The amount of bobble heads on this thread parroting one another about the perceived benefits of baking soda is a thing that ceases to amaze me. Firstly, has anyone questioned if it's even possible for the human body to assimilate baking soda? This is laughable at best. Historically, sodium bicarbonate was used as a natural cleaning agent and only after the advent of modern medicine has baking soda found it's way into the medicine cabinets of the masses. The concept of the human body assimilating baking soda is as silly as the notion that the human body can assimilate supplemental pills. Why is it that supplements will darken your urine for a few passes and despite the multitude of exotic colors fruits possess urine will remain clear? The body assimilates what is good for it, and discards what is not. Baking soda has no place in the human diet, medicinal or not. The perceived health benefits derived from baking soda is placebo at best. Hope is the finest medicine a man can be given. Those saved by this concoction were saved by their own radical shift in attitude, not by a powder bought for a dollar at your local Wal-Mart. So instead of deluding your family and friends about the medicinal qualities of baking soda, teach them the truth about dietary prudence, wholesome outdoor activities, and a balanced lifestyle. A person that is totally sick should eat the diet of a person that is totally healthy, and I've never seen a healthy person incorporate baking soda into their diet. A sick man needs to start doing what a healthy man does, and that's exercise, sunshine, fresh air, deep rest, emotional poise, periods of relaxation and contentment, a great group of friends, creative outlets, simple diet, overall cleanliness, spiritual advancement, and a spouse that lends undying support.