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Vinegar and baking soda: a cleaning hack or just a bunch of fizz?

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> Vinegar and baking soda are staples in the kitchen. Many of us have combined them in childhood scientific experiments: think fizzy volcanoes and geysers. But people also frequently mix vinegar and baking soda to produce a reportedly effective household cleaner. Unfortunately, the chemistry behind the bubbly reaction doesn’t support the cleaning hype. The fizzy action is essentially <a href="https://theconversation.com/six-surprising-things-about-placebos-everyone-should-know-220829">a visual “placebo</a>”, formed by the combination of an acid and a base. So, how does it work, and is it worth using these chemicals for cleaning? To understand all this, it helps to know a little more about chemistry. <h2>What’s an acid?</h2> Foods with a sour taste typically contain acids. These include citric acid in lemon juice, malic acid in apples, lactic acid in yoghurt and <a href="https://theconversation.com/kitchen-science-everything-you-eat-is-made-of-chemicals-56583">phosphoric acids in soft drinks</a>. Most vinegars contain around 4–10% acetic acid, the rest is water and small amounts of flavour chemicals. There are other naturally occurring acids, such as formic acid in ant bites and hydrochloric acid in our stomachs. Industrially, sulfuric acid is used in mineral processing, nitric acid for <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-ammonium-nitrate-the-chemical-that-exploded-in-beirut-143979">fertiliser manufacturing</a> and the highly potent hydrofluoric acid is used to etch glass. All of these acids share similar properties. They can all release hydrogen ions (positively charged atoms) into water. Depending on their potency, acids can also dissolve minerals and metals through various chemical reactions. This is why vinegar is an excellent cleaner for showers or kettles – it can react with and dissolve mineral deposits like limescale. Other common acidic cleaning ingredients are oxalic acid, used for revitalising timber decks, hydrochloric acid in concrete and masonry cleaners, and sulfamic acid in potent toilet cleaners. <h2>What’s a base?</h2> In chemistry, bases – the opposite of acids in many ways – can bind, rather than release hydrogen ions. This can help lift and dissolve insoluble grime into water. Bases can also break apart fat molecules. Baking soda (also known as sodium hydrogen carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, or bicarb) is a relatively weak base. Stronger common bases include sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium hydroxide (lye) and ammonia. <a href="https://theconversation.com/spill-at-a-nuclear-facility-shows-potential-burn-risks-from-a-household-chemical-112763">Sodium hydroxide</a> is a potent drain cleaner – its strong base properties can dissolve fats and hair. This allows blockages to be broken down and easily flushed away. <h2>Mixing a base and an acid</h2> Mixing vinegar and baking soda causes an immediate chemical reaction. This reaction forms water, sodium acetate (a salt) and carbon dioxide – the fizzy part. The amount of carbon dioxide gas that is produced from baking soda is remarkable – one tablespoon (around 18 grams) can release over <a href="https://www.chemedx.org/JCESoft/jcesoftSubscriber/CCA/CCA8/MAIN/8/06/2/4/movie.html">five litres of gas</a>! But only if you add enough acid. Reactions in chemistry often use equal quantities of chemical reagents. A perfect balance of acetic acid and baking soda would give you just water, carbon dioxide and sodium acetate. But the majority of vinegar and bicarb cleaner recipes use a large excess of one or the other components. An example from TikTok for a DIY oven cleaner calls for one and a half cups of baking soda and one quarter cup of vinegar. Crunching the numbers behind the chemical reaction shows that after the fizz subsides, over 99% of the added baking soda remains. So the active cleaning agent here is actually the baking soda (and the “elbow grease” of scrubbing). Ovens can be cleaned much more rigorously with stronger, sodium hydroxide based cleaners (although these are also more caustic). Many modern ovens also have a self-cleaning feature, so read your product manual before reaching for a chemical cleaner of any sort. <h2>What about the sodium acetate?</h2> Devotees of vinegar and baking soda mixtures might be wondering if the product of the fizzy reaction, sodium acetate, is the undercover cleaning agent. Unfortunately, sodium acetate is an even weaker base than baking soda, so it doesn’t do much to clean the surface you’re trying to scrub. Sodium acetate is used in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vABpel-11Nc">crystallisation-based heating packs</a> and as a concrete sealant, but not typically as a cleaner. Fun fact: sodium acetate can be combined with acetic acid to make a crystalline <a href="https://theconversation.com/busting-the-myth-that-all-food-additives-are-bad-a-quick-guide-for-label-readers-82883">food additive</a> called sodium diacetate. These crystals give the vinegar flavour to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0hEutu_goY">salt and vinegar chips</a> without making them soggy. <h2>Sorry to burst your bubbles</h2> There are a few rare cases where mixing vinegar and baking soda may be useful for cleaning. This is where the bubbling has a mechanical effect, such as in a blocked drain. But in most cases you’ll want to use either vinegar or baking soda by itself, depending on what you’re trying to clean. It will be less <a href="https://theconversation.com/visually-striking-science-experiments-at-school-can-be-fun-inspiring-and-safe-banning-is-not-the-answer-195362">visually exciting</a>, but it should get the job done. Lastly, remember that mixing cleaning chemicals at home can be risky. Always carefully read the product label and directions before engaging in DIY concoctions. And, to be extra sure, you can find out more safety information by reading the product’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/a-new-tiktok-trend-has-people-drinking-toxic-borax-an-expert-explains-the-risks-and-how-to-read-product-labels-210278">safety data sheet</a>.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/225177/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nathan-kilah-599082">Nathan Kilah</a>, Senior Lecturer in Chemistry, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-tasmania-888">University of Tasmania</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/vinegar-and-baking-soda-a-cleaning-hack-or-just-a-bunch-of-fizz-225177">original article</a>.

