Can Baking Soda Control My Blood Sugar Levels?
The question, “can baking soda control my blood sugar levels” has been an ongoing one, with no clear answer in place. The lack of conclusive answer is owing to the lack of conclusive evidence to back this claim.
Baking soda has been known to create the missing “magic” in cakes, pastries, cookies, puddings and pastries.
Little did I know that sodium bicarbonate (another name for baking soda) is also effective for maintaining blood glucose levels by reducing inflammation?
BestDietarySupplementforDiabetics research states that baking soda is directly responsible for prompting the spleen to produce cells that reduce inflammation in a diabetic’s body.
So, we now have a connection between diabetes and sodium bicarbonate.
Let me discuss this in further detail:
Index of “Can Baking Soda Control My Blood Sugar Levels” Article:
1) What is Type 2 Diabetes?
- What is Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes?
- Who all Usually Get Type 2 Diabetes?
- How do I Know that I have Type 2 Diabetes?
2) What is Baking Soda?
- What is Baking Soda Used For?
- How did Baking Soda come into this World?
3) How does Baking Soda Help Control Your Blood Sugar Levels?
4) How can a Diabetic Benefit from Consuming Baking Soda?
5) Does Baking Soda Help in Treating Mucormycosis in a Diabetic Patient?
6) Can Baking Soda Help Treat Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
7) How Much Baking Soda should a Diabetic Consume?
8) Takeaway
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes can be described as a condition wherein your body is not being able to utilize glucose as a form of usable energy. For those of you who are not aware, glucose is derived from the food you eat.
The fastest digesting foods that get converted into glucose are carbohydrates. Usually, within 90 minutes of consuming a major meal, the carb portion of your diet is converted into glucose.
This glucose is flushed into your bloodstream. When you are unable to process this sugar into usable energy, it starts to accumulate within your body. Excess sugar levels cannot be secreted by the body.
The high blood sugar content forces the organs of your body to capsize (yes, literally!). The main reason for this is insulin resistance.
What is Insulin Resistance in Type 2 Diabetes?
The pancreas is responsible for exercising control over your body’s blood sugar levels. This organ is located close to your stomach. The endocrine function of the pancreas is responsible for regulating your blood sugar levels.
The endocrine function of the pancreas also produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin carries extra sugar and places them onto the cell’s door (I am referring to the cells present in your body).
If your cells open their door, the extra glucose is flushed within the cells and then, used as energy.
If, on the other hand, the doors of your body’s cells do not open then, insulin shall have to drop the load into the bloodstream.
The “load” here is glucose.
When the load is dropped back into the bloodstream, your blood sugar level automatically rises.
Who all Usually Get Type 2 Diabetes?
This is a very tough question to answer. Adults and children alike are susceptible to contracting Type 2 diabetes. Nonetheless, in most cases, it is adults who suffer from this category.
Usually, it is an unhealthy lifestyle that is to blame. When you eat fast food, avoid exercising and take stress then, you tend to contract Type 2 diabetes.
In most cases, Type 2 diabetes shall affect people over 45 years of age. Nonetheless, in recent years, childhood obesity is on the rise. This in turn has forced even young children to contract Type 2 Diabetes.
How do I Know that I have Type 2 Diabetes?
Unless and until you undergo a blood sugar test (both fasting and post meals), you cannot really be certain of this. Nonetheless, there are a few tell-tale signs that you need to watch out for.
Here are some of the most common tell-tale signs of you suffering from Type 2 Diabetes:
@ The very first sign is excessive thirst. For no valid reason, you would feel the need to drink more and more water.
@ As you are drinking more water, your urge to urinate too shall increase. An increased frequency of urination is also a symptom of Type 2 Diabetes.
@ You start to become thin. Losing weight without sweating for it, is a clear sign that you are indeed suffering from diabetes.
@ You start to eat far more than your body actually requires. When you start to eat, you simply do not know when to stop.
@ Your skin starts to get patches that are dark in color. The areas most affected include your armpits and the skin right behind your neck area.
@ You are unusually tired, restless and listless. Without physically or mentally exerting yourself, your body and mind never seems to be energetic and fresh.
