Baking Soda to the Rescue!

            With Thanksgiving weekend upon us and Covid-19 out of control, tensions and stress are on the rise!

            President-Elect Joe Biden (refer to my “Bidenomics” column from 2 weeks ago) pledges to raise corporate taxes while also spending more money on free tuition for 2 years of community college for all families who earn under $125,000.   In addition, the possibility of another stimulus package looms.  My clients ask me, where is the money going to come from?  What do you think will happen?  My answer in the short-term is, NOTHING!  Plan as if nothing is going to happen because of “political bickering.” 

There is an old saying, “a penny saved is a penny earned.”  I beg to differ on this point.  If you are in the 20% tax bracket, a penny saved = 1.2 pennies earned, because you need to earn 1.2 cents to net 1 penny saved after taxes. 

            There are many savvy ways to reduce expenses and improve your well-being without sacrificing quality.  Using baking soda (AKA sodium bicarbonate) is one of those ways. 

If you go into your “medicine cabinet,” most people will find brand names such as Crest, Efferdent, Axe, Dove, Tums etc.  Many of these products use baking soda or derivatives like sodium hydrogen carbonate, saleratus or nahcolite, which are all forms of baking soda.  The difference is these “well-marketed” name brand products are adding toxic chemicals and preservatives that are making Americans sick and lighter in the wallet or purse!

            Many families have that familiar small orange box of “Arm & Hammer” baking soda in their refrigerator to mitigate bad odors; however, there are so many other uses for this inexpensive miraculous white powder, that help keep your body healthy and clean.  See my Top 10 baking soda usage list below and start the savings and feel better:

1. Helps Your Kidneys: Kidneys remove waste and excess water from your body.  If you have chronic kidney disease, from diabetes, high blood pressure or other causes, acid can build up in your body.  Sodium bicarbonate can help bring body acid levels down, it can also slow bone loss and build muscle.
2. Fights Cancer: Emergency rooms and hospitals stockpile sodium bicarbonate (AKA baking soda) as a treatment for poisons, cardiac-arrest, and other illnesses.
3. Body Deodorant: Baking soda removes acid or odor molecules, not just in your fridge.  Try either putting some powder under your armpits (if you are ok with white powder residue) in the morning or buy deodorant with sodium bicarbonate as the main ingredient.
4. Soothes and Softens Your Skin: Have you been bitten by mosquitoes or rubbed on poison ivy like I have?  Mix 3-parts baking soda with 1-part water and smear on your skin for 20 minutes before washing it off.  Another alternative is the take a bath with 1-2 cups of baking soda which will also soften your skin. 
5. Kills the Pain: Sodium bicarbonate may boost the pain killing powers of lidocaine which is used for epidurals.  It can also ease sunburn or windburn by mixing 4 tablespoons per quart of water, use a washcloth and dab the infected area.
6. Fights Stomach Acid: Sodium bicarbonate fights the acid that runs from your stomach to your throat and even your mouth after eating.  It can be purchased as inexpensive chewable tablets.
7. Facial Scrub: This one is not for everybody as it can be abrasive.  WebMD suggests “first washing your face with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner,” then “make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1-part water. Rub it in carefully in circles for a deep clean, then rinse with water.”
8. Cleans Your Teeth: Baking soda removes plaque which is the sticky film of bacteria in your mouth.  Plaque buildup leads to tarter which can trigger gum disease.  Many people are unaware that your mouth carries the most germs in your body; hence, it is crucial to have good oral hygiene.
9. Clean Your Child’s Toys:  Baking soda is an alternative to harsh chemicals to use to get grime off your baby’s high-chair, trays and toys.  It does not kill germs; however, it can be used with vinegar to work as a disinfectant.
10. Freshens Dentures: As a CSA (Certified Senior Advisor), I know that seniors pay the most money stocking their “medicine cabinets.”  Dissolve 2 teaspoons of baking soda into warm water to loosen food and remove odors from dentures.  This also works for biteplates and mouthguards.

Source: WebMD

Costco sells a 13.5-pound reusable orange bag of Arm & Hammer for under $20.  Give it a try!  For more tips go to www.armandhammer.com.

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Wishing you and your Family a Happy Thanksgiving weekend!

Be Positive, Test Negative, Keep the Faith!