Home & Garden

4 beauty uses for baking soda

Not just for baking or cleaning, this pantry favourite can also be used on your body as an inexpensive beauty treatment. Here’s how. Dry shampoo Heard of dry shampoo? It's a great way to hide oily hair inbetween washes. But it's just another beauty product to buy. Step in baking soda. All you have to do is simply prinkle a pinch or two onto oily hair, leave it for a minute and then brush it out and style as normal. Deodorant For a natural alternative to harmful spray deodorants, use baking soda instead. All you have to do it mix it with water - to make a paste - and then apply and voila, homemade deodorant. Cuticle softener Instead of using tools that can be painful to remove your cuticles, why not try a baking soda paste to soften them first. Just add some water and baking soda together in a small dish and either soke your fingertips in the dish or rub the paste onto your cuticles. Now your cuticles can easily be removed. Body exfoliator Using baking soda in the showe is not only a gently way to remove dead skin cells, it's natural too. Image: Getty

Beauty & Style

10 ways to use bicarb soda in the garden

Bicarb soda is great for around the house, but did you know it has may uses in the garden too? Here are 10 ways to use bicarb soda in the garden 1. Control powdery mildew Mix one tablespoon of bicarb soda, one tablespoon of vegetable oil, one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing soap and four litres of water together. Pour mixture into spray bottle and spray on plants weekly. Make sure to check for signs of burning as some plants are sensitive. 2. Stop cabbage worms If pesky cabbage worms are nibbling your vegetables, use this natural bicarb soda mixture to get rid of them once and for all. Mix together equal parts bicarb soda and plain flour. Sprinkle over plants. 3. Sweeten tomatoes It is believed that a sprinkle of bicarb soda on the soil around tomato plants will sweeten tomatoes. Bicarb soda helps lower the acid levels in soil, which makes tomatoes sweeter. 4. Test soil PH levels Before you plant your garden, scoop some soil into a small container and wet it with some water. Sprinkle bicarb soda on top of it. If the bicarb soda bubbles, the soil is most likely too acidic.<a href="../lifestyle/gardening/2015/05/gardening-and-soil-ph/"> </a> 5. Kill slugs If you have slug problem in the garden, sprinkle bicarbonate soda directly on them. This will dry them out. 6. Discourage weeds To prevent weeds from growing in the cracks of pavement or garden stones, pour a generous amount of bicarb soda into the cracks. This will kill off small weeds and discourage new weeds from growing. Do this every couple months. 7. Remove crabgrass Crabgrass is one of the worst lawn weeds in the world and should be removed immediately. To kill crabgrass, spray with water and sprinkle bicarb soda on it. This will kill crabgrass in a few days. Be careful not to sprinkle bicarb soda on any other plants or grass though. 8. Keep flowers fresh To prolong the life of a fresh bouquet of flowers, fill vase with water and mix in one teaspoon of bicarb soda. 9. Treat black spot fungus Mix four teaspoon of bicarb soda with four litres of water. Spray on infected roses at the first sign of the disease. 10. Make a safe organic pesticide This non-toxic pesticide will kill insects harmful to plants, like aphids, without damaging the environment. Mix one tablespoon of bicarb soda, ½ tablespoon of oil and two litres of water. Spray on plants every few day until problem insects disappear.

