Baking Soda and Apple Cider Vinegar Questions Questions
PREPARE RECIPE IN ADVANCE?
11/28/2007: N writes: "Hi Ted, I'm very excited to find Earth Clinic and have the privelege of knowing you. You seem to be a very knowledgeable person when it comes to ACV. I read all of the website and immediately ran to a health food store to buy all the ingredients - ACV, honey and baking soda, after being impressed by testimonies of a lot of people. By the way, I was in pain for arthrities in the shoulder. From my reading the website again, I found out that honey is optional. I can remove it because of my diabetes, am I right? 1) Can I prepare a large quantity of the mix, like a gallon but using your proportion so that I can have a ready drink everyday. Of course, I will refrigerate the gallon of mix. 2) I have medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Do you think it is OK to drink the ACV? This is very important for me to know. Please reply immediately. Thanks and take care. N___ from San Jose, California"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "I can remove it because of my diabetes, am I right?
Yes, honey can be removed.
1) Can I prepare a large quantity of the mix, like a gallon but using your proportion so that I can have a ready drink everyday. Of course, I will refrigerate the gallon of mix.
Make it enough just for ONE DAY, and store in refrigerator in tightly closed container. Do not use it the next day as it may spoil. A gallon mix may be way too large. One liter would be enough for a day to day mix.
2) I have medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Do you think it is OK to drink the ACV? This is very important for me to know.
Most important is that the ACV is NEUTRALIZE with baking soda until the pH is between 7 to 7.5. The mix is usually 2 tablespoon plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
In case of high cholesterol I have found it most important to NOT USE any vegetable oils during cooking EXCEPT coconut oil. Coconut oil will reduce absorption of free radical vegetable oils and reduce the bad LDL choleterol. One tablespoon a day of granulated lecithin would also normalize some level of diabetes problem too. Vitamin B complex is also helpful, using B50 taken once a week.
'If high blood pressure is a problem I prefer a 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar plus 1/2 teaspoon of bakng soda plus 1/8 teaspoon of potassium citrate (or potassium bicarbonate) in 1/2 glass of water (at least)."
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EFFECTIVE SHELF-LIFE?
11/26/2007: Angela writes: "I take the ACV, BS with honey. I take 2 tsp of ACV, 2 tsp of raw honey and 1/8 tsp of BS with 8 ounces of purified water. I take 6 (8 oz bottles) and fill each with these amounts and I drink 2 or 3 of these bottles each day. Does making it ahead change the effectiveness of the ACV remedy or should I make it as I drink it. I keep the ACV remedy in the refrigerator."
"'EC: According to Ted, ACV & baking soda should not be stored -- it loses its effectiveness after a short time!"
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WHY DIDN'T IT HELP MY STOMACH?
11/21/2007: Jaques writes: "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"
Joyce from Joelton, TN replies: "To Jacques from Brighton, England (11/21/07) and Yadira from Los Angeles (ll/21/07 Try eliminating all bleached flour from your diet and see if your stomach/Gastrointestinal problems go away. I had the same problems until I stumbled onto the fact that bleached flour was the major culprit instead of the sausage and other spicy foods that I had been blaming them on. You may find (as I do) that your stomach will not tolerate citrus juice or tomato juice from a metal can. I have no problem with the same juices fresh, frozen, or in glass jars. Hope this works for you but eliminating it takes some diligence."
12/30/2007: Sharon from OKC, OK replies: "Response to Jacques in England..I would recommend she get checked for Candida (yeast) as well at gluten test..If they have LIVE BLOOD CELL TEST that can check for yeast& lots of other things and do either a stool or saliva test for gluten..of course as long as she hasnt been feeling well a GI doc should be able to do a colonoscopy and see if her small intestine is damaged from the gluten..worth a try..good luck..I'm still battling my condition as well..dont give up!!"
12/10/2007: Amber from Royal Oak, MI replies: "11/21/07 Sharon from OKC wrote about her burning mouth and stomach problems and that she was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Jaques from Brighton England wrote that he also has had a burning mouth for 10 years and have stomach problems. I think Jaques should get checked for Celiac disease since it can go undiagnosed for a long time."
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LONG-TERM BAKING SODA USE SAFE?
11/10/2007: Ramila writes: "Dear Sir, I was very excited about your site. I have been taking apple cider vinegar with soda bicarbonate and feel really very good. I was taking it for osteoarthirits. it has helped me a lot. i have very less knee pains now. Recently, I met a doctor friend and told him what I have been taking for my knee pains. Unfortunately, he said that soda bicarbonate is not good to use it for long term and also said that it degenerates your bones in long term. Can you please, please let me know if this is true. I don't want to stop taking this formula as I do feel good. Also can you please let me know if this is safe to give it to a one year old child? I would really appreciate if you would kindly let me at your earliest convenience. I have written to you in past and I know I will never get an answer as my previously mail hasn't been answered. I only hope that one day I will receive an email with my answers. I still haven't up the hope. Regards, Ramila"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "I have been taking soda for about 35 years now. So if anyone with a severe bone problem, it has got to be me.
The issue is that this news is not true. Basically an osteporosis or osteoarthritis are due to a mycobacterium which exists in an acidic state bound to the bones calcium. If the body is sufficiently alkaline, the bone pain reduces. The baking soda does not reduce the calcium. Baking soda is a bicarbonate which buffers the body against pH fluctuation so the body can protect itself against the mycobacterium. The major weakness of the mycobacterium IS the bicarbonates. In fact if the body is sufficiently alkaline, it will not cause the acidic blood to eat the bone. One easy example to illustrate is if you put chicken bones in a vinegar (acidic) for about a month, or even an egg shell, the acid vinegar will REMOVE THE CALCIUM from the chicken bone. A long term acid state of the body is much like a chicken bone in a vinegar. The calcium is removed BY ACIDITY, not by alkalization. Thus the alkalization will reduce any leeching effect of the blood in removing the calcium from your bones, very much like acid rain that eats through Greek statues. The fact is, alkalization protects against calcium from leeching from the bones because it is the acid that eats through the calcium."
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BEST TIME TO TAKE?
10/01/2007: Amy writes: "I'm confused as to what times to take the acv before meals, or after and when you take the acv between meals and when you use the baking soda and when you are not to use the baking soda for digestion or just to raise your ph. If you take the acv and baking soda before a meal, then you can get indigestion or heart burn. If you take the acv without soda after a meal, you can get indigestion or heart burn. When is the best time to take acv & water and acv, baking soda & water?"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Amy: Usually the best times to take it is 30 minutes or more before meals in the morning. Another time before sleep is it taken after meals 30 minutes or more. Generally the remedy is for baking soda, or baking soda plus apple cider vineger.
However, if ACV is taken alone, it can be taken during meals. ACV taken alone is somewhat contraindicated for people with acid reflux, GERD, and acid indigestion, at the very least. Of course, the ACV can dilute the acidic effects, such as 2 tablespoon per one glass of water.
If a person with a worse case acid reflux, ACV taken alone without baking soda would invariably lead to an acid reflux problems, regardless of whether they take it before, during or after. And hence baking soda is added to prevent the related acid problems, as its pH is very close to the body's own natural pH.