@ A small scratch or bruise onto the skin can turn into sores. These wounds take ages to heal.
@ You have a tough time viewing objects close by. It seems as though your vision has become blurred.
@ Your fingertips and toes start to burn for no apparent reason. This is a tingling sensation that soon spreads to all parts of your body.
@ If you suffer from a bacterial, viral or fungal infection then, recovering from such infections is a rather lengthy process.
What is Baking Soda?
Popularly known as NaHCO₃ in my chemistry class, baking soda is a chemically infused compound that is widely used in commercial kitchens across the globe.
Composed of bicarbonate anion and sodium cation, baking soda is available in a crystalline form. Nonetheless, when you take a closer look at it, all you see is a fine white powder.
Baking soda was first coined by John Dwights and Austin Church in the year 1860. This was under the Arm & Hammer brand name. Back in the 80’s and early 90’s only a handful of bakery shops used baking soda.
It was only in the late 70’s that household kitchens across the world started keeping baking soda into their pantry. It was used widely in the preparation of puddings, cakes, pastries, cookies etc.
What is Baking Soda Used For?
As most of you may already be aware, baking soda is used to provide the missing fluffiness and tenderness to cakes and pastries. Did you know that all this happens owing to a chemical reaction?
When baking soda comes in contact with anything acidic (such as boiled tea leaf water), it produces carbon di-oxide. This creates the necessary environment for turning your chosen dish softer, moist and fluffy.
For example: You could use baking soda in preparing chickpeas or cakes.
How did Baking Soda come into this World?
It all happened some 4000 years ago when salt lakes started their massive evaporation process. Over the years, the salty evaporation gave birth to a special kind of deposit.
This deposit is termed as Trona.
As years passed, Trona deposits turned into hard rock. It is from the Trona rock that humans create soda ash. This is done via a special chemical process.
Soda ash is also known as sodium bicarbonate. This special ash is then further processed to create baking soda. Wyoming is a hub for Trona rocks. Here millions of tons of soda ash is processed annually.
Important Tip: In baking soda, there is no other ingredient other than sodium bicarbonate.
How does Baking Soda Help Control Your Blood Sugar Levels?
You might be familiar with baking soda as a staple in your kitchen pantry, a go-to for baking fluffy cakes or cleaning stubborn stains. But did you know it might also play a role in managing blood sugar levels?
Let’s explore this intriguing idea, backed by scientific evidence.
First off, what exactly is baking soda?
Chemically known as sodium bicarbonate, it’s a white, crystalline powder that’s alkaline in nature. This alkalinity is where the magic happens, especially when it comes to our health.
Studies suggest that baking soda can influence blood sugar levels, although this research is still in its early stages. The key lies in its effect on inflammation and the body’s pH levels.
One important study published in the Journal of Immunology found that baking soda might help reduce inflammation.
Reduces Inflammation:
Chronic inflammation is a common problem for people with diabetes and is closely linked to insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond properly to insulin.
By potentially reducing inflammation, baking soda could help improve insulin sensitivity, making it easier for your body to regulate blood sugar levels.
pH Balancing:
Another angle to consider is the role of baking soda in balancing the body’s pH. Our bodies function best when they maintain a slightly alkaline state.
High blood sugar levels can sometimes lead to a more acidic environment in the body. Drinking a diluted baking soda solution might help neutralize this acidity, promoting a healthier balance.
A study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism indicated that improving the body’s pH balance can positively impact metabolic functions, including blood sugar regulation.
Watch Out for Facts:
However, it’s crucial to approach this information with caution. While the initial findings are promising, more extensive research is needed to fully understand the effects and safety of using baking soda for blood sugar management.
Also, too much baking soda can lead to unwanted side effects like stomach discomfort and increased sodium levels, which can be harmful, especially for people with high blood pressure.
So, how can you safely explore the potential benefits of baking soda?
First, always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
If given the green light, you might start with a small amount, like half a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in a glass of water, taken occasionally.
In summary, while baking soda shows promise in helping control blood sugar levels through its anti-inflammatory properties and pH balancing abilities, it’s not a standalone solution.
Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and following your doctor’s advice remain the cornerstones of effective diabetes management.