Home & Garden

Woman kicked off flight for “offensive” pants

A DJ who was kicked off a flight for her “inappropriate” and “offensive” pants has claimed she was “humiliated” in front of everyone. South Korean DJ Hwang So-hee, also known as DJ Soda, was on a flight from JFK to LAX with American Airlines on April 25 when she was kicked off. She was left fuming over her treatment and took to Twitter to document the ordeal to her 127,000 followers. “I GOT KICKED OFF FROM @AmericanAir flight and they harassed me to take off my sponsored @RIPNDIP 'F**K YOU' sweatpants in front of people to board again,” she began. “Yesterday coming back from JFK to LAX with American Airlines, I was harassed and humiliated. I was forced out of the plane and was harassed to take off my pants in front of the flight crews at the gate. “I have never had an issue with wearing this pair of pants before in my many months of touring in North America and they did not have any problem with me wearing it at the time of check-in nor when I sat down at my seat.” DJ Soda claims she was approached by a staff member who told her to pack up her things and that she would not be boarding the flight. They then made comments about her pants calling them “inappropriate” and “offensive” and that she would have the next flight. She explained that she could not afford to miss the flight due to a very important meeting. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> I GOT KICKED OFF FROM <a href="https://twitter.com/AmericanAir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmericanAir</a> flight and they harassed me to take off my sponsored <a href="https://twitter.com/RIPNDIP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RIPNDIP</a> 'F**K YOU' sweatpants in front of people to board again. <a href="https://t.co/YU0TrhZjry">pic.twitter.com/YU0TrhZjry</a> — djsoda (@dj_soda_) <a href="https://twitter.com/dj_soda_/status/1518850282490187776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 26, 2022</a></blockquote> “I pleaded to stay on the flight but was ignored by the staff and the flight attendants. I even offered to get changed but the request was denied. What happened next was horrendous,” DJ Soda continued. “With my broken fingers, I hardly ended up taking off my pants in front of the whole crew and standing half-naked while they still refused to board me on the flight. They even sarcastically commented that I could have taken off my pants earlier. “When they finally let me enter, I put my pants inside out and finally sat down after an hour of delay causing inconvenience to the members of the flights on board. “I was mortified and trembling in fear for the next 6 hours on my flight back to LA. In my 8 years of touring, I have never experienced or been treated unfairly, especially in a country that is known for its freedom of speech and individuality. “From now on, I will be boycotting @AmericanAir and hope this NEVER happens to anyone ever again.” DJ Soda was called out by fans who said she was in the wrong, especially since it’s common knowledge to dress appropriately on flights. “Maybe other airlines didn't previously notice; but it is common knowledge that most major airlines have dress policies that prohibit profanity and vulgarity on their flights. They have every right to protect their customers' values. Sorry. No sympathy here.” someone wrote. “That's what you get for dressing inappropriately on an airliner, you're on their plane, their rules. You can fly with Delta, United, Southwest or even pulling TWA back from the grave and they would still kick you out,” another commented. “As well you SHOULD! It's rude, offensive, and children can READ TOO!! But some of us adults don't want to see or hear it either! America might be the land of the free, but it doesn't mean we don't have some rules. Abide by them or leave!” another wrote. Images: Twitter