For some reason if the food is sour, usually it is the citric acid, but might possibly apply to just ACV, the digestion process slows down, usually it is for the stomach.
Hence, if the solution is alkalized and diluted with sufficient amount of water, it passes through the stomach and goes through the system faster, without the acid indigestion.
The reason why it is taken at those times is it causes the least problems, namely the laxative effect. If for example baking soda are taken along with food, the laxative effect would be noticeable more so than at other times.
Still, there is some possible exception, if plenty of water was taken during the course of the meals. The acid/base effect and concentration would be so minimized as to minimized the problems.
The problem still exists as to how much water is to be taken. Certain cultures, such as some Italians take baking soda after meal, so to help with digestion. Of course, I have seen people reporting laxative effects at those times, so maybe they were taken after meals, to perhaps reduce the indigestion problems, or bulging of the stomach, at a small risks of laxative effect.
The original remedy actually calls for three times a day, but most people prefer twice a day, so this became a minimum intake. The three times a day were supposed to be once in the morning, once in the later afternoon (about 2-5 p.m.) and another one before sleep. Most people are working at the later afternoon, but this is the times they are also most sleepy or that they are too busy.
The reason why that specific times were done especially 2-5 p.m, was in certain autistics in school, they have real problems during those time period that the body is most toxic. Taking during those time would invariable lead them to be more calm, better concentration, less tantrums, etc. The other reason is workers who exert a lot of physical exertion where the body's acidity increase and oxygen level needs increase just about between 3-6 p.m. Hence, the baking soda would neutralize the acidity from lactic acid, which would reduce some muscle pains, alkalizing will also increase the oxygen to the needed body.
I had one case of a person who took at a between 10-12 p.m. which he reported to have headaches. Upon changing to the original time in the morning, the problem disappeared.
You might ask why before sleep and why in the morning. Most people die in their sleep which occured between 2- 4 a.m. in the morning. It is those times where the body is also the most acid. Hence, if taken before sleep it would give some electrolytes for the body to recover during sleep. As to why in the morning is that before a person begins works the body's demand for oxygen rises and acidity also increase, so the alkalizing is taken as a preemptive move for physical exertion and other problems that goes along with working in office hours, such as 9 a.m. to 5 a.m.
The problem appears to be that if the person is PROPERLY RESTED and does not work, or is a housewife, who do not do too much chores in the morning hour. Taking the alkalizing remedy during the morning hours in this case would not help and taking later in a day just before physical exertion is needed.
I could not possibly cover ever possible scenario, but in general keeping a pH in the region of 7 helps the body recover faster. A short term alertness and awakefulness is possible if the body is acidic, but the engine would be overheated and breakdown. However the opposite occurs in case of ADHD, hyperactivity, where alkalizing is important foundation. While hypoactivity, the opposite is needed. Most people are high stressed and hence alkalizing is important, while some who lacks stress, which is rare these days the opposite is desireable, in the short-term only.
When is the best time to take acv & water and acv, baking soda & water?
Therefore the best times is in the morning 30 minutes or more before eating, and before sleeping 30 miutes or more after eating. It is taken on two times a day. If apple cider vinegar alone is taken the minimum water on two tablespoon is one full glass of water to dilute the effects of acid. But if the apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoon and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, it is taken at least 1/2 glass of water, but 1 glass is more ideal. The reason for the minimum is some people cannot drink too much water and can have problems. Hence the remedy best choice to to pursue the minimum, finding the optimum dose therefore becomes a individual's decision to find it himself because of differences in weight, sex, height, and age.
It should be noted that honey is added to reduce the smell of ACV, which some find it repulsive. Sometimes I take a more purified form such as malic acid, citric acid, baking soda, and perhaps sodium acetate, to avoid the smell of ACV. There is another way around it, which is 2 tablespoon of lime juice (or lemon) plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water, at least. More sensitive people will prefer a 1 glass of water, but taken slowly of course. Whether it is ACV, ACV baking soda, baking soda, or lime (lemon) and baking soda, it is still taken at least two times a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime still.
This rule might have some exceptions as some issues was raised here. One issue of alkalizing that must be considered and this issue is raised many time: the body can further alkalize itself if certain acid diets are avoided, namely cola, sugar, white bread, cheese, for example. The one final that has got people surprised on alkalizing is deep breathing which is very important. Getting enough sleep is can also raise the pH quite well also. However this assumes that all good habits were already exercised."
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BLOOD PRESSURE BETTER, THEN WORSE?
09/07/2007: PL writes: "I have had HBP for many years, and finally gave in to the doctors and started on BP meds.I was taking the meds for about one year and then I found earth clinic. I started off taking the lemon juice/baking soda 2-3 times a day and I started to wean off the BP meds. I couldn't find any info on how to get off the meds so I took a pill every other day , then 1/2 pill for three days, then stopped all together. I checked my presure 3-4 times per day and it was 125/65 or close to that most of the time. I was very happy because I hate taking the meds...after nine days off the meds and nice low bBP readings, yesterday turned into a nightmare!
I woke up in the morning with my head spinning, the room was spinning and I was very dizzy, I had shortness of breath and I was very scared. My BP was very high. My husband came home and rushed me to the doctor. He was very upset that I stopped the meds and said I was lucky I didn't have a stroke. He said I had a rebound reaction and my BP was very high, with racing heart. I am back on the meds and wondering what happened. The doctor said NEVER take baking soda when you have high pressure! The lemon or ACV does not balance the sodium with potassium. I love natural cures, so now I will have to try to find another way to not have an acid PH. The doc says I will always have to take BP meds the rest of my life( I'm 55) Does any body out there know what happened? I still feel a little dizzy today, and am discouraged. I don't want anyone else to go through what I just did."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "If the person is already taking high blood pressure medicine, than it is not likely the remedy will work. If the people suddenly stop a strong withdrawal reaction will be experienced. The body has gotten used to it and becomes dependent on the doctor's med, much like an addiction to it. Some people have reduced blood pressure medicine taking it, but not stopping them completely. A potassium in this instance maybe needed such as 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon of potassium. Dietary changes are in order by avoiding dinner, oily foods, white bread, cheese and sweets. The addition of one tablespoon of granulated lecithin in this instance a day maybe helpful in reducing fatty buildup in the liver.
While I don't take doctor's med for blood pressure to begin with because I was aware of a strong withdrawal effects from quitting then it will suit me just fine. The remedy that was used is for people who are not on doctors med since once withdrawn from the meds, the body becomes very strongly dependent on the high blood pressure.
It should be noted that the condition described the body's dependency on doctor's med and a strong withdrawal reaction, much like quitting for stopping heroine addiction, but with differences in the kinds of withdrawal symptons should be noted."
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TOO MUCH ENERGY FROM REMEDY?
