The mixture of baking soda with lemon has become increasingly popular, especially since some reports indicate that this mixture may help solve some aesthetic problems, such as teeth whitening or scar removal, leaving the skin more beautiful.
In addition, the mixture of bicarbonate and lemon has also gained popularity as a home remedy to alleviate the symptoms of reflux, especially stomach aches and constant acidity.
- However.
- Few scientific studies conducted with the mix 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:.
Several studies conducted with baking soda in oral health show that the substance is able to remove excess bacteria from the mouth, reducing dental plaque and therefore whiter teeth.
In addition, a 2017 survey of toothpastes containing baking soda in the composition also concluded that these toothpastes were able to remove surface stains on the teeth due to the presence of bicarbonate.
In the case of lemon, a 2015 study showed that lemon has acids that can destroy tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth sensitivity and cavities.
Although there are no studies evaluating the effect of bicarbonate mixture with lemon on tooth health, its use is not recommended, especially because of the risk of lemon being applied to teeth. Ideally, consult a dentist for professional whitening.
Learn more about the main teeth whitening options
Because of its basic pH of 9, bicarbonate is a substance that has been shown to increase the pH of the gastric content, making it less acidic. In this way, the substance can help relieve typical symptoms of reflux, which occur when the stomach contents reach the esophagus.
Lemon has an acidic pH of 2, which, although it is a pH higher than the gastric content, which is 1.2, is not enough to neutralize the acid and relieve symptoms. However, there are some pharmacy antacids that combine bicarbonate with lemon, because when combined, these ingredients produce sodium citrate, a substance that prevents very abrupt changes in the pH of the stomach.
Some antacids contain baking soda and lemon in their composition, but this combination is made in the laboratory with very precise amounts of each ingredient. Since it is difficult to properly measure these ingredients at home, so as not to add more lemon than indicated, it is advisable to prefer the use of an antacid in pharmacies, instead of mixing lemon with baking soda.
In fact, if the mixture contains a greater amount of baking soda, it can leave the stomach with a very basic pH, making digestion difficult and increasing the formation of gases. If the mixture contains a large amount of lemon, the pH may remain acidic, without relieving symptoms.
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Lemon is an ingredient that contains natural acids, such as vitamin C, which is widely used in the composition of certain exfoliating creams to remove the surface layer of the skin and help mask scars. However, when used in its natural form, and without other ingredients mixed in the lab, vitamin C cannot be adequately absorbed by the skin and therefore does not produce an adequate peeling effect.
In addition, if overused, lemon juice can cause changes in the pH of the skin, leaving it more acidic. When this happens, the skin tends to get stained or irritated, as well as increasing sensitivity to UV rays, increasing the risk of skin burns.
As for baking soda, there are no studies showing its beneficial effect on the skin. However, by having a basic pH, it can also influence the pH balance of the skin, increasing the risk of dryness and even increasing fat.
To remove skin scars 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 peeling. However, even if peeling is indicated, it is ideal to use products whose pH does not damage the skin.
See 5 treatments to remove skin scars.