Travel Trouble

Bicarb to the rescue

This magic ingredient has scores of extraordinary uses about which you may have had no clue - until now. Rescue Remedy 1 Clean your produce You can’t be too careful when it comes to food handling and preparation. Wash fruit and vegetables in a pot of cold water with 2-3 tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda and voila, it will remove some of the impurities tap water leaves behind. Alternatively, put a small amount of bicarbonate of soda on a wet sponge or vegetable brush and scrub your produce. Give everything a thorough rinsing before serving. RR2 Make your own dishwashing detergent The dishwasher is fully loaded when you discover you’re out of your usual powdered dishwashing detergent. What do you do? Make your own by combining two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda with two tablespoons of borax. You may be so pleased with the results you’ll switch for good. RR3 Remove crayon marks from walls Has a small child redecorated your walls or wallpaper with some original artworks in crayon? Don’t lose your cool, just grab a damp rag, dip it in some bicarbonate of soda and lightly scrub the marks. They should come off with a minimum of effort. RR4 Deodorise your rubbish bin If something smells off in your kitchen, it’s probably emanating from your bin. Some smells linger even after you dispose of the offending bin liner, so make sure you give your bin an occasional cleaning with a wet paper towel dipped in bicarbonate of soda (wear an old pair of rubber gloves for this job). Rinse the bin out with a damp sponge, then let it dry before inserting a new bag. You can also ward off bad smells by sprinkling a bit of bicarbonate of soda into the bottom of the bin before inserting the new bag. RR5 Douse that fire Did you know that bicarbonate of soda is the main ingredient in many commercial fire extinguishers? You too can use it straight out of the box to extinguish small fires throughout your home. For quick access, keep it near the stove for any unforeseen mishaps. In the case of a grease fire, first turn off the heat, if possible, and try to cover the fire with a pan lid. Be careful not to let the hot grease splatter you. Also keep a box or two in your garage and inside your car to quickly extinguish any mechanical or car-interior fires. Bicarbonate of soda will also snuff out electrical fires and flames on clothing, wood, upholstery and carpets. RR6 Get stains off piano keys That old upright may still sound great, but those yellowed keys definitely hit a sour note. Remove age stains by mixing a solution of 1/4 cup of bicarbonate of soda in one litre of warm water. Apply to each key with a dampened cloth (you can place a thin piece of cardboard between the keys to avoid seepage). Wipe again with a cloth dampened with plain water, then buff dry with a clean cloth. RR7 Remove musty smells from books If books that have just been taken out of storage have a musty odour, place each one in a small brown paper bag with two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Don’t shake the bag, just tie it up and let it sit in a dry place for about a week. When you open the bag, shake remaining powder off the books and the smell should be gone. RR8 Deodorise rugs and carpets How’s this for a simple way to freshen up your carpets or rugs? Lightly sprinkle them with bicarbonate of soda, let it settle for about 15 minutes, then vacuum it up. RR9 Polish silver, and gold jewellery To remove built-up tarnish from your silver, make a thick paste with 1/4 cup of bicarbonate of soda and two tablespoons of water. Apply with a damp sponge and gently rub, rinse and buff dry. To polish gold jewellery, cover with a light coating of bicarbonate of soda, pour a bit of vinegar over it and rinse clean. Be warned though: don’t use this technique with jewellery containing pearls or gemstones, as bicarbonate of soda could damage their finish and loosen the glue. RR10 Tidy up your toilet bowl Instead of using chemicals to clean your toilet bowl, just pour half a box of bicarbonate of soda into the cistern once a month. Leave overnight. This cleans both the cistern and the bowl. You can also pour several tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda directly into a toilet bowl and scrub it on any stains. Wait a few minutes, then flush away the stains. All these tips – and hundreds more to save money and time – can be found in Extraordinary Uses for Ordinary Things, Reader’s Digest, RRP $49.98. To order visit <a href="http://www.healthsmart">www.healthsmart</a> magazine.com.au or call 1300 300 030. This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/home-tips/bicarb-to-the-rescue">Reader’s Digest</a> Image: Reader’s Digest

Home & Garden

Put the baking soda back in the bottle: Banned sodium bicarbonate ‘milkshakes’ don’t make racehorses faster

The controversial and banned practice of giving horses baking soda “milkshakes” before a race doesn’t work, according to our analysis of the available research. Racing folklore says sodium bicarbonate milkshakes can boost racehorses’ endurance because the alkalinity of the baking soda helps counter the buildup of lactic acid in the blood when running. But our systematic research review, <a href="https://authors.elsevier.com/a/1bv2Z2dbxqYqLj">recently published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science</a> reveals milkshakes don’t boost horses’ athletic performance. This means any trainer still tempted to flout the ban on this tactic would be endangering their horses’ welfare and risking heavy sanctions over a practice that is basically snake oil. Despite the fun-sounding name, milkshakes are anything but. The process involves inserting a tube up the horse’s nose, down its throat and into the stomach, and then pumping in a concentrated solution of sodium bicarbonate dissolved in water. This can be stressful to the horse, and potential <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2004.08.014">side-effects</a> include lacerations to the nasal cavity, throat and oesophagus, gastrointestinal upset, and diarrhoea. It can even be fatal if the tube is mistakenly inserted into the trachea and the solution is pumped into the lungs. It’s little wonder Racing Australia has <a href="https://www.racingaustralia.horse/uploadimg/Australian_rules_of_Racing/Australian_Rules_of_Racing_01_March_2019.pdf">banned</a> the use of “alkalising agents” such as milkshakes on race day, with potentially career-ending ramifications for trainers caught doing it. No boost after all The effect of baking soda on athletic performance has been studied in human athletes for decades with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31191097">inconclusive results</a>, but has only been analysed in horses since the late 1980s. Our analysis included data from eight experimental trials featuring 74 horses. Overall, sodium bicarbonate administration in the hours before treadmill tests or simulated race trials did not improve horses’ running performance in either type of test. In fact, in treadmill exercise tests in which horses were not ridden by jockeys, sodium bicarbonate actually had a very small negative effect on running performance, albeit not a statistically significant one. Whereas human athletes might gain a placebo effect from sodium bicarbonate, this is unlikely to apply to horses who don’t understand the intended point of the milkshake. And while some racehorse trainers may be educated in exercise physiology and the importance of blood pH, others may believe they work simply because received wisdom and racing folklore say so. Racing aficionados steeped in tradition might respond with scepticism, or argue that research can’t replicate the unique conditions of race day. But given that our comprehensive analysis of a range of research trials shows no evidence that milkshakes work, we argue any recalcitrant trainers have a moral responsibility to listen to the science. Milkshakes are already banned. But our research shows they deliver no benefit anyway. Trainers who are happy to continue this illicit practice and run the gauntlet of potential sanctions should consider whether it is worth it at all, and whether instead they should reconsider on moral, medical and scientific grounds. Written by <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/joshua-denham-1165121">Joshua Denham</a>, RMIT University and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-hulme-401293">Adam Hulme</a>, University of the Sunshine Coast. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/put-the-baking-soda-back-in-the-bottle-banned-sodium-bicarbonate-milkshakes-dont-make-racehorses-faster-148907">The Conversation.</a>