08/24/2007: Keith writes: "Hi Ted: I'm writing because I tried your ACV and baking soda remedy for reflux. I've only just started the regimen, so I can't tell how well it is working, but I have noticed one side effect that concerns me. The ACV has given me more energy, but I';m wondering if it ever causes insomnia? I fell asleep last night at 10:30 and woke up at 3:30 and couldn't go back to sleep. I've never really had any problems with insomnia, in fact, I'm usually quite sleepy all the time. As I said, the ACV seems to be resolving that issue, but I'm worried that it might be giving me too much energy. I know a good night's sleep is important for your health, so I don't want to suffer from losing hours. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks so much, Keith New York, NY"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Keith: If insomnia is a problem from using ACV and baking soda, which doesn't happen often, might be helped with vitamin B complex and magnesium citrate (or gluconate) supplements. If it doesn't get any better, I might take a very low dose lithium citrate of 5 mg before bedtime, the dose is quite low, but it is also a necessary nutrients at least for the brain to rest. Other remedies that I have tried that works well is 3-6 drops of 10% sodium thiosulfate solution in 1/2 glass or 1 glass of water. Usually taking first time of these may have laxative effect, but it does a good job in detoxification and helps with rest and sleep as well. Sometimes sleeplessness can be initiated by the amino acid imbalance (where some amino acids also controls sleep) and taking supplements with some tryptophan or general amino acid supplements may also help too."
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5 DAYS ON, 2 DAYS OFF?
08/24/2007: Jim writes: "I have read that the Apple Cider Baking Soda should be taken 5-days and then for 2- days omit taken the mixure. Wondering if one could take it for 3- days and rest 1-day and than 2- days and rest 1 day ,or any other combination. The reason I ask is that I travel and I don't have the ingrediates with me. So I miss some days before I get back to my supply at home. JIM - from Las Vegas,Nevada"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Any combination of rest period would be just fine. The point is the body needs a certain rest period anywhere between 2-3 days per week which can be scheduled on any days."
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CAUSING MY FATIGUE?
07/31/2007: S writes: "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"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "When taking initially, the body is not really tired, but it wants a rest or plenty of sleep for the body to repair itself when it is taken for at least the first week or so.
If the body is REALLY tired as opposed to the desire for the body to recover itself, it would indicate another remedy where the liver is badly need for detoxification and amino acid levels in the body is low. In that case, the ACV and baking soda in the morning, I would change them to:
3-6 drops of H2O2 3% in 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 glass of water, in the morning only. The hydrogen peroxide should increase the oxygen, detox the liver and increase the energy during the morning hours.
Magnesium supplements should restore the other missing electrolytes, so that could be the other missing link, beside the amino acid supplements.
Natural vitamin E I might take it once a day should generally help and should also restore the tiredness in case the B complex doesn't work as well, but then on the other hand the Bs are not taken that frequently either.
The other liver detoxification is the excess fatty buildup of the liver where 1 tablespoon of granulated lecithin should help. Tiredness I have found is sometimes due to liver not being able to send nutrient supplies to the body as well as it should due to oily and fatty foods, or the fact that the liver is too much obstructed. Therefore a fish, tuna, sardines, soy protein, or some whey protein if taken during the morning hours, such as tuna solad for example is eaten might increase some energy by giving the needed energy. While it is true sugar increase short term energy burst, in the long run it taxes the entire body of energy as sugar blocks amino acid uptake by the liver, causing the body to tire easily due to reduce nutrients that liver can no longer supply to the demands of the body. So the issue doesn't directly appear to be ONLY acv and baking soda, but appears to be other factors coming into play in addition to."
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WHY AM I CONSTIPATED?
07/21/2007: G writes: "Hi Ted, I have a question for you: I started on 2 tbl ACV & 1/4 tsp Baking soda along with lemon juice. This I take twice a day for the last 5 days. The main intention is to reduce my blood pressure. I definitely see improvement in energy levels. However since I have started taking this I have begun getting constipated. Also my blood pressure has risen by about 5-8 points on the systolic reading and I feel I am gaining weight. Does this sound like I am retaining sodium? In one of your suggestions you mention using Potassium Bicarbonate. However I am unable to find it in the pharmacy. Please let me know what you would recommend. Thanks"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "My experience is that some constipation already existed before this remedy was done and taking them further didn't resulted in reduction as the body's need to alkalize rises tremendously if there was a beginning of constipation. The reason why I know is that I checked the urinary pH all the time and if I am constipated, such remedy of apple cider vinegar and baking soda is too weak.
Therefore in such an event, getting a laxative would be ideal so that a constipated body would reduce the body's excessive need to alkalize. In such as event, I might take some laxatives such as milk of magnesia (WITHOUT the aluminum!) or epsom salt and follow the directions according to the package sold in most over the counter drug stores. Thereafter, I can continue the apple cider vinegar plus 1/4 teaspoon baking soda.
However, the remedy you used, instructions may not be followed since a lemon juice REQUIRES 8 teaspoon of lemon juice or lime juice plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken twice a day. A lemon juice CAN'T be added directly to the apple cider vinegar remedy since that will cause a bad imbalance of the pH outcome to be more acid where the beginning solution is too acid or less than pH of 6. In a body without sufficient bicarbonate levels anyway, that might remotely cause the body to be acid due to insufficient bicarbonates to neutralize the solution. Generally it is alkaline forming but in some cases they do cause to be acid forming resulting in a more likely scenario of a water retention or a chloride retention, more so than the well known sodium retention. As a result, the urine pH becomes acid. If anyone does the experiment of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) the urine does become more acid, while the sodium ascorbate the opposite occurs. In your incidence, the vitamin C from the lemon is actually the ascorbic acid. Therefore adding the lemon resulted in excess ascorbic as opposed to ascorbate.
To resolve I would try a simpler 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda WITHOUT either the apple cider vinegar or the lemon. That of course, if followed carefully should be taken in the morning and before bedtime. Most negative feedback I have received were not following instructions such as taken late in the day, between meals, or adding lemon to the ACV without sufficient baking soda to neutralize it. The pH of the solution should be between pH 7 - 7.5, but if a lemon was added, my guess is the solution were closer to 5, which may defeat its purpose, since the body's blood pH is closer to 7.35 and the solution therefore should be at least in equilibrium with the blood so the body doesn't have to fight unnecessary to attain its own equilibrium."
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TO TREAT SKIN AND BONE DEPOSITS?
