The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Side Effects
Posted by Kristin (Los Angeles, CA) on 06/12/2008
I had really acidic urine (pH less than 6) and tried Ted's ACV + baking soda remedy. I started with 2 TBS ACV + 1/4 tsp baking soda 2X daily and reduced it to 1TB AVC + 1/8 tsp baking soda when my pH went way too high.
During this time, I developed severe UTI problems -- I hit them hard with things like Candex, probiotics and monistat, H2O2 gargling, swallowing, etc because I was determined to see the pH balancing through to the end. Four weeks ago I dropped the baking soda all together and am drinking 1TBS ACv per day with water and apple juice which gives me just a slightly acidic urine pH (around 6.8).
Today, partially due to a complication with being allergic to the new HFA asthma inhalers, I now have the fungus pretty much invading my entire GI tract at this point, and it is in my lungs. I am really ill, needing tons of Sporanox to begin to get better. Most of all, I am very confused. It seems candida and relatives are absolutely LOVING my higher pH and taking big advantage of it.
Ted, what is going on here? Please help.
General Feedback
Posted by Salli (Madison, United States) on 06/01/2008
The information is very informative and thank you so much for it. On the ACV and Soda I learned that BSoda depletes Vit C from the body so we need to be careful about that. I also am of the opinion that water should not be taken during the meal as it can dilute the disgestive juices needed for digestion. Would some of you pls address this? I have very seldom Acid Reflux while eating so don't drink water during the meal & since then have had no problem. My PH level is a 6 (acidic) so am working to correct that; all bloodwork is within normal limits. Thank you, Salli
General Feedback
Posted by Bret (Phoenix, Arizona) on 06/11/2008
Thank you Ted for your the biochemistry review. I don't have any textbooks from 30 years ago but you sure sounded like a text book. I did enjoy this posting and it did bring back college day memories of my professors. The issue I am facing, or shall I say confusion, is with intercellular fluid. Sodium is not a strong electron attractor and neither is calcium in lower energy states. Buffering extracellular fluid and blood or plasma is of course different than buffering inside the cell. In bacterial infections and viral infections I can visualize that higher ph will stop replication once an infected cell lysis and particles or microbes are then dumped into this alkalized medium. Bacterial infections are external to the cell so this makes sense to me. I've dealt mainly with cancer and in this instance extra cellular ph isn't as relevant as intercellular ph. We can disagree with Warburg and Koch that lactic acid, uric acid, carbonic acid don't lower intercellular ph, but this would turn alternative medicine upside down. The question that I have is that to alkalize cancer patients shouldn't we use stronger electron attracting salts bound to potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, cesium, rhubidium? Thanks for your time, Ted.
Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (Rochester, NY) on 05/27/2008
My daughter (age 14) and I (age 44) have been taking ACV + baking soda for a week now and we have both gained 5 pounds! We have been taking it as follows: 2 tablespoons raw ACV, add 1/4 heaping teaspoon baking soda, wait until it stops fizzing, add 8 ounces water and a couple of teaspoons of apple juice (for taste). We are taking it twice a day, in the morning before breakfast and around 3pm. We are doing 5 days on, 2 days off. I look 8 months pregnant - very bloated!! HELP!! Energy levels are higher, so we'd like to keep doing it - what can we change or add?? Thank you.
Side Effects
Posted by Lisa (Rochester, NY) on 05/28/2008
Update: I've gained 3 pounds in the last 30 hours! Am I creating a volcano in my stomach?? Does anyone have any suggestions on why I am gaining weight so rapidly?
Side Effects
Posted by Melanie (Kunia, Hawaii) on 05/30/2008
To Lisa from Rochester: I think you are retaining water. Read the 3/06/2008 response. Doesn't appear the baking soda agrees with your body composition. Good luck!