As science progresses, we may uncover more about how humble baking soda can be a part of the bigger picture in managing blood sugar levels.
Does Baking Soda Help in Treating Mucormycosis in a Diabetic Patient?
Mucormycosis, or “black fungus,” is a severe fungal infection that has been particularly concerning for individuals with diabetes.
This condition can be life-threatening, affecting various parts of the body, including the sinuses and lungs. Given its severity, effective treatment is crucial.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is known for its alkaline properties and has shown some antifungal effects.
A study published in Mycopathologia found that sodium bicarbonate could inhibit the growth of certain fungi, including those causing mucormycosis.
This is because the alkaline environment created by baking soda can be hostile to these fungi.
However, it’s important to note that while baking soda might help slow fungal growth, it is not a standalone treatment for mucormycosis, especially in individuals with Type 2 diabetes.
The standard treatment for mucormycosis involves antifungal medications and sometimes surgical removal of the infected tissue. Managing blood sugar levels is also critical since high blood sugar can worsen the infection.
For someone with Type 2 diabetes facing mucormycosis, relying solely on baking soda is not advisable. Professional medical treatment is essential.
Baking soda might play a supportive role, but it should never replace conventional medical therapies. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can Baking Soda Help Treat Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones.
It happens when there isn’t enough insulin to allow sugar into the cells for energy, so the body starts breaking down fat instead, leading to an acidic environment.
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is alkaline and can neutralize acids, which makes it a tempting idea for treating DKA. However, this isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
DKA is a complex medical emergency requiring immediate professional treatment, including intravenous fluids, electrolytes, and insulin.
Recent research, such as a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, emphasizes that while bicarbonate therapy can correct metabolic acidosis, its use in DKA is controversial and typically reserved for severe cases.
The study found that bicarbonate therapy did not significantly improve outcomes for most DKA patients and should be administered with caution due to potential side effects, such as hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
Ingesting baking soda at home is not a safe or effective treatment for DKA. The condition requires careful management by healthcare professionals to balance electrolytes, fluids, and insulin levels.
Self-treatment with baking soda can lead to dangerous complications and should be avoided.
In summary, while baking soda has some acid-neutralizing properties, it is not a suitable or safe treatment for diabetic ketoacidosis.
Always seek immediate medical attention for DKA to ensure proper and effective treatment.
How Much Baking Soda should a Diabetic Consume?
There is no established or standard dose of baking soda for an individual suffering from either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It is great for relieving gastric issues and even digestive issues.
I have personally used baking soda to relieve myself of heartburn. It really helps. Nonetheless, for treating or controlling diabetes, the right amount of baking soda to be consumed has not yet been ascertained.
As per the dietary guidelines established by the United States regulatory authorities, you should not consume more than 2300 mg of sodium per day.
As baking soda contain high sodium concentration, it implies that in a single day, a diabetic should not consume more than ½ a teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate.
As per the society of sports nutrition, a dosage of 300 milligrams of baking soda per kilogram of body weight 60 minutes prior to an athletic event boosts your performance considerably.
So for a diabetic, baking soda can be consumed no more than ½ teaspoons a day for no longer than 2 weeks. It might reduce inflammation thereby helping the body to naturally reduce high blood sugar levels.
Takeaway:
Can consuming baking soda treat Type 2 Diabetes?
Well, this is a question that has not been answered as yet. A lot of research is yet to be done in order to provide a conclusive answer to this query.
Nonetheless, as per the Journal of Immunology, consuming baking soda does reduce inflammation in your body. This reduces your pH balance and improves insulin sensitivity.
At the same time, unusually high doses of baking soda may increase sodium reserves in your body. This may also case indigestion and put unnecessary stress onto your kidneys.
In the end, I can confidently say that while baking soda has health benefits, it is not a cure for Type 2 diabetes. Consuming baking soda in permissible doses helps maintain your blood sugar levels.
However, do club this with regular physical exercise and a healthy diet. Also maintain a positive mindset and avoid taking unnecessary stress.
Moreover, never hesitate to consult a healthcare professional to get the best advice on baking soda consumption for maintaining optimal blood sugar levels.
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