06/09/2007: Anonymous writes: "Dear Ted: I have 2 calcium deposits on my right shoulder . While waiting for the MD to come into exam room I looked at my xrays and wondered what those 2 extra bones were --very prominent,easy to see.If I exercise my arms very much the area becomes inflamed and I am unable to even lift my arm without tremendous pain. I really want to paddle a kayak and cannot until I dissolve these calcium deposits.This has been going on for about 10 years. 6 days ago I started drinking 2 T of ACV with 1/4 t baking soda 3xs daily to dissolve the calcium deposits as well as lose weight and for overall general health. I was also pouring ACV onto a wash cloth and covering my shoulder with this all night and during day until yesterday when I discovered that I had developed a rash with redness and red bumps.Since I stopped with the ACV wash cloth compress, the bumps have turned into dry scabs with no redness. If I mix baking soda with ACV for the washcloth will it help to dissolve the calcium deposits and not burn my skin? I was hoping to absorb the ACV through my skin directly over the deposits. Thank you for your help,Ted."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Lactic acidosis is a common problem and calcium deposits can form in areas where lactic acidosis forms due to kayak paddling. However there are to issues, one is the mycobacterium, the other is the staphyloccus that I am aware of that cause "bumps". Now what I did noticed is that if magnesium citrate 25--500 mg (or magnesium bicarbonate, which is basically 1 tablespoon of magnesium carbonate slowly added and closed bottle in soda water) will usually kill the staphyloccus and weaken the mycobacterium. However, potassium iodide solution added 1- 4 drops per liter of water, which is quite small, will discourage such growth of bone bumps, through support of the immune system by dissolving the plaques and bacterium which suppresses them can also be reduced. It takes about a week of magnesium supplements 250-500 mg to generally improve the mobility of the arms, and another two weeks or three to reduce some of those bumps. However, in this case I don't like to apply external use of apple cider vinegar, but basically getting and alkaline blood will kill or discourage their growth. Alkalizing often requires a alternate switch in routine between apple cider vinegar and baking soda, which is 2 tablespoon and 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda 2 times a day in 1/2 glass of water at least, and on another day 8 teaspoon of lime juice plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1/2 glass of water also taken at least twice a day. These alkalizing formulas, especially the lemon will reduce the calcium buildup fairly well, but it is synergistic with the magnesium and iodine issues in ridding off the bacteria which causes the bumps."
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SAFE FOR MY 3-YEAR-OLD?
05/24/2007: Alicia writes: "I have been taking organic apple cider vinegar and baking soda for about a week now. My acid reflux or whatever it is that I have, is much better. I had pain in my chest that went to my upper back all the way to my lower back, and my stomach just hurt. I really did'nt feel any kind of burning. The doctor sd I had acid reflux, but after researching acid reflux on the net, I'm not too sure about it. I think its a condition caused my taking ibuprofen, I read about. Whatever it is I feel much better. But my question is about my 3 year old daughter, as soon as she turned 6 months old I have been giving her ibuprofen, sadly it is what works the best, but I have noticed she has stomach problems sometimes she acts like she has heartburn, or acid in her stomach or food that comes up to her mouth, she coughs, clears her throat, and she gets grossed out, for lack of a better word. I was wondering if it would be o.k. to give her some acv, and if it is o.k., how much, and do you have any ideas on how to give it to her? Thanks so much for you time, Sincerely, Alicia"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Alicia: Yes the medicine that you use may lead to acid reflux, it has a tendency to do that as they are often acid forming. A small child may be mostly helped with just 1/32 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/4 drinking water as being the simplest remedy their is. It is about 1/8th of a human dose based on approximate per weight basis. So if the 2 tablespoon is given to a small child 2/8 = 1/4 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar plus 1/32 (1/4/8) teaspoon of baking soda. We are assuming of course the child is 1/8 the weight of the normal adult of small size."
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CAN I TAKE IT W/O WATER?
05/21/2007: Daryl writes: "Hi Ted: I am a new user of ACV. At first I just took 2 tablespoons twice a day straight. Then I started doing research and found out about the "teeth" issue. I read some of your postings and have been putting 2 tablespoons of ACV in a glass along with 1/4 tablespoon of baking soda...no water in the mix. I drink this 3 times a day. Will this protect my teeth? Am I supposed to include water with the 2 tablespoons of ACV and the baking soda? How much ACV is too much? Does it follow that the more you drink, the better off you'll be or is there a limit? Some of your postings are a little confusing and I'm trying to sort everything out so that I get the best bang for my buck. I had no problem drinking the stuff straight (though it took quite a bit of mind over matter), but if drinking it that way will leave me with gums and no teeth, I need to know for certain what to do. I am a very anal person and will do what you say every day for probably the rest of my life, so please be clear. Thanks for your time."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Daryl: If you add water about 1/2 glass of water the solution would be diluted enough not to effect the teeth. I had some reports of a person who did not add water and had problems with teeth sensitivity of acid reflux flare up. The problems disappeared after diluting the solution in some water. The minimum is 1/2 glass of water.
There appears to be no much limits as to how much apple cider vinegar be taken provided that sufficient amount of baking soda is added. The limits to how much you can take invariably is determined by whether the bowels go into a diarrhea should too much be taken. For some who take apple cider vinegar straight, that may lead to worsening acid reflux, if they do have a bad one. The middle of the line is take as much as you want as long as the urinary pH is within the pH of 7. is o.k, or at least 6.6-7.0, but ideally it is 7. Taking too much where urinary pH exceeds 7.5 is not recommended, it usually leads to a sure watery stool. That is the maximum limit. It is not the dose, it is how the body reacts to that dose, using the urinary pH as a gauge. If you want to be precise, then get a cheap pocket pH meter to do that. I used them all the time to gauge my health, especially when I am sick.
One possible exception where that is desireable is constipation, and a terrible flu, where the body invariably needs 2-4 times the normal dose whenever a cold strikes the body, and reaching a urinary pH during that period of 7.0, at the very least is not easy."
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SUPPLEMENT QUESTIONS
05/17/2007: Jade writes: "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. 2. is it ok to take vitamins that have alkalizing minerals included with baking soda even taking them at a different time? is it possible to over alkalize the body with supplements? 3. currently taking magnesium dimalate.is dimalate structurally similar to ACV combined to baking soda? do I need to alternate mag and ACV due to the malate content? 4. is it ok to use ACV alone for long term and will it make the body too acidic if baking soda is not for me? 5. currently wanting to add another antioxidant from pine bark. is there such caution as to too much antioxidant? Thank you for your time to answer my questions. Jade"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "1. Abdominal pain if added with baking soda often means that the body is too acid, baking soda is contaminated, or the stomach is too empty and you feel too hungry, so the stomach acts up. The other is the body's lack of magnesium. Electronic pocket pH meter can answer some of those questions. I had one person with your condition and found to be severely acid, where urinary pH were between 4-5, as a result the body reacts STRONGLY with the baking soda. The way to prevent it and get within normal range is to lower the dose by 1/2 or 1/8 and slowly increase it until a normal range is reached. Most people who are in this region often are overworked and the body becomes extremely acid and that urinary pH is reflected, and the body becomes "burned out", which are actually a good expression.
2. In general, there is no way most people can tell which minerals are alkalizing. The only way scientists know for sure is to take it, and THEN measure the urinary pH, one by one. There are clues, of course such as minerals on the left hand side of the periodic tables, but then you must be finesse with making an electrolyte solution, more so than a mineral supplements. An electrolyte solution that is biologically compatible is the Ringer's Mammalian solution, but this would be too complicated in practice. Therefore, a simpler one is ACV baking soda, or lime juice (or lemon) plus baking soda. The best electrolyte solution without the headaches and the least problem is actually a good quality sea salt, added at about 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in 1 liter of drinking water. The pH of sea salt is in generally averages close to the blood pH.
3. Apple cider vinegar has both the acetate (when reacted with baking soda) and malate. The reason why it smells bad is the acetate. Acetates gets rid of intracellular lactic acidosis, while malate give you the energy. Citrates are a bit low in ACV, which is why you sometimes may alternate with whatever you are doing (dimalate) with ACV, and lemon formula.