EC: The post Melanie is referring to:
03/06/2008: Janet from Anchorage, Alaska writes: "I started ACV and baking soda about two months ago it has cured my acid reflux/GERD was taking Previcid for over 20 years. My problem is I'm retaining fluids -gained almost 10# using the ACV and baking soda. Is there any other alternative in taking the ACV to continue getting the wonderful benefits without hurting your teeth? I am retaining so much fluid it's depressing. One other plus I have noticed is my hair started growing in length which it had slowed down in growing due to Adrenal Burnout. I really appreciate any advice this web site or Teb could give me. Thanks, Janet"
Side Effects
Posted by Sheila Megan (Glugor, Penang) on 02/14/2008
AVC & Baking Soda. Thank god that i came across this site. I am 38 yrs. I suffer from obesity. I weigh about 70kg. I always feel sleepy and my foots hurt much when i stand long. I have trying to loose weight using several methods but all in Vain. I tried ACV last week. 2 table spoon in 500lm water, after 2 days i felt a burning sensatin in my tongue. I add 1/4 Soda in 1 tablespoon ACV mixed into 250ml water and took 3 times a day. I feel more energetic, but notice my skin went dry and burning sensation around my lips. My necks are stiff too. Is that anything wrong with the mixture or should I stop the Soda. Please advise.
Side Effects
Posted by Susan (Chicago, IL) on 08/11/2008
Wondering if others have had this same experience . . . When I first started alkalizing, it didn't make me feel so good, when I used baking soda with my apple cider vinegar. Like you, I liked the vinegar alone in water better, even though that didn't feel quite right, either.
I used PH strips to find out I was way too alkaline. Long story short, I researched and decided that for me, it was a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency. I worked on this for awhile (with a good food based multi, colloidal minerals, Armour thyroid, and b- complex), and I started coming up consistently acidic like most people. It was exciting for me to go acidic, because then I knew I'd fixed the deficiency problem.
I've been able to take the baking soda/ACV combo with no problems now (it's helping with many problems).
I'm not sure that adding baking soda is for everyone, but I thought I'd share what worked for me. Also, don't drink tap water if possible.
Side Effects
Posted by Myrlene (Miami, FL) on 01/08/2008
I have been suffering with Acid Reflux for a few months now. I am so thankful for your website. ACV Baking soda works great for me, specially in the morning. But, if I take after 6:00 PM, it keeps me awake all night. I already suffered with insomnia, and it aggrevates it more. Now, having a good night sleep is my problem. Ted, what can I do for that?
Broad Benefits
Posted by Sandhi (USA) on 12/26/2007
Thanks Tricia, for sharing this information. I have tried and tested BS and am convinced that its bad for health and I will abstain from it totally. I like to brush my teeth with BS and 3% H2O2 mix. But injesting BS is no longer in my list. The negative things I noticed after ingesting BS were, Bacterial Vaginosis (vagina smelling really bad), hair loss and dry skin. Apple Cider Vinegar / Lime/Lemon juice MUST be ingested without reacting it with BS. Our stomach needs the acid and neutralizing the stomach acid it extremely hazardous to health. One more reason to avoid cakes, cookies, pastries is that they contain BS...
http://nutrition.about.com/od/askyournutritionist/f/bakingsodabvit.htm http://www.naturesbounty.com/vf/healthnotes/HN_live/Drug/Sodium_Bicarbonate.htm
Burning Tongue
Posted by Margaret (Minneapolis, Minnesota) on 06/26/2008
Reply to Eric from Palm Springs, The presence of eosinophils in your esophagus may be indicative of an immune disorder. In addition to other naturalistic approaches, I would recommend that you try diffusing essential oils that are intracellular and will boost your immunity without causing harm. Be sure to get therapeutic grade oils from a reputable dealer.
Weight Loss
Posted by Steve (Sichon, Thailand) on 04/25/2015
You don't need that straw if you totally neutralise the ACV as it is not acid any more ie: after the mixture stops fizzing and most or all of the BS has disappeared.
If you used a 5% acid mixture then it might be a wise thing, but throw that straw away as it is unnecessary.
