Table of Contents
Home Remedy Side Effects
DISCLAIMER
Our readers offer information and opinions on Earth Clinic, not as a substitute for professional medical prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician, pharmacist, or health care provider before taking any home remedies or supplements or following any treatment suggested by anyone on this site. Only your health care provider, personal physician, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for your unique needs or diagnose your particular medical history.
APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA
28 SIDE EFFECTS
1 QUESTION
[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/21/2007: Jaques from Brighton, England 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"
[QUESTION] 01/26/2009: Rick from Vancouver, WA replies: "Hi, Did you try just the acv without the bs? All the side effects people are writing about scare me. Rick"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/12/2007: Yvette from Oakland, California, USA writes: "Dear TED, I would like to need your help. I have a diabetes, my blood sugar is undercontrolled . But after I have a blood test in fasting way , my doctor tell me that my kidney will be damaged in 2=8 years . I'm so depress and very sad. My hi blood pressure is 112/86, my pulse 102(always). I did apply your formula AC+BS, but my hi blood pressure is increased very hi 189/100.Oh! I forgot to let you know that my mycroalbumine/creatine is 483.11 ; memoglobin A1c 6.6 (refe.>8), my akaline phosphatase 61.,protein in urine 740. Please i need your help a lot. My body is insuline resistence. Does baking soda makes my blodd pressure hi ? I don't want to have dialysis. I'm 52 years old. I have many surgeries alreday. Thank you very much."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/07/2007: Evelyn from Kampala, Uganda writes: "I suffer from all kinds of allergies, sinusitis and Rhuematoid arthritis. I have tried Acv and Baking Soda to cure these ailments, but to no avail. My arthritis pain has not only increased but my feet are now permanently swollen. My weight has also increased to alarming propotions. The remedy has simply not worked. Iam desparate. Can some one out there help me?"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 10/15/2007: Sandy from Kent, Ohio writes: "I was having burning and have long suffered with heartburn. I tried the ACV, baking soda and honey last night and it did feel much better. This morning I had a second dose - this time with the organic cider vinegar - but I immediately had the "runs" -. I am wondering if I should cut back to one tablespoon of ACV since constipation has never been one of my problems - just the opposite. The burning feels a bit better and I am belching a lot but I wonder if I should limit dosage?"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/28/2007: Laurie from Delta, Colorado writes: "I've read lots of people saying they've lost weight using ACV and baking soda. I've been using this formula for 3 weeks now and I've gained 3.5 pounds.Why would this be happening?I thought ACV was supposed to put you in alkaline range which I am. Could I be to alkaline?I test my saliva and urine every other day. I haven't changed my eating habits.I feel very bloated. any one experiencing this."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/26/2007: Annon from Pelham, New Hampshire, USA writes: "I started using the acv and baking soda. I first got diarrhea (probably because I was not taking it on an empty stomach). After 1 week things improved but my bowel movements started to really stink. What is going on here? I know, too much information :)"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 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"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 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"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 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..."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 05/16/2007: Julie from Reading, Pennsylvania 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..."
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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR AND BAKING SODA, OIL PULLING
[SIDE EFFECTS] 03/17/2009: AKH from Oakville, Ontario writes: "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"
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7 SIDE EFFECTS
[SIDE EFFECTS] 04/18/2009: Misty from Fullerton, California, USA writes: "I have tried baking soda to alkalinize my system. This is because a recent colonoscopy resulted in minor surgery to remove a large polyp. I was told the polyp was a "pre-cancerous condition" and because of info I've gotten on the net, I decided to try 1/4 tsp baking soda in drinking water several times a day to neutralize an acidic blood condition. Apparently an acidic condition can produce cancer. To my surprise, a great deal of pain happened very quickly, in the joints and hip. I couldn't walk. It subsided when I stopped taking the baking soda and then started up again when I took it a second time. So there seems to be a link between pain and baking soda for my body (not necessarily yours). I am wondering if you know about this and can explain it, and also can recommend any alternative ways to bring the pH balance to a more alkaline state."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 02/21/2009: Diana from Whitney, Texas, USA writes: "I have been using baking soda for a few reasons. Stomach problems, fungus in my month, that it has helped and is almost gone. But since I have been useing it I have gained a lot of water weight. I do have a hypothyroid, But since I have used baking soda my weight has going up and I feel really swollen. My legs and ankles swell if I am on them too long. I have only used baking soda to wash out my month and when my stomach is upset. Will this cause me to hold water more?"