4. Long-term ACV cannot be answered since this depends on your body's biochemistry. For most people whose urinary pH is within normal range in general and taking that still stayed the same, would be generally ok. However, I had seen one who did take ACV and caused acid tongue, as his body was deficient of bicarbonates. The acid tongue condition was so bad it was burning his tongues apart, literally. Upon taking only baking soda for two weeks and a mouthwash, he became normal, and thereafter he took the ACV baking soda.
5. Pine bark extract at least for me is often used when there is the need for it. I don't usually take supplements in general if I feel my body doesn't need it. Monitoring that is not easy, but this is the only way to do it. Certain minerals have a tendency to accumulate in your body, while certain ones do not, as to why each are like these, means we have to know whether the body is already overloaded with toxic heavy metals, which can often prevent good minerals from getting into the body. For example, constant mercury contamination from drinking water (or vegetables) may displace selenium and taking selenium will never result in the body's increase in selenium, but does displace and reduce the body's mercury."
Jade replies: "Ted, 1.lower the dose by 1/2 or 1/8 and slowly increase it until a normal range is reached. Did you mean ACV or Baking Soda that I need to cut down here?"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "You reduce the baking soda to about 1/8 teaspoon. The apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons stays the same. Make sure to add water of 1 full glass if 1/2 glass resulted in upset stomach. In practice, certain people with extreme acidosis, need initially less baking soda, with gradual increase until the body is used to it. Electrolyte imbalance is also implicated, so magnesium and potassium supplements are also recommended in instance of abdominal pain also."
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CAUSES SEVERE DIARRHEA?
05/16/2007: Julie writes: "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.
Also, I am still taking my omeprazale, is it not counter-productive to be taking that, and the ACV? Am I messing up the needed acid in my body for my bowels to function properly?? Please respond...I've refered your website to MANY others,and now I'm afraid to tell them about my problem. -Julie"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Low acid coffee should be avoided. Usually diarrhea is due to the body or that the meals of foods immediately or within 30 minutes after taking ACV baking soda. It should exceed one hour. Certain quality of ACV may be the cause o fhe problem so switching brands may help.
The best way to deal with this problem is to try just 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water x 2 times a day. It is the baking soda that can help most of the acid reflux anyway. Apple cider was added to help energy levels and immune issues while buffering is also helpful too."
"EC: We just received another report of someone also getting "D" in the morning after taking the combo. (See 5/16/2007 entry on the ACV & Baking soda cures page.)"
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SIDE EFFECTS
05/10/2007: Julie writes: "I have been doing 2TBLs of ACV with 1/4tsp of baking soda in water 1-2 times a day for the past week, while taking my 20mg of omeprazale (ppi). My symptom of GERD is a burning sore throat. After a week I stopped the meds and took the "formula" first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, and then brewed my normal 2 mugs of 'low-acid' coffee (which i buy on-line). About an hour later, I had a whey protein shake, and about an hour later, I had horrible watery diarrhea!! This continued throughout the day; all I ate was chicken. WHY?? I was doing so good with the ACV and baking soda, why would stopping my meds cause this? I stupidly drank it again before bed last night, and had the same watery diarrhea this morning...I also took my ppi because I was afraid of symptoms coming back. Anyone else have diarrhea caused by ACV/baking soda? Love this website!"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "It is a well known fact that whey protein even if taken alone can bring on diarrhea, bloating, etc. However, even if they don't, they also run into conflict with the ACV and baking soda. I don't recommend whey protein for people with acid reflux because of its tendency to cause a watery stool. There may be problems whenever people eat a high salt diet that does not go together well with the ACV and baking soda also. The reason is simple, my personal remedy for a diarrhea is to add sea salt and baking soda. Another experimental remedy I am doing for diarrhea is whey protein and baking soda. It must be remembered that whey protein is NOT a remedy for acid reflux and may not help. However, the worse diarrhea problems I found for some people is to mix milk and whey protein. Apparently you also got unlucky by also adding low acid coffee which also also cause a diarrhea in many people I know. Basically apple cider vinegar and baking soda alone doesn't cause diarrhea, but do not take whey protein and low acid coffee. They tend to cause a diarrhea, especially for the people with lactose intolerance. Not mentioned in your problems that you need to be careful are milk, epsom salt, and gluten rich foods that may cause other problems too. One additional info is the most common problems I had with ACV and baking soda is to take it along with food. Those can result in diarrhea. This is why the remedies call for taking it twice a day in the morning and before bedtime, just to make sure you take it on an empty stomach. However, do have people who mix the remedies along with the other foods, such as sea salt remedies, add some milk and other things to my remedy that caused diarrhea. Therefore, make sure you don't mix them with other remedies, unless I have posted that to be o.k., also you should take this on an empty stomach by at least more than 1 hour after or before eating, just to make sure it IS empty!"
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ORGANIC ACV REALLY BETTER?
05/05/2007: Chad writes: "I suffer from sinus infections at least a few times a year (as well as many other ailments that I was hoping to get help with from acv), and I recently stumpled upon your website. I am very eager to try the acv w/ baking soda. I haven't had time to find raw organic acv so I bought some heinz acv. I read much of your feedback and noticed that you said that raw organic acv has minerals, vitamins and is alkaline, whereas the other is acid, which seems to me would defeat the purpose. So should I wait to find some organic acv with mother or will the other give me any beneficial value? I appreciate your time and wisdom, thanks."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "In practice most brands that I am aware of Apple cider vinegar is quite good. The healing effects came mostly from the acetates and malates after the baking soda neutralize the acid components to get that."
"EC: A couple of years ago, a woman wrote in to Earth Clinic that Heinz recently changed their formula and that their ACV is now "flavored" apple vinegar (i.e., not the real stuff). So read the label carefully and write the manufacturer for more information!"
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SKIN/FACIAL USE?
04/14/2007: River writes: "Ok, for all of you who wrote about the ACV and Baking Soda applications on the face, how well has your skin cleared up? I just started using it yesterday so I'll give it some time but did it take away all the acne and bumps on the skin??? I am almost 30 and have suffered with Acne for over 10years. I've spent way too much money on every product on the market..."
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WHY MY BAD REACTION?
03/31/2007: Veronica writes: "Oh my goodness!! I tried the ACV remedy for sinusitis/allergies. I took one tablespoon with 8 oz water on Sunday afternoon and the same dosage again on Monday morning. I felt fine all morning on Monday, but about an hour after I ate lunch I started feeling very nauseated. I kept gagging and got the cold sweats. My tongue and teeth had this terrible feeling - like the acidic feeling after you vomit. This lasted the rest of the day and all night. All of this from one tablespoon of ACV! It is over 24 hours since my last dose and I still have a queezy stomach! The inside of my cheeks, my lips and my tongue feel raw and I have a very metallic taste in my mouth. Why did this happen? I was so looking forward to some releif from sinus pain and pressure, and all I got was more grief!!"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Whenever the body has insufficient bicarbonates, some can have a reaction. Therefore just take 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water first, taken on an empty stomach twice a day for at least two weeks. On the second week, it is likely to be 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. If you are wary of apple cider vinegar than you can use the lemon or lime formula instead:
8 teaspoon of lime plus 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken 2 times a day on an empty stomach.