Caring

Some infant formula milks contain more sugar than soda drinks new research reveals

Some formula milks have double the sugar per serving than a <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35831125">glass of soda</a>. That was the key finding of our <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-020-1252-0">global investigation</a> into the sugar content of infant formula and follow-on milks. But perhaps more shocking is the fact that there are so few regulations in place to control sugar content and to make sure consumers are well informed. We all love sugar. But too much of the sweet stuff can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5133084/">dental disease</a>. Our preference for sugary foods stems from our primitive ancestors, who were scavengers and sought out sweet foods for energy. But if we are hardwired to like sweet foods, being fed lots of sugar as babies can increase our <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3738223/">desire for sweet things</a> and increase the risk of developing disease in later life. Breast milk is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4882692/">the recommended</a> source of nutrition for infants, especially during the first six months of life. Although it is sweet and high in energy, the sugar is mainly lactose and the content is specific to the needs of the growing infant. Conversely, infant formula milks have a standardised make-up and contain added sugars such as corn syrup which are added during production and are not found in breast milk. This is bad for babies because high consumption of added sugars <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212267219313401?via%3Dihub">may contribute</a> to tooth decay, poor diet and lead to obesity in children. We investigated the sugar content of 212 commercially available infant formula milk products targeted at infants under three. The products were being sold in supermarkets in 11 countries. We collected data on sugar content from nutrition labels and compared it to average breast milk compositions and sugar content guidelines. We also noted the clarity of the labels and the marketing strategies used on the packaging. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41415-020-1252-0">Our findings</a> revealed that over half of the products contained more than 5g of sugar per 100ml. In many cases, the sugar content was over 7.5g per 100ml, which exceeds <a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/archives/8274">European parliament</a> recommended levels for infants. For example, we found that a powdered product for infants under six months sold in France contained 8.2g of sugar per 100ml, or nearly two teaspoons, while a ready-to-drink milk formula for infants under 12 months sold in the UK contained 8.1g of sugar per 100ml. This comes at a time when sugar-sweetened beverages have been subject to widespread taxation to reduce their sugar content due to <a href="https://www.wcrf.org/sites/default/files/PPA-Building-Momentum-Report-WEB.pdf">negative impacts on health</a>. As a result, many formula products included in our study contained almost double the sugar of well known drinks such as <a href="https://www.coca-cola.co.uk/drinks/fanta/fanta-orange">Fanta Orange</a>. Nutritional information Obtaining information from the labels of these formula products was difficult as the fonts used were small and the facts provided varied between countries. For example, some products listed sugar content per 100g while others listed it per 100kcal. This is despite <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/3521/regulation/18/made">guidelines</a>, such as those in the UK, which state that values should be expressed as kJ/kcal per 100ml. There are also <a href="https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/international-code-marketing-breastmilk-substitutes-resources/the-code/">codes</a> in place to limit the marketing of infant formula products because they are not the best way to feed a growing baby. But most of these are voluntary codes of practice which manufacturers do not have to abide by. Even guidelines which are enforced by law can be side-stepped by manufacturers, since they are <a href="https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/content/dam/gb/reports/health/dont-push-it.pdf">not strictly monitored</a> and have loopholes. In some cases, manufacturers themselves have even influenced their development. <a href="https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/content/dam/gb/reports/health/dont-push-it.pdf">For example</a>it was revealed that the industry has funded research into infant health and has given doctors free formula products. This almost certainly helps ensure that their sale is affected as little as possible by such guidelines. It is possible that the sale of infant formula products has increased worldwide as a result. The World Health Organization’s <a href="https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/baby-friendly-resources/international-code-marketing-breastmilk-substitutes-resources/the-code/">International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes</a> stipulates that infant formula products should not be promoted over breastfeeding. <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/3521/regulation/17/made">In the UK</a> the guidelines state that the labels on products targeted at infants under six months should not include images of infants or any other pictures that idealise their use. But we found that many of the formulas had labels that included images of infants or cute toys of animals, presumably designed to entice caregivers into buying. Such findings are not unsurprising as there is evidence that <a href="http://www.babymilkaction.org/monitoring-global">harmful marketing strategies</a> have been used extensively by infant formula and follow-on milk manufacturers. Recommendations Our findings are alarming, as is the potential negative impact of the high sugar content on the health of babies. We urge parents and caregivers to opt for breast milk whenever possible. However, to help those families unable to breastfeed their babies, we also have two key recommendations for policymakers: 1) Regulate the amount and type of sugar in infant formula products as a matter of urgency. Encourage manufacturers to aim for formulations as close to breast milk as possible. Such regulations could be conducted in a similar way to the taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages which have been <a href="https://www.worldobesity.org/resources/policy-dossiers/pd-1/case-studies">implemented across the world</a>. 2) We are also calling for the mandatory disclosure of added sugar by manufacturers and suggest that this could be implemented alongside the introduction of a clear front-of-pack labelling system. Such disclosures and clear labelling could aid consumers to make informed choices about what products they purchase. Written by Gemma Bridge. Republished with permission of <a href="https://theconversation.com/some-infant-formula-milks-contain-more-sugar-than-soda-drinks-new-research-129655">The Conversation.</a>

