Content
Mixing baking soda with lemon has become increasingly popular, especially since there are reports that this mixture can help with some aesthetic issues, such as whitening teeth or removing scars, leaving the skin more beautiful.
In addition, the mixture of bicarbonate with lemon has also gained popularity as a home remedy to relieve reflux symptoms, especially stomach pain and constant heartburn.
However, there are few scientific studies done with the mixture that can prove these benefits. Thus, and based on lemon and bicarbonate individually, we explain the possible effect of these ingredients for each of the most common uses:
1. Whiten your teeth
Several studies done with sodium bicarbonate in oral health show that the substance is able to eliminate excess bacteria from the mouth, reducing plaque and, consequently, whitening teeth.
In addition, an investigation carried out in 2017 with toothpastes that contained sodium bicarbonate in the composition, also concluded that these toothpastes were able to eliminate superficial stains on the teeth due to the presence of bicarbonate.
In the case of lemon, a study conducted in 2015 showed that lemon has acids that are capable of destroying tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and the appearance of cavities.
Conclusion
Although there is no study evaluating the effect of the mixture of bicarbonate with lemon on the health of the teeth, its use is discouraged, especially due to the risks of applying lemon on the teeth. The ideal is to consult a dentist to do a professional whitening.
See more about the main tooth whitening options.
2. Relieve reflux and heartburn
Due to its basic pH of 9, bicarbonate is a substance that has been shown to be able to increase the pH of gastric content, making it less acidic. In this way, the substance can help relieve typical symptoms of reflux, which happen when the stomach contents reach the esophagus.
Lemon has an acidic pH of 2, which, although it is a higher pH than that of gastric content, which is 1.2, is not enough to neutralize the acid and relieve symptoms. Still, there are some pharmacy antacids that combine bicarbonate with lemon, because when combined, these ingredients produce sodium citrate, a substance that prevents very sudden changes in the stomach's pH.
Conclusion
Some antacids contain bicarbonate and lemon in their composition, but this combination is made in the laboratory with very exact amounts of each ingredient. Since it is difficult to correctly measure these ingredients at home, so as not to add a greater amount of lemon than indicated, it is advisable to prefer the use of a pharmacy antacid, instead of mixing lemon with bicarbonate.
This is because if the mixture contains a larger amount of bicarbonate it can leave the stomach with a very basic pH, which makes digestion difficult and increases the formation of gases. If the mixture has a very large amount of lemon, the pH may remain acidic, not alleviating the symptoms.
Also check out some proven home remedies to relieve heartburn.
3. Remove scars
Lemon is an ingredient that contains natural acids, such as vitamin C, which is widely used in the composition of somepeelingto remove the superficial layer of the skin and help to hide scars. However, when used in its natural form, and without other ingredients mixed in the laboratory, vitamin C cannot be properly absorbed by the skin and, therefore, does not produce a correct peeling.
In addition, if used in excess, the lemon juice can cause changes in the skin's pH, leaving it more acidic. When this happens, the skin tends to stain or become irritated, in addition to increasing sensitivity to UV rays, which increases the risk of skin burns.
As for bicarbonate, there are no studies that demonstrate its beneficial action on the skin. However, as it has a basic pH, it can also influence the pH balance of the skin, increasing the risk of dryness and even increasing oiliness.
Conclusion
To remove scars from the skin it is important to consult a dermatologist, as this doctor will be able to assess the type of scar and indicate the best treatment available, which may not include the use of a peeling. However, even if the peeling indicated, the ideal is to use products with a pH that does not harm the skin.
See 5 treatments indicated to remove scars from the skin.