Baking soda is that ingredient in the back of your cupboard that often gets forgotten about until you need to bake something. Little did you know, if taken right, this ingredient can not only help you burn fat, but also, treat heartburn and cure an upset stomach.

This way be the cheapest weight loss solution, ever.

Health benefits

Baking soda works differently for each remedy.

Weight loss: It can increase exercise performance and also boost your metabolism.

Heartburn, ulcers and acid reflux: If you drink a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in eight ounces of water, it can neutralize stomach acid and temporarily alleviate heartburn caused by acid reflux.

While these are the two most common uses, it also:

1. Eases stomach pain

2. Helps with digestive issues

3. Relieves bloating and gas

4. Fights off diseases

5. Kills fungi, mold and parasites

6. Minimizes cough and sore throat

7. Reduces the duration of cold and flu

8. Helps pH balance

9. Reduces the symptoms of gout

10. Promotes kidney health

11. Treats urinary tract infections

12. Reduces muscle pain and fatigue

Health risks

Before you start adding baking soda to every beverage you have, there are some warnings that come along with it.

Although it is safe to consume baking soda, consumption of too much baking soda or consuming it too close to a heavy meal can lead to health risks, as carbon dioxide gas may harm the digestive organs when it is full.

Although it is rare, these risks also come from it containing significant amounts of sodium, which could compromise the health of people with kidney or heart problems. Regular excessive intake of sodium can also cause high blood pressure, kidney and heart issues in healthy people.

Here's how to take it safely:

How to take it safely

Don't let the warnings scare you, baking soda is safe to ingest, you just can't over-do it.

Do not use baking soda if you suffer from a chronic illness or are on any medications.

Consult your doctor if you plan to drink it regularly. To see its effects while still being safe, have one glass of baking soda water a day. Add about one teaspoon with a glass of water. If the bad taste doesn't work for you, you can add it so a number of recipes that will taste good and boost it's benefits.

You are the best judge of how much you can take. Listen to your body and if it feels wrong, stop taking it.

Once you find your favorite way of drinking it, sit back and wait for the amazing benefits it will provide you.