Travel Tips

9 fantastic health uses for baking soda

When it comes to natural remedies and <a href="http://thankyourbody.com/toxic-free/">toxic-free</a> personal care products, you will be amazed by the versatility of simple baking soda. While there are many uses, one great factor is that it’s also really cheap. While widely referred to as baking soda, its “official” name is sodium bicarbonate and it helps regulate pH. If baking soda mixes with either an acid or an alkaline substance it has a neutralising effect on it. This quality makes it perfect for doing things like deodorising, neutralising and cleaning – all without the toxic mess of most commercial products. Here we present to you nine ways in which you can use baking soda when it comes to health. Freshen your breath Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water. Swish, spit, and rinse. And there you have it, an easy mouthwash that neutralise breath. Polish your teeth Although there is some concern that baking soda can be too abrasive for everyday use to clean teeth, there are many people will use baking soda as natural toothpaste. The good news is that even by only using it from time to time will help to effectively polish and whiten teeth. Try adding a little baking soda to your normal<a href="http://thankyourbody.com/all-natural-homemade-toothpaste/"> toothpaste</a> every few weeks for a little boost. To make deodorant Some people will just sprinkle on baking soda as a natural deodorant; however, if you have sensitive skin this could be too much for you. Look up DIY deodorant recipes online and use it as your main ingredient. As a gentle exfoliator For a simple way to gently get rid of dead skin, mix three parts of baking soda to one part water. Rub gently in a circular motion and then rinse clean. Relieve irritated skin Add a cup of baking soda to bathwater to soften your skin and relieve skin irritations. Relieve heartburn Baking soda is a safe antacid. Alleviate insect bites Make a simple paste of water and baking soda and apply as a lotion onto affected areas. Voila, an instant remedy! Pamper sore feet Soaking your feet in a baking soda solution will help soothe and soften tired feet. Mix three tablespoons of baking soda into a small tub of warm water and soak. Related links: <a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/03/unhealthy-foods-to-avoid/">10 unhealthy foods you need to remove from your kitchen NOW</a> <a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/03/benefits-of-lemon-water/">Why healthy people kick-start their day with lemon water</a> <a href="/health/wellbeing/2015/02/little-diet-tweaks/">10 little diet tweaks that make a big impact</a>

Body

Passionfruit soda

There’s nothing like an ice-cold drink on a balmy summer’s evening, and this delicious passionfruit soda will become your perfect warm weather companion. Serves: Eight Ingredients: <ul> <li>100g sugar</li> <li>1/2 teaspoon tartaric acid</li> <li>200g fresh passionfruit pulp</li> <li>50ml lemon juice</li> <li>sparkling water, edible flowers, mint leaves and lemon segments to serve</li> </ul> Method: <ol> <li>Combine the sugar, tartaric acid and 50ml water in a small saucepan over low heat.</li> <li>Stir until dissolved.</li> <li>Cool to room temperature then stir in the passionfruit and lemon juice.</li> <li>Serve on ice in chilled glasses, topped up with sparkling water and garnished with flowers, mint and lemon.</li> </ol> Mmm, doesn’t that sound refreshing? Written by Jo Pearson. First appeared on <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz">Stuff.co.nz.</a> Image credit: Aaron McLean / Stuff.co.nz Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="/%20https:/shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now.</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/03/blood-orange-margaritas/">Blood orange margaritas</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/03/manhattan-cocktail-recipe/">Manhattan cocktail recipe</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/07/rhubarb-champagne/">Rhubarb champagne</a>