Side Effects
Posted by Sandhi (Ottawa, Ontario) on 12/13/2007
Baking Soda remedy With all my experience, I can say the BS remedy is potentially harmful. I tried it and suffered bad consequences. Skin becoming dry, hair falling off in clumps and yeast infections.... Lemon Juice / ACV must be taken with just water. Our stomach is meant to be acidic and anything which tends to neutralise stomach acid is harmful and will prevent the absorption of nutrients. NO Baking Soda should be added. I am just wondering how many ppl might be harming their healths with BS..
Side Effects
Posted by Jaques (Brighton, England) on 11/21/2007
I am 58, have had a lifetime of stomach problems - now diagnosed with hiatal hernia/acid reflux, taking omeprazol, 40mg a day, main problem is always have loose stools and worst very sore eosophagus/throat, had biopsy on what looked like Barrets but negative. However, dont like taking pills, tried 2 tbls acv with 1/4 tsp bicarb soda in 1/2 glass water for 5 days lst thing and last thing at night on empty stomach - also did oil pulling - immediately on drinking the remedy my eosophagus/throat hurt even with bicarb added, my mouth which has burned, esp my tongue, for 10 yrs, became even more sore and the "runs" worsened. first I thought it would improve but I couldnt sleep at all, felt agitated and as I have very high BP which medication isnt helping, I decided to go back on the stomach pills. Having read peoples positive results I felt sure acv would help me with my stomach/BP and high cholestorol - I eat a very healthy diet, dont smoke, exercise, am slim, I really dont know what to do next or why this acv works for so many and makes me worse - if anyone has any ideas Id be grateful? Thank you. Jaques
Broad Benefits
Posted by Nef (Florida) on 04/24/2016
Consider seeing a chiropractor and an acupuncturist for the back/nerve pain. They've really helped my roommate who had both for years. Just look for ones with good reviews.
Side Effects
Posted by Sandhi (USA) on 09/21/2007
I want to point something about the Baking Soda remedy for increasing the alkalinity of body. Unfortunately, this remedy worked for me in the beginning, as I noticed improved digestion, but then I noticed I came down with a chronic case of Bacterial Vaginosis. A fishy odor coming from the vagina. I have heard, women who are on Birth Control Pill get BV. But I have never used BCPs. Further reading, I found out that Baking Soda, and for that matter most antacids can lead to the depletion of B-vitamins in the body. (including Folic Acid & B12). And no wonder Folic Acid is recommended as a cure for BV. I am taking Folic Acid ( 1 mg) and B-complex now, but the fishy odor is not gone completely! I am really stuck with this odor which I NEVER had before. So could it be, my folic acid levels are depleted and I am unable to get them to a healthy level. As of now, I am suspecting Baking Soda has done this to me. And I am abstaining from using it anymore. I would be interested to hear what other female users have to say about this.
Side Effects
Posted by Tracy (Frederick, MD) on 01/21/2008
Just wanted to put in my .02cents. I was taking the ACV Baking Soda tonic three times a day. It's ironic now that I think about it, the way our bodies talk to us, the last few times I took the recipe, (and I'm very used to the taste of the ACV/BS tonic) my nose would turn up at the smell, it smelled furmented, almost like old wine. Then I got a yeast/BV infection...and after research and trial and error, I realized that what Sandhi mentioned was true, too much BS can reverse the body's alkaline and actually make it too acidic. So, after curing the Yeast infection with Hydrogen Peroxide, yogurt and water (monostat DID NOT WORK) and quitting the Baking soda, I feel much better. Every once in a while if I feel heartburny I'll add BS to my ACV, but I skip the BS most days and just take ACV and feel much better!
Side Effects
Posted by S (USA) on 07/31/2007
Thank you for sharing your knowledge on earthclinic.com. It has helped me in many ways. I have been doing the 2tbs acv 1/4 baking soda in water for almost three weeks. It has helped my migraines and joint aches as well as helped with my overall mental well being. However a side effect I have is that since taking this I have become increasingly tired. So much that I can not get out of bed or feel safe to drive or work. I began taking this remedy to try to help in regulating my menstrations and hormones. I've begun taking B-complex hoping this would give me added energy but it has not. I am wondering if I should lower dosages of acv or stop this remedy entirely. Thank You
Weight Loss
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 07/10/2007 392 posts
The malic acid and the acetate is what gives the apple cider vinegar people the energy. The baking soda is what restores the bicarbonate deficiency where a more alkalized body will increase the oxygen in the body giving the body more energy and hence weight loss is synergistic with both of these. What most people won't know is the baking soda and the apple cider vinegar has a strongly negative Oxidation Reduction Potential, which means it is also an antioxidant.
