Baking soda can help with effects of Covid-19

Bicarbonate of soda – also known as baking soda – has been found to reduce Covid-19 symptoms, according to a new study.

The study of 60 patients was registered and carried out at Welcare Hospital, Gujarat, India, and backs up the results of earlier research.

The finding could lead to the development of an inexpensive and effective way to support people who are affected by symptoms of the virus, though report authors stress it is not a vaccine.

Covid-19-affected patients showed improvement in their symptoms when treated with inhalations of steam impregnated with sodium bicarbonate.

There was also a significant reduction in the C-reactive protein (CRP) values in patients, a marker for the inflammation process triggered by Covid-19.

Dr Kshitij Mody and Dr Bharat Mody lead clinical researchers said: “This is because the virus requires certain environmental conditions to thrive.

“Evidence shows that viruses belonging to the corona group need a low pH (acidic) environment to fuse with the cell wall of human tissue.

“The sodabicarbonate changes it to high pH (alkaline) environment of the body area in the oropharynx and lungs, disrupting the virus’s ability to invade the tissue cells and thus reducing its ability to cause damage.

“The present study is a proof-of-concept exercise and the findings are encouraging.

“Given the very high potential benefits in terms of ease of use, effectiveness and reduced cost implications, this merits further investigation.”