02/23/2009: PR from Houston, Texas replies: "I am having the same problem. I think I am low in potassium and the sodium in the baking soda is too much. But the benefits from taking the baking soda is great, so I am supplementing with potassium tablets sometimes I need more tablets than other times but you will know when the swelling goes down. Don't take too many at one time as they can be hard on your kidneys and stomach. And if you have kidneys problems you should consult with you Doctor before you use potassium. :)"
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/22/2007: TP from Boston, MA writes: "I was taking baking soda for general reasons, creating an alkaline environment, staying thin. For some reason, I ended up with a cough for over a week and I think it was caused by the baking soda. I was taking the remedy 2 times a day. 1/8 baking soda and 2 Tbsp ACV with water. Maybe I took it for too many days. I felt good taking it, I even looked thinner. But after getting this cough, I started to think maybe the baking soda was such not a good idea after all. Was this effecting my lungs? It is a cleaning agent, it neutralizes acids in the body. But is it really good for the body the way it is considered to be good for cleaning your kitchen, laundry, or even an agent for clogging drains? It's a pretty powerful chemical. What if this chemical is eating away at our delicate tissues? What if it causes vitamin deficiency. I challenge you to prove to me this is actually good for anyone's health. Thank you."
11/24/2007: Joyce from Joelton, TN replies: "To TP from Boston (ll/22/07) in reply to your challenge, I challenge you to "listen to your body". This is where you live and it will tell you when you are abusing it better than anyone else can."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/01/2007: Dee Dee from Chattanooga, TN writes: "I've been noticing recently, that when I'm resting, I can feel my heart beating strangely. An extra hard beat, then normal. I've been taking about 1/2 - 3/4 tsp of baking soda every night for the last several months, to prevent cancer, etc. I'm 100 lbs. I'm worried I'm taking too much and it's causing irregular heart beats. Could baking soda be the cause??? I'm worried."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 10/30/2007: Shelley from Montreal, Quebec writes: "I tried Ted's baking soda remedy for Gerd and ended up with high blood pressure. Could there be a connection? I would like to try to ACV & baking soda to alkalize my system but am nervous..."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/22/2007: PollyAnn from Mexico City, USA writes: "re: Baking Soda and Vertigo -- Ted, I was just reading about dizziness [9/7/2007:PL from Naples, Florida, USA], and have a question for you: why would baking soda cause dizziness?
I quit taking it some time ago for my acid reflux because after a few days of taking it I would have these wild dizzy spells. It was so bad when I layed down or turned my head too fast. Suddenly the whole room would start turning like crazy. Anyway, when I quit taking the baking soda everything would return to normal within 1-2 days. I have stopped using regular salt, in its place I am using sea salt (which is actually a food). Perhaps PL from Naples Florida can benefit from staying away from the table salt (which I understand is very much the cause of High Blood Pressure!)."
Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "Whenever dizziness is experience, it is often due to a couple of causes:'1. Low blood pressure 2. Weak form of septicemia (cavities can lead to that!) 3. Low Blood sugar
The ACV + baking soda remedy has an effect of lowering blood pressure generally speaking, but of course we are assuming the person has too much potassium, which can also lead to lower blood pressure the same. One example is eating too much fruits or eating too much sour food.
In any event a simple way of resolving the first one is to measure the blood pressure. If blood pressure is low, then ACV should be eliminated and just use the baking soda.
