Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : Claims circulating on social media about health cures often mix hope and bewilderment. One such example posits that sodium bicarbonate, more popularly known as baking soda, can cure cancer. Wondering if there is any scientific validity to the claim, or if it is just a bogus piece of information, is perfectly rational.
The Theory: Tumor Acidity and Alkaline Balance
This line of thought has permeated from research regarding and focusing on the tumor microenvironment. Researchers discovered that solid cancer tumors usually tend to create an extremely acidic environment which aids in their growth, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Because baking soda is alkaline in nature, the theory suggests that it can neutralize this acidity and, therefore, inhibit the progression of cancer.
What Scientific Research Reveals
Stage one laboratory research and animal experimentation have provided promising results.
For instance, in some baking soda ovarian cancer studies it was found to lessen acidity and therefore, increase effectiveness of chemotherapy.
In addition, it appeared as though bicarbonate supports immune cells to active cancer cells.
Still, these results can only be called “promising” because of the limited in vitro and in vivo scope. So far, there is no evidence from large-scale human clinical trials that supports the claim of soda treatment or cure for cancer.
Expert Cautions and Associated Health Hazards
Baking soda should not be used as a treatment for cancer, and a health professional must be consulted before its use. The possible threats are:
An imbalance in electrolytes
Kidney problems
Issues with the digestive system
The greatest risk is the use of outdated treatments, which may result in proper cancer treatment not being undertaken in a timely fashion, resulting in more advanced disease.