Or if you have some loyalty to apple cider vinegar, then,
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar plus 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water taken 2 times a day on an empty stomach."
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TREATMENT GOOD FOR GERD?
03/30/2007: Susan writes: "Hi Ted, In the beginning of January I found myself having a horrible burning sensation in the middle of my chest. It was so bad I had my husband take me to the after hours clinic since I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep. The doctor diagnosed me with GERD & gave me a "GI Cocktail" and prescribed Zantac. After several days of the Zantac I became very nauseous. Over the course of about a month and a half the doctor had put me on prescription strength Pepcid and then Prilosec. Both pills worked for about 2 weeks then the pain came back and they both made me feel like my insides were very dry. I kept having a tickle in my throat which would make me cough every couple minutes. It is very annoying. The doctors are trying to push pills down my throat and I know that is not my solution. I had my esophagus tested and there is no sign of erosion or anything harmful there. Since all of the other pills didn't work now the doctor prescribed me Dicyclomine which I found out is for IBS. I don't believe that I have IBS I just want the pain to go away and get back to living my life. I have tried the baking soda and water and it seems to give me immediate results. I didn't know that I could take the baking soda and water on an everyday basis. I thought I would mess something up inside of me. Would I benefit to add the ACV to the baking soda and water? I am afraid that my chest will hurt worse. If so, what other type of vitamins or supplements would you suggest for me. My skin looks very dry and pale and I have zero energy. Thank you so much, Susan Denver, CO"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Susan: I have many issues of GERD and personally managed to cure all of them, but the most serious problem seems to be finding what is the body deficient in. The most frequently encountered problems is the body CANNOT digest the foods because the intestines WERE UNABLE to neutralize the acid from the stomach, and the stomach basically pushes itself OUT, to prevent furhter damage. A baking soda, taken before meals, especially for more extreme conditions, I would say 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon before one hour meals, and the no more acid reflux.
You can take apple cider vinegar WITH baking soda, only after two weeks of baking soda just to be safe, which I think you may need more than most people.
However try to explore the 1/2 teaspoon 1 hour before meal remedy. This may work itself out a lot better. Is every meal needed? It depends. If you took only once on the first meal and had no GERD, but on the second meal you didn't take it, but you do have GERD. The solution is obvious. 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon before every meal.
I am currently trying to fine tune the GERD problems to resolve the problem even better.
Other GERD I found were due to magnesium deficiency and vitamin B5 and vitamin B8. Those are rare kinds where other remedies don't respond.
In case the body responds nothing, because it refuses to digest ANYTHING. Then taking a bath for two hours soaked in a saturated solution of baking soda. This is at least how health spas work to make you healthy, one of the multitudes of way at least!"
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DID IT CAUSE PSORIASIS?
03/30/2007: Elizabeth writes: "I used ACV for my allergies and CFIDS fatique. I started with 2tsp Bragg's to 1/8 tsp Baking Soda. I did this for five days in great hope of success. I now have itchy red sore psorisis on my face. It is swollen too. I have psorisis and I read it would help it but it flared up after only 5 days on the ACV. I was so hoping it would make me feel better not worse. Any ideas? I have two larger 32 oz bottles of it and can't use it. I stopped three days ago. Sure looked interesting. Thanks for the effort."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Always try half of the dose. If there is still a problem, just baking soda 1/8 teaspoon, or 1/16 teaspoon will do, but this time without the apple cider vinegar. Taking a bath in baking soda and sea salt helps too. When in doubt, just add a couple of cups in a bathtub.
One more tip. Get a ACV and apply to the skin to test whether you are alergic. But you need to do two things. Applying to skin without the reaction, and a skin that is already having rashes. If the rashes are reduce it should help. Another is to try distilled vinegar and apply to the skin, and then try it mixed with baking soda. Once you found a good combination that is the one that have a chance of producing a minimum rash or reduce rash. Sometimes the body's biochemistry is going against your body, in which case two antioxidants works the best. One is sodium ascorbate, and the other is vitamin E. Try 200 i.u. for sensitive people than decide further whether to increase or reduce dose. The secret to minimum problems is to space them apart.."
Elizabeth replies: "Hi again, I wrote earlier about what I thought was a psoriasis flare after 5 days on the ACV. (2tsp ACV to 1/16 tsp Baking Soda) I am so sensitive I have to start slow. Anyway, I forgot that I had tried my natural Simicort ( non steroid )cream which always works and it made it worse instead. I had tried it again last night and woke up with worse swelling this am. I have a high IGE 1443 so I may be allergic to the mother if it is a fungus of any kind. I recently found that I am allergic to Mannitol which is derived from a fungus. My pharmacist said that it is a bad one to be allergic to, it is in so many things. Guess this in not for me. Thanks for what you do, you are needed in this world of too much alleopathic medicine and it's side effects which can be much worse. I lost my hearing in one ear last year due to Xolair! I am off Serevent and Advair since I found it was making me worse and now I find out they contain Mannitol a known allergen. It makes no sense to put an allergen into a med that is supposed to help with breathing. I stopped theophyline a month ago now that I have cut out the Mannitol. I can now keep our two Shih Tzu's that we love so much! Keep up the good work, I know I am the exception to the rule. My pharmacist says if it is going to happen to someone it will be me. I hope to turn that around too and make it good things. "Thinking of positive attraction" Elizabeth"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Elizabeth:
Yes, a sensitive person can take acv baking soda at 1/16 teaspoon. The reason for sensitivity to many thing is the body is excess acidity, high free heavy metals, and a small amount of magnesium helps.
The other thing I found, is if you are more sensitive than that, than just gor for 1/16 or 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda in 1/2 glass of water. A couple of leaves of fresh coriander added into your soup now and then will remove the excess heavy metals.
Certain chemical toxins can only be detoxed with 3% hydrogen peroxide food grade. For the more sensitive people it is about 1-3 drops of H2O2 3% in 1 glass of water taken in the morning. Adding 1/16 teaspoon of baking soda in that also helps. Hydrogen peroxide basically removes chemical toxins accumulated by the body over the years by oxidation. Even a small amount helps. If you are too sensitive to such, there as a couple of ways to create a tiny amount of hydrogen peroxide whenever water bottle is shaken vigorously. Another is putting several quartz rocks in a plastic bottle and shaken vigorously will produce both a tiny amounts of possibly hydrogen and peroxides, through a piezoelectric effect (weak) and this has a healing power also. It must be noted that our drinking water has chlorine and adding some dechlorinator to rid of the chlorine also helps. If you can't find one, then just put in good quality charcoal in the drinking water bottle, which should last for a couple of days, before it needs discarding."