For the second condition, a high body temperature, with headaches, and perhaps cavities, or leaky gut can result in a weak septicemia (weak form of blood poisoning) can also lead to dizziness as the septicemia LEADS TO LOW BLOOD PRESSURE. Hence, a simple remedy to stop septicemia (doctor's are making things hard on themselves and antibiotics are useless here usually) by taking aspirin three times a day WELL DISSOLVED in 1/2 glass of water. Then, blood pressure should be normal within 30-45 minutes.
For the third condition, if taking some candies did help than a low blood sugar is indicated, yet, low blood pressure and low blood sugar can also indicate that. Certain dietary changes can lead to low blood pressure, such as not eating enough food during key time of the day where the body needs it the most. Hence a simple way to stabilize blood sugar, is supporting liver, such as one tablespoon of granulated lecithin a day. Once the liver has less fat buildup, it can supply or at least stabilize the blood sugar."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/21/2007: Sandhi from mailsandhi@yahoo.com writes: "... 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 anta-acids 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."
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BAKING SODA OR CARBICARB ALKALIZATION
[WARNING!] 08/14/2008: Dion from New York, New York writes: "Danger Baking Soda/ Carbicarb alkalization:
I have tried using baking soda 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon twice a day for about two months for alkalization. Needless to say, my urine ph moved to a comfortable range of 6.5 - 7.5, although my saliva ph reamined a stubborn 6. At times, the saliva ph seems to dip below 6. I am vegetarian with a diet leaning more towards acid forming foods.
I felt increasing insomnia and restless brain on the baking soda remedy, so I switched to carbicarb about three weeks ago. First few days on the carbicarb, I did feel calmness, but afterwards, it was the same as before - more insomnia and brain restlessness.
These effects really made me wonder if it is safe to take baking soda or carbicarb over any meaningful period of time. After all, both sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate are inorganic minerals, and aside from their occasional use, I wonder if prolonged use causes more harm to be body. I did read on the net that excessive ingestion of baking soda can lead to chloride ion deficiency (which is important for stomach acid).
This is just my experience. I would love to hear from other readers who may have experience with baking soda/carbicard over some period of time. Please note that I think it's ok to do baking soda/acv or baking soda/lime because then the baking soda gets complexed with the acv and lime, however, on the issue of ingesting baking soda or carbicarb alone, my experience has been unfavorable.
Many thx,
Dion"
EC: Yes, we seem to be getting quite a few reports of side effects from baking soda used in alkalization. Some people have used baking soda on and off for years, no problem. Others report gradual side effects like bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, heart palpitations and sudden dizziness.
08/15/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn replies: "To Dion & EC, I also had some insomnia from ACV & baking soda, but I believe that "yeast infection" is in the fungus family. If this is so, then the Italian's theory (Dr. Mercola website) that cancer is caused by fungi and killing the fungi with local injection of baking soda to get rid of the cancer,would make it highly unlikely that the complaint of yeast infection resulted from ingestion of ACV & BS. Maybe Ted could clarify this for us."
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BATH REMEDIES THAT SHOULDN'T BE MIXED TOGETHER
[SIDE EFFECTS] 03/28/2008: Stella from Cleveland, Ohio writes: "Hi, there is a lot of information on this site of what combinations of ingredients work well together, however I don't see too much about what ingredients should Never be mixed together. A year or so back when my fibromyalgia had hit high gear I was plagued with symptoms of MCS as well as skin irritations, nothing I tried seemed to work. I did some research on the web and read about healing baths so I thought I would give it a try. I followed the recipe that I found but also decided to add my own things to it, by the time I was done I had everything in there but the kitchen sink. ( I was never a savvy chemist) ingredients of H202, ACV, Sea Salt, Epsom Salt, Baking Soda, Tea tree, Rosemary, Eucalyptus, Ginger, Vit. E All mixed together. The entire 30 minutes in the tub I had intense anxiety and when I got out I had a migraine from hell that lasted into the next day, I was also so lightheaded that I thought I might faint I figured my body was detoxifying but I am now wondering if all of these ingredients together caused a negative chemical reaction. I must say though, a few days later my fatigue and other issues improved & I felt better then I had in months. I still do take my Healing Baths and find much improvement though I use less ingredients. I am still not sure if my combinations are correct. I was wondering if you would consider having a page for Ingredients that should never be mixed together in a bath or otherwise. Thank You."