Food & Wine

Grape and mint soda mocktail

This grape and mint soda mocktail makes for a delightfully refreshing drink that’s sure to cool you on a hot day. Serves: 2 Ingredients: <ul> <li>1¼ cup seedless black grapes</li> <li>¼ cup mint leaves</li> <li>Sugar, to taste</li> <li>Juice of 2 limes</li> <li>1 ½ cup soda water</li> <li>Ice</li> </ul> Method: 1. Combine grapes, mint leaves, limejuice and sugar in a blender. Process until well combined. 2. Pour mixture through a mesh strainer, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Pour grape soda into two glasses. Top each glass with soda water and ice. Stir and serve immediately. Have you ordered your copy of the Over60 cookbook, The Way Mum Made It, yet? Featuring 178 delicious tried-and-true recipes from you, the Over60 community, and your favourites that have appeared on the Over60 website, <a href="https://shop.abc.net.au/products/way-mum-made-it-pbk" target="_blank">head to the abcshop.com.au to order your copy now.</a> Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/mojito/">Mojito</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2016/01/lychee-and-mango-sorbet/">Lychee and mango sorbet</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/food-wine/2015/11/blueberry-yoghurt-ice-creams/">Blueberry yoghurt ice-creams</a>

Food & Wine

12 cleaning uses for baking soda you never thought of

It’s great for baking chocolate chip cookies and also to solve the stomach ache after too many of them. However, baking sodas real claim to fame is its incredible ability to freshen and clean even the filthiest corners of your home. The environmental pollutants from cleaning products are extremely harmful to your family and the environment, so why not switch to a cheaper, more sustainable option? Here are our top 12 ways to use baking soda. 1. Foul smelling fridge After letting the aforementioned left overs have their run in the back of the fridge, it could probably use some freshening up. Baking soda will absorb strong food odours so they don’t linger or change the taste of neighbouring foods. 2. Unrinsed fruit and Vegetables Mixed with water, baking soda can remove dirt and the waxy coating on produce. 3. Stubborn grease You can get the chicken fat off the baking tray without ruining your last sourer! Dial up your dish detergent's power with baking soda ad scrub away. 4. Musty upholstery Deodorize your cushion and upholstery around your house by sprinkling surfaces<a href="http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning-organizing/prepare-house-for-holiday-guests-4" target="_blank"></a> with baking soda, letting it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuuming it up. 5. Crayon covered wall So the grandchildren found the pefect blank canvas for their flower art? Keep calm, take deep breaths and simply scrub lightly with a damp sponge sprinkled in baking soda. This actually works for a lot of wall stains 6. Clogged drain Remember making DIY volcanos in school? Clear a stubborn drain by pouring a 1/2 cup of baking soda down it, followed by a 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover with a wet cloth to contain the science project-like effects. Wait five minutes and then flush with hot water. 7. Dirty patio furniture Patio furniture seems to age about ten times as fast as humans do. Before you pull yours out for alfresco dining season,give them a wipe-down with baking soda and water. And before you put them away at the end of summer, place baking soda underneath the cushions or inside their storage bags to keep them fresh. 8. Garbage can Place some baking soda in the bottom of your can to fight the pungent odour. 9. Oil spill Don’t accept oil spills on your garage floor as a part of life.Pour on a little baking soda and scrub with a wet brush to make it disappear. 10. Dank linen closet Just like in the fridge, an open box of baking soda placed near your sheets and towels can fight musty smells. 11. Jewellery When your sterling silver stops shining, get rid of tarnish by making a paste (three parts baking soda to one- part water). Apply it with a lint-free cloth (not a paper towel, which can scratch), and rinse. 12. Tupperware containers you’ve given up on Leftovers will always find a way to leave their mark (especially if you’ve left them in there for a day or seven too long).To freshen your plastic containers, wipe with a clean sponge sprinkled with baking soda. For particularly tough stains soak them in a solution of four tablespoons of baking soda and a quart of warm water. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/homemade-remedies-for-the-garden/">Homemade remedies for the garden</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/how-to-save-energy-on-your-appliances/">6 ways to save energy on your appliances</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/12/common-car-washing-mistakes/">7 common mistakes we all make when washing the car</a>