Elizabeth replies: "I am sorry I forgot something else believe it our not. I hope all three emails can be compiled. I have blisters on the roof of my mouth also. Just two and they are going away but it happened after doing the low dose ACV. Thanks again"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Elizabeth: There are actually two ways to reduce or get rid of blisters. Using a baking soda as a mouthwash 3 or 4 times a day, any amount depending on your preference. The other is ACV mixed with plain water, to reduce the acidity so it won't harm the enamel of the teeth. Most foods we eat harms our teeth that should be noted, is sugar, soda pop, and fruit juices. Eating whole fruits is safer because the fiber content of the fruits buffers the acidity of the fruits, as well as sugar. This is why buffer or fibers rich foods are so important for people with diabetes and other allergies. It prevents blood sugar spikes, which may lead to allergies caused by fungus. Fungus have a strong preference for sugar."
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DRY MOUTH SIDE EFFECT REMEDY?
03/15/2007: Stephanie writes: "I read your recommendation of lemon juice and baking soda for dry mouth, eyes, etc from taking the acv/baking soda therapy. How often should I take this to keep these drying symptoms from happening over and over. I love the acv/baking soda therapy from the better skin to more energy, etc. and hope I do not have to give it up. This is the only downside (besides the taste) that I have had occur. I have been on the therapy for a week and have results already. Thanks for taking the time to answer my question."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Stephanie: You may take it as long as you like.
Apple cider vinegar and baking soda is like a form of nutrition that your body needs, but it not currently recognized. Malic acid component of apple cider vinegar is what gives the body energy. The baking soda the body needs constantly since whenever the body burns fuel, it causes the body to be acidic, as well as most of the foods we do take are also acid forming. It is nice to avoid all the acid forming foods, but it is not practical. Therefore, you may take it as long as you like.
I have been taking this about 35 years and going, but I do not take them everyday, but try to take them whenever I have the occasion to do so, which is most of the time. Two things that I believe are important, lemon (or lime) and baking soda, or apple cider and baking soda. If you are more chemically oriented, it is like vitamin C, potassium citrate, malic acid, and baking soda.
Natural foods have a more broader spectrum of healthy components than do a more purified form. Minerals is also found in apple cider vinegar also."
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WHY MY HIGH ACIDITY URINE?
03/15/2007: Gipper writes: "My saliva ph is 6.5-7.0. My urine ph is 4.5. What could be wrong and what can I do to correct? I am taking the Ted formula for ACV and baking soda."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Gipper: The urinary pH of 4.5 Sounds quite bad. If I had that my body it would indicate a serious state of sodium and water retention, in other words a bloating condition.
If this is not working out for you I found citrates to be of better help. Therefore take one lemon, or one whole lime and add enough baking soda until the fizz at least reduced, then add 1/2 glass of water. The baking soda should at least be about 1/2 teaspoon or above. Citric acid added with baking soda tends to raise pH a bit faster than the apple cider vinegar, but apple cider vinegar have the advantage of more energy.
Consider adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt in a drinking water. The mineral imbalances will be corrected and further help raise the pH to normal faster.
Certain foods you are eating must be causing extreme acid condition. Usually it is steaks, bread, white flour, cola, and coffee. Western diets are often lacking in fresh vegetables and fresh fruits."
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BEST BRAND OF BAKING SODA?
03/11/2007: Susie writes: "I just have a brief question, i'm wondering what kind of baking soda you're always referring to in your remedies fr people, are there different kinds? as i assume there's aluminum in there. please straighten this out for me, thanks alot, luv your site, sus."
"EC: Susie, a reader from Los Angeles (Methuselah) did quite a bit of research on this subject last year and discovered that Arm & Hammer was a good brand. Read all about his research on our Where To Buy page."
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HOW MANY TIMES PER DAY?
03/07/2007: Ronald writes: "Dear Ted, I'm quite acidic & I'm using your Simple baking soda recipe i.e. 1/2 teaspoon/serving. I found out that taking more than 2 times is better. Therefore I'm taking it 3 times a day i.e. in 3 times in 12/13 hours. Can I take baking soda for 4 times a day, because I think that this might work better. Would it be safe? And I'll be doing this only for 2 weeks only. Thank you Ronald."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Ronald: A very acid body requires a lot more baking soda. You can increase the dose but there are limits. Assuming you take too much, then the body becomes a bit diarrhea and loose stool.
My own observation is that the optimal dose seems to exist between 1 teaspoon to 2 teaspoon taken twice a day. This totals 2 teaspoon to 4 teaspoons a day.
Assuming an average of 3 teaspoon a day. This means it becomes 1 teaspoon taken 3 times a day. or 3/4 teaspoon taken 4 times a day.
You are proposing a 1/2 teaspoon taken at between 3 or 4 times a day. This amounts to 1/2 x 3 = 3/2 = 1 1/2 teaspoon per day and hoping to raise it to 1/2 x 4 = 4/2 = 2 teaspoon per day.
Therefore your dose appears to fall within the optimum minimum dose, of 2 teaspoons a day.
This is below a theoretical 3 teaspoon a day median optimum dose. Therefore your dose appears to be a very reasonable one.
As a warning, these does may cause diarrhea in some individuals who have high sodium retention as the body tries to dump excess sodium AND water retention. Which is good, but the diarrhea should continue long. By 1/2 day everything should be normal after the body dumps excess water and sodium. However if not, then the dose should be reduce by 1/2 teaspoon increments until you find a dose that works best for you.
You must remember that I always tend to err on the side of caution. But once people begins to realize larger dose then I can tell you the optimum dose. Always start on the low end so that you will have the necessary confidence of pursuing larger dose.
In Thailand there is a more convenient way of taking them by buying a bottle of 300 mg. sodamint from a local drug store without the drudgery of mixing baking soda. However, in other foreign countries, I don't know if they are easier to find. Beside they tend to add other additives and I would much prefer the plain vanilla baking soda is the best."
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HOW DO I PREPARE THE REMEDY?
03/05/2007: Donna writes: "I am really enjoying this website and the information that you are giving us all. I started your ACV/baking soda/water remedy to help my acid Reflux however, I am a little confused as to how to prepare it! Do I add the bs and then add the vinegar and do I let it do its thing and for how long? When do I add the 4 or 8 ounces of water? Would you suggest not to use water for the acid reflux and just use the acv and baking soda? I do not have a ph meter so I would just need to know how long to let the concoction sit. I am using Bragg's and arm and hammer bs! I don't seem to have what many of your people that have shared testimonies have! I have the burning in the back of my throat and a stomach ache which feels like a strong hunger pain! My Dr. keeps giving me meds and I just am so tired of it and it isn't working! I started taking this last night but just need some directions on mixing this remedy together. Thank you so very much, Donna ~ Tampa Florida"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Do I add the bs and then add the vinegar and do I let it do its thing and for how long?
Add apple cider vinegar usually 2 tablespoon into a glass of water. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. Wait about 3 minutes. Stir. It will foam. Add water to 1/2 glass. Stir. You are done and ready to drink.
Would you suggest not to use water for the acid reflux and just use the acv and baking soda?
Add water so that the stomach can drain the reacted ACV and baking soda better. For me 1/2 glass of water is sufficient.