Kidney Infection
Posted by Ao (Nigeria) on 06/29/2007
★★★★★
i use the vinegar and baking soda for my kidney infection but now i have 90% less pain and it is now 3days i have started using it and very soon it will clear. i am eating normal now. please i will like to have the remedies for loss of memory and ovary cancer please reply via my email.Thanks and more grees to your elbow.
Skin
Posted by Ed Davis (Wenatchee WA, USA) on 06/03/2007
★★★★★
Skin Care - Dry Scaly Patches: I had some dry scaly skin on my nose and about for an inch or so on either side of my nose. I have been using a mixture of ACV, Baking Soda, and Water for a about a week and a half. I use about 1/4 tablespoon of BS and ACV till the bubbling stops. then I add just enough water to complete filling a small cup About 3 inches high, 1/2 full. I wash my face with this and leave it on for about a minute and then rinse it off. My skin on my nose and by my nose is now very soft and is no longer dry. I also found that when shaving with a razor that this mixture lubricated my skin and I did not get any cuts. I pieced this mixture together from reading about several items from this site. I love
www.earthclinic.com
Side Effects
Posted by Jade (USA) on 05/17/2007
I have a few questions in regards to the remedies suggested on the earth clinic website: 1. have been taking ACV alone without any problem until adding baking soda which causes abdominal pain throughout the night...
Side Effects
Posted by Julie (Reading, Pennsylvania) on 05/16/2007
This is the 2nd time I'm posting this question. As well, I sent a message to Ted, and I haven't gotten any responses yet. I started taking ACV & baking soda about 2 weeks ago, and it IMMEDIATELY stopped my acid reflux (for which my symptom is a burning sore throat)!! Wonderful! However, I have Ulcerative Colitis (which is in remission) and have been experiencing diarrhea. I took the ACV * baking soda first thing in the AM , then had my low-acid coffee, and about an hour later, had severe "D". My question is, could the ACV be causing my diarrhea.?? I don't know what else it could be? I'm concerned that my UC might be flaring up, yet, it's helping my acid reflux...
GERD
Posted by Mayank (India ) on 07/05/2016
Thank you Kristin for your kind and helpful comment. I just saw your post which is dated @2007 and you have mentioned your age as 26 (that time). I was searching this site for the GERD patients of my own age I.e. 26 now, and I found your comment which helped me a lot! A big thanks to you. I really hope that your health is at best and you are doing well. Wishing you luck and happiness.
Cough
Posted by Mphoshomali Hellen Lufuno (Louis Trichardt, South Africa) on 12/15/2016
Please clarify me, this mixture of olive oil, Apple Cider Vinegar and baking soda I have to use it separately or add into decaf tea. please am having a serious sinus infection for 5 yrs, is so embarrassing and painful. I 'll realy appreciate your quickest response.
Side Effects
Posted by Gail (Wawanesa, Manitoba, Canada) on 02/07/2007
Hi i recently discovered your website and found it very informative. My aunt always used to talk about the goodness in Apple Cider Vinegar. When I read about using it with baking soda I tried it and found I really liked it in fizzy form. However, in about two weeks I began to suffer from the driest skin I have ever had! A friend who is into natural remedies told me it was the baking soda that was causing this. I immediately quit adding it to the ACV and using it to clean my face daily and began to re-hydrate myself. Now a few days later I still have some itching of the skin but it is improving. Was I using too much? I was taking about 1/4-1/2 a teaspoon in my ACV 3x a day. I would like to say that I noticed an immediate sensation of well being and boost in my energy as soon as I started with the ACV. I'm going to keep on taking it, even though I won't be using the baking soda any more! Gail
