat. Soaking in a baking soda bath can help eliminate body odor, leaving you feeling fresh and clean. 

7. Soothes Sunburn. If you've spent too much time in the sun and are experiencing sunburn, soaking in a baking soda bath can help reduce inflammation and provide relief. Baking soda can help cool and soothe your skin, allowing it to heal faster. It also helps the itchiness of bug and spider bites too!

8. Improves Oral Health. Baking soda is commonly used as a natural teeth whitener and freshener. Soaking in a baking soda bath can help improve your oral health by neutralizing acids in your mouth and reducing bad breath. 

9. Boosts Immune System Soaking in a baking soda bath can help boost your immune system by alkalizing your body's pH levels. This can help your body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively. 

10. Enhances Sleep. Adding baking soda to your bathwater can help promote better sleep by relaxing your muscles and calming your mind. Soaking in a warm bath before bed can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep.

To make my bath time even more relaxing, I add a few drops of my favorite essential oils to the water, play "spa" music, and light a few candles. Sometimes I read an inspirational or motivational book so I'm detoxifying my mind as well as my body. If I'm too tired to read, I listen to a hypnosis recording or meditate.

In conclusion, soaking in a baking soda bath can provide numerous health benefits that go beyond just cleaning. Whether you're looking to relax, detoxify your body, or improve your skin health, a baking soda bath is a simple and effective way to achieve your goals. So next time you're feeling stressed or experiencing skin irritation, consider adding baking soda to your bathwater for a soothing and rejuvenating experience.