The burning on the back of the throat the body may be oversensitive to the apple cider vinegar. A well reacted baking soda and acv with a pH of 7 usually won't have problems. If you think there is problem, get another brand of ACV or use just baking soda alone at 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon of baking added to just 1/2 glass of water. Water is always needed to dilute the solution so it passes through the stomach easier and helps intestinal absorption in of the bicarbonates faster also. It is more like hydration.
Quite often the burning of throat is that ACV was only used or ACV was used and baking soda has not properly reacted and no water was added to dilute the solution.
Whichever the problem, baking soda used as mouthwash to neutralize the excess acid first which might reduce the problem as some people seem to have a condition of acid tongue."
03/06/2007: Donna replies: "Thank you so much for getting back to me however, you say during your instructions to first add 2 tablespoons of ACV and add it to a glass of water! did you mean just a glass with no water? Please clear this up for me since I am confused about this concoction to begin with and very eager to start it? And I wanted to let you know that I have had the burning in the back of my throat for months now so I'm not sure what it is and the Drs are leading to IBS? Any suggestions? Thanks again and Blessings Donna."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "You say during your instructions to first add 2 tablespoons of ACV and add it to a glass of water! did you mean just a glass with no water?
Most people will add ACV and baking soda, in whatever container.
Some people will add ACV and baking soda in a glass WITH water.
It is the same regardless, but the reason why some people add them WITHOUT water is to prevent the bubbles from overflowing.
I do the opposite, so that the bubbles are diluted and don't overflow either, but the reaction is slow.
And I wanted to let you know that I have had the burning in the back of my throat for months now so I'm not sure what it is and the Drs are leading to IBS?
Burning throat is often acid buildup. It is much like acid tongue. Acid buildup can occur in different parts of the body depending on where circulations gets congested. You congestion appears to be in the throat area."
Donna replies: "Thank you Mr. Ted for getting back to me! I have one more question for you regarding your email. If I have acid build up in my throat then what solution can you give me to use Thank you so much for your emails and this website and for your patience Donna ~ Tampa"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Take internally 1/2 teaspoon baking soda mixed in 1/2 glass of water either three or 4 times a day. Always start on the low end of 3 times a day first.
It takes the body about 2 weeks to buildup the required alkalinity to neutralizes various parts of localized acid buildup.
Preferably taken on empty stomach is best. Monitor how well you sleep and energy levels the next day. Too much may cause temporary diarrhea, and reduced sodium retention and water retention. Therefore reduce the dose by 1/2 teaspoon per day if taken too much."
How long should I be doing this mixture for the acid build up and when should I be feeling a difference?
About 2 weeks. Yes you will feel the difference. The burning should reduce also.
~ Should I ever do the ACV mixture with the bs and water? Would this affect the acid reflux?
Yes you can add ACV mixture on the 3rd week. Acid reflux should be appreciably be reduced."
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TAKE WITH OR WITHOUT FOOD?
03/05/2007: Chantal writes: "If Baking Soda should not be taken with food because it interrupts the digestion process & should wait an hour after eating; what about ACV that is best taken with food?"
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "In practice I take baking soda one hour or more before eating or one hour or more after eating. Apple cider vinegar can be mixed with most of your favorite foods such as salads.
The exception for taking ACV in some few cases appear to be GERD or acid reflux, where adding baking soda can often help reduce the time food spends in the stomach.
The more alkaline the pH of the food is, the less time the food spends in the stomach and hence reduced food fermentation will results in fewer acid reflux episodes."
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HOW MUCH BS IS TOO MUCH?
03/05/2007: Heidi writes: "I tried adding baking soda to ACV, and it made the bad taste of the ACV go away. However, I have to concerns:
1) does the baking soda make the ACV lose its value in anyway, since it neutralizes its acidic formation?? and
2) I add about 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 or 2 teaspoon(s) of ACV; then I put all that in a cup of water. So is that too much baking soda, or is it ok?? I was hoping that this would help in my weight loss since I would like to lose about 25 lbs. I currently weigh 145 lbs, and I would like to be 120 lbs. I'm 62.6 inches in height. So I would be very grateful if you give me your recommendation on my case please. Thank you."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Dear Heidi: First off, the chemical properties basically remains the same, but the pH is changed. Chemically a malic acid and a malate acid in the apple cider vinegar are the same only that it is neutralized by the baking soda. We often call acetates, malates, bicarbonates the pH buffering solution needed to modify the pH, but not really change the basic chemical composition.
Usually a strong acid, or a strong alkaline with other appropriate chemicals and heat added can you change the chemical composition sometimes completely.
Chemical compositions DO change during heating of the foods at high temperatures, such as vegetable oils reacting with potato chips, or french fries of course can cause chemically causing compound, acrylamide.
The fact that you heat foods in microwave, the organic molecules become altered and the DNA composition of the foods also gets changed, or the alteration of a simple protein into a potential neurotoxin. There is a great potentials for using microwave (like our ovens) to synthesize neurotoxin chemicals, but hardly appropriate eating. Of course, fast foods use it all the time to heat your fried chickens, grilled chickens, and even convenient store and you don't even give second thoughts.
The things you do almost every day is more worrisome than a simple pH buffer mixed with a standard acid solution to make it more compatible with your body.
1 teaspoon baking soda to 1 teaspoon of Apple Cider vinegar is too little on the apple cider vinegar end. I think 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar would be more ideal. Of course 1 teaspoon of baking soda is a bit on the high side, but it is near the amount the body needs.
It must be stressed that if you want weight loss, you need to take 1 tablespoon of granulated powdered lecithin with every meal (if the prices are cheap), or at least 1 tablespoon everyday.
There are many causes to obesity, one simple one is pH and lack of fat emulsifiers that the body needs to reduce weight. Other causes includes lowered metabolism due to energy levels, etc. required more complicated remedy. It is therefore best to concentrate on those first. It also helps a lot if you can take sodium ascorbate vitamin C 500 mg. it prevents the fats in your body or the fluids in your body from reacting against you, toxic free radicals while you reduce your weight."
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SHOULDER PAIN, STOMACHACHS, AND SLEEPINESS.
03/05/2007: Katie writes: "Hi Ted, First off I just wanted to let you know that what a wonderful work you've been doing for all of us. I've recently tried ACV baking soda and I've definitely noticed a change in my body. I can sleep better now and definitely have more energy too. There are a few concerns that I wanted to ask you about AVC
1. I have my grandma drinking this AVC recently hoping that it'll improve her overall health. Unfortunately, she has more stomachaches than usual. She has to go to the restroom 3-4 times daily(doing 2s). Now, she wanted to stop even though she could sleep better at night and had more energy. Is there anything I could do to help her? or should I change 2 tbls AVC 1/4 tsp baking soda dosage to something else?
2. Ever since I've been taking AVC baking soda, I get unusually sleepy after every meal. Is this normal? Also, the taste is hard to swallow so if I were to eat a spoonful of honey after drinking the AVC, would that lessen the benefits? If I were to drink this daily for several years and suddenly stop, would this create any adverse effect?
3. I've been experiencing chronic shoulder pain for the longest time, even if I don't do any heavy work. If I were just to sit, stand, or walk