[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/24/2007: Keith : "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"

EC: Some Questions Answered on the ACV and Baking Soda Q&A

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/17/2009: AKH from Oakville, Ontario: "My husband and I are drinking ACV (2tbsp) and BS (1/4tsp) in water 2 or 3 times a day and oil pulling every morning since last week.

My husband has had several kidney stone attacks so he is always trying to drink a lot of water and cranberry juice during the day. But for about two years now, he has been having constant mildly sore kidneys and his doctor has told him not to take M. Vitamin supplements. Recently the soreness has increased, and it is particularly bad when waking up in the morning. He also now has pain in his lower back.

I am wondering if this has any connection with the ACV,BS and oil pulling we have just started.

He is going to see his doctor next week, but I would like to see if I can getsome good feedback. Thanks. AKH"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  05/10/2012: Joan from Nassau, Bahamas: "I have being taking 1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 6-8 oz glass of water and alternating the same using Apple Cider Vinegar and baking soda soda 1 -2 x per day for the past week and woke up one morning noticing my feet looked slightly swollen but wasnt quite sure, but 3 days after they are now more noticable. What is the reason for this? I started taking these hoping to reduce fibroids. Can you tell me what is wrong, I shall stop taking them after today."

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  11/27/2012: Puppounder from Massillon, Ohio, Usa: "I recently started using blackstrap mollases-acv and arginine for erectile dysfunction. Its been effective but have not been sleeping at all after taking these for about three weeks. Does anybody have any idea what may be the culprit. I hate to stop them all. Any input will be appreciated. God bless."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  01/11/2012: Misha from Binghamton, New York: "Since taking ACV 2x a day 2tsp in 6oz of water and 1tsp of honey, I have been experiencing chest tightness, sneezing and constant runny nose. I do not think this is a healing crisis, but an adverse reaction to the honey. I started this regimen about 2 weeks ago but will stop adding the honey to the mixture and see how that goes."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  08/24/2012: Palpy from Anon: "When I tried the baking soda and water remedy, I got heart palpitations when I went to sleep. They stopped when I stopped the baking soda.

I then tried the apple cider vinegar and baking soda and still get palpitations when I lay down at night but not quite as bad. Is there anything else I can take with the alkalizing drinks to preserve my bicarbonates if I am probably too sodium sensitive to handle even small amounts of the baking soda?"

08/24/2012: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe replies: "Palpy, try just water with a few drops of lemon squeezed in, a couple of times a day."

08/25/2012: Palpy from Anon replies: "Thank you Mmsg and Timh!"

08/25/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa replies: "Palpy, supplement either a Cal/Mag daily or Magnesium itself. This will help in both alkalization and heart rhythm. Sea Salt is also good alkalizer. Supplementing Coenzyme 10 (CoQ10) or Ubiquinol plus Vit-E would greatly strengthen your heart as well as give you more energy."

05/28/2012: Baldev from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India replies: "Baking Soda is Sodium bi Carbonate and therefore taking it for any length of time can never in my opinion form any kidney stone. The reason could be some thing else. Since it may convey a wrong message I would like to request Ted/Bill to give their opinion because Baking Soda is a very popular ingredient of this site. Baldev"

08/19/2011: Sheila from San Diego, Ca, Usa replies: "Hi Alicia,

I tried what you did with the baking soda, and had the same results: itchy, dark armpits with fainter BO. I stopped using it. The darkening skin was worrisome. Candida overgrowth can be one cause of BO, maybe not for everyone, but I started looking into it more.

I switched to using EV Organic Coconut oil under the arms, right after a shower/shave. Using EVOC lightened the darkness that the BS caused, and I didn't seem to have a problem with staining on my clothes at the 'pits. I did put my shirts/blouses on with a little more care since I didn't want the oil to rub onto more visible parts of my clothing. Certain sweatier days, I had to apply it twice. It took about a month to lighten my skin back to normal.

I've now switched to using Aubrey's Vit E High C deodorant rollon. http://www.amazon.com/Aubrey-Organics-Plus-Deodorant-roll/dp/B00014D5YI I'm pretty happy with it, despite having to apply it twice on occasion as well. Once I address the Candida overgrowth, internally, I'm hoping that I may not have to try other remedies, nor buy more Aubrey's, for the Candida and/or bacteria that is making the BO externally."

08/20/2011: Alicia from Vancouver, Canada replies: "Thank you so much Sheila for your reply, I'm SO glad I'm not the only one with that reaction, I was beginning to feel like a freak. Will look into both of the items you mentioned. I'm wondering if the oil is the same kind as used for cooking or would I have to try a health store? Does it not leave grease marks on clothes?? Thank you for mentioning Candida--I hadn't thought of that."

08/21/2011: Tline from Lagos, Lekki replies: "Try lime, simply slice into 2 and scrub your underarms thoroughly with it. Clean with water or shower afterwards, you'll smell clean all day."

08/25/2012: Lisa from Los Angeles, Ca replies: "I have been using hydrogen peroxide on my armpits lately, ever since I realized my salt rock had aluminum in it. Peroxide kills bacteria so anything that kills bacteria probably works. It lasts all day and we have had a very hot August over 100 degrees every day."

07/18/2011: Maria from Gippsland, Australia replies: "Hi Jasmine, Are you using Bi-Carb Soda (baking soda in the US) or the Australian baking soda which is different? It should be bi-carb soda here. You also need 1. 5 - 2 hrs before you eat. If you are doing these then try instead 1/4 teaspoon bi-carb with the juice of one lemon in 1/2 - 1 glass of water. Or try it mid morning or afternoon instead. All the best, Maria"

07/18/2011: Jasmine from Adelaide, South Australia replies: "Hi Maria

thanks for your reply. I am taking the Mckenzies brand(australian) of bi-carb soda which has baking soda written underneath. Anyway I will try your suggestions. Thanks"