News

5 more surprising uses for bicarb soda that you’ll want to know

The uses for bicarb soda are seemingly endless; it’s such a versatile product to keep in your home. From the kitchen to the garage, here are five more things you can do using the innocuous white powder. Scrub fresh produce This is great if you’re worried about dirt and pesticides: Mix a little bicarb soda with water, and use the paste to give your supermarket produce a good scrub. Make a face mask For a glowing complexion, add one or two tablespoons of bicarb soda to the juice from half a lemon, and a dash of honey. Apply the mixture to your face and leave it there for about 15 minutes. Rinse it off and admire the glow. Deodourise your carpet This one could come in handy if your dogs live inside. If you find your carpets are smelling a little (or if a guest mentions it – sometimes it’s hard to pick up in our own homes), sprinkle bicarb soda over the carpet and leave it for an hour. Vacuum the carpet and you can wave goodbye to that doggy smell. Soak up oil If you’ve spilt oil – on the garage floor, on your favourite top – sprinkle bicarb soda on the spill to help absorb the mess. Freshen the air For a subtle, do-it-yourself fragrance spray, mix two cups of water, one tablespoon of bicarb soda and 15 to 20 drops of your favourite essential oil. Pour this into a spray bottle with a “mist” setting and you’re good to go. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/10/household-tricks-from-1900s/">Vintage household tricks from the 1900s</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/clever-ways-to-use-adhesive-hooks-at-home/">14 clever ways to use adhesive hooks in the home</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/home-garden/2015/11/household-products-never-to-buy/">8 household products you should never buy</a>

News

12 ways to use baking soda to get glowing skin and shiny hair

Have you ever read the labels on your beauty products and wondered what on earth it all means? Well, a new wave of health conscious consumers are taking a step away from the chemical concoctions in their beauty cabinet and turning to the kitchen. You won’t believe their latest miracle beauty product: baking soda. Yes, the budget kitchen essential has a ton of uses beyond the benchtop. Allie White and the Mind Body Green team have done the leg work for you to discover how to use this product at home. Here are their top 12 ways to use baking soda in your beauty routine. 1. Hand softener Ever kneaded homemade dough and wondered why your hands feel so soft? The answer is baking soda. It can be used as a natural scrub to combat dirt and odours. Mix it with warm water and rub it on your hands. 2. Hair cleanser If you find your scalp left with product residue post-shower, try this hack. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with your shampoo and rub it vigorously into the scalp. It should help remove dirt, oil and residue. 3. Splinter removal Remove a lodged splinter by soaking the area twice a day in warm water and a tablespoon of baking soda. It should fall out naturally as the skin softens. 4. Face exfoliator Scrub off dry skin by creating this easy at-home exfoliator. Combine one teaspoon of baking soda with half a cup of water and massage it into your face in a circular motion. Rinse and repeat as necessary. 5. Hair brush cleaner To ensure your hairbrushes aren’t a hotbed of oil and product residue, give them a natural clean once a month. Combine two teaspoons of baking soda with one cup of water. Rub it into the brushes then rinse and dry. 6. Sunburn soother Tender skin will benefit from a soothing soak of baking soda and water. Draw a cool bath and add half a cup of baking soda. The water will help to cool down the area while the baking soda will soften skin. 7. Relieve itchy skin According to the trial team at Mind Body Green, baking soda can help reduce discomfort from some allergic rashes. Mix a teaspoon with water to create a paste and apply it to the affected area. Be sure to contact a health professional if the rash persists. 8. Whiten teeth The team at Dr Axe believe baking soda can be used as a natural teeth whitener. To give this one a go, simply create your own DIY toothpaste using a teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of water. Rub it onto your teeth and let it sit for five minutes. Some claim that doing this once a week will help keep your teeth pearly white, but be sure to continue to brush and floss as usual. 9. Deodorise feet Create your own foot bath by adding a tablespoon of baking soda to a bucket of warm water. The active ingredient should help remove bacteria and odours as well as soften tough skin on the heels. Related links: <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/11/beauty-rules-to-break/">The 4 beauty rules you’re allowed to break</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/11/ways-to-style-short-hair/">12 age-defying ways to style short hair</a> <a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/beauty-style/2015/11/how-to-blow-dry-hair-properly/">6 blow-drying mistakes everyone makes</a>

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Passionfruit soda

Grape and mint soda mocktail

12 cleaning uses for baking soda you never thought of

5 more surprising uses for bicarb soda that you’ll want to know

12 ways to use baking soda to get glowing skin and shiny hair