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2 SIDE EFFECTS
[SIDE EFFECTS] 07/15/2008: Janet D from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma writes: "I tried Borax remedy for my persistent fungus problem in my mouth. I tried Borax internally because Nystation didn't get rid of it ( only partly it did). I used store brand Borax, 1/8 tsp in one liter of distilled water. The first day I experienced a nasty headache all day long and at the second day, my kidney started hurting. So I had to stop taking Borax and I'll never try it again. The pain persisted 5 day after I stopped taking it. It was really scary! I read Ted's comment stating that he uses the store brand Borax when he can't find pure grade Borax. I have read most of user comment and Ted's email before I decided to try Borax remedy. I would like to post my experience about using store brand Borax so that people can least expects what can happen."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 01/07/2008: Carrie from Longmont, Colorado writes: "Thank you Ted and Earthclinic for such wonderful information! I have a question for Ted: I started the Borax cure 8 days ago to treat fluoride poisoning and candida. I've been taking 1/8 tsp. Borax in 1 liter of purified water every other day. On day 4 I started manifesting flulike symptoms--extreme chest congestion (very, very thick mucous) and cough, extreme fatigue, all over body aches, mild fever. Today I'm still sick but I am slowly getting better. Would you classify this as a normal detox reaction or did I probably get a virus on top of detoxing?"
EC: Read more about Borax here.
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1 SIDE EFFECT
[SIDE EFFECTS] 11/11/2007: Gulay Ersoz from Los Angeles, CA writes: "I have been taking one cayenne pepper pill a day with warm lemonade in the mornings for the last 2 weeks or so. I experience slight heartburn like feeling but it was not a big problem. Two days ago, I took two pills instead of one, and it was no more than 3 minutes after I swallowed the pills, I had the extreme cramping in my stomach, became very dizzy, my left arm was hurting and I felt tingling on my fingers and legs... Not only the pain was extremely bad, my head was spinning, I was having hard time walking in my kitchen. I was hot, I just wanted to stop the cramping and managed to throw up. Took two Tums... With the hyper ventilation and dizziness, I laid in the bath tub and turned the cold water on, (I was so out of it and unable to control my reflexes, I couldn't even take my clothes off) it took about another 10-15 minutes before the pain went away, and I actually managed to get up and walk around... I called my doctor friend and she asked me if I experienced chest pain, I said no. Other than that I had all the symptoms of a heart attack. Went to see a doctor, and after the EKG, I was told that I had a bad reaction to cayenne pepper. It was not a joking matter for me, as I was home alone with my 3 year old sleeping in her bed, I had to have a reality check. How healthy is it to be trying to be healthy???"
05/19/2008: Perry from San Antonio, TX replies: "As a counter to your expose on Cayanne and after effects, I have consumed three 100,000 units per capsule (cool) cayenne daily for three years with no adverse effects (for high blood pressure). So... works for me!"
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25 SIDE EFFECTS
[SIDE EFFECTS] 10/05/2009: Anglalov from Brooklyn, Ny 11228 writes: "Coconut oil and Stomach Upset: I didn't read your article as yet, but I wanted to write abuot how I got sick from eating coconut oil on whole wheat bread..I thought I could substitute the c.o. for butter..It didn't taste bad, but I could not tolerate it..I had some baking soda and that helped me considerably. Thank you.."
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[SIDE EFFECTS] 09/13/2009: Carol from Morris, Al. United States 35116 writes: "i started virgin coconut oil . i felt much better to start with 2 TABLESPOONS . after 2 weeks i started getting very weak . i take thyroid meds,blood pressuremeds, sleep meds., my blood pressure went up ( the top number )145/80 with heatbeat 65. my legs are like jelly . i have no nausa or throwing up, is this normal ? has my thyroid level dropped too low? i read all the blogs and no one said anythinge about weakness . please answer"
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