The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
MH (Eastern North Carolina) on 05/12/2023:
I am taking ACV/BS tonic for female issues (possible BV/interstitial cystitis). Been taking it for a week. Even with only 1 tsp of the ACV I'm getting diarrhea every day. What could be the reason for this?
I tried acv and baking soda, my heart was racing, broke out in a sweat, and I was shaky. After 2 sips. I followed directions using less then 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda . Was that too much??? This stuff is powerful!!!
After reading the posts about all the benefits of ACV I finally decided to try it this morning when I got up. I used 2 tsp of the organic ACV with the mother and 1/4 tsp baking soda in about 10 ounces of water. After about 30 minutes, I started burping like crazy off and on for what seemed like an hour. Is this normal? I am wondering if I should omit the baking soda next time. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, I really want to do this for my health. Thanks in advance.
Hi Ted, For the last 6 months I have been taking ACV and bicarb both morning and night to balance my PH. I test my saliva and urine with Litmus paper, first thing in the morning and my saliva is usually around 6.4 with my urine around 7.6 or higher. For about the last 5 weeks my urine has been very, very cloudy, sometimes dark, and othertimes can be a thick cloudy yellow colour. This does not happen daily, but when it does it is quite alarming. Could it be a side affect of the remedy I am taking? I am thinking of changing over to the lemon/lime/bicarb treatment. I hope you can advise me. Thank you for your good work, it is much appreciated.
I am puzzled as to why one needs to use baking soda with apple cider vinegar in order to bring up the ph levels to more alkaline. For me personally the baking soda, even at what seems like a small level, often causes me a concerning, though slight, pain in one kidney. In addition, if taken with food, baking soda can interfere with good digestion.
I have found that taking 1-2 tbsp ACV in a quart of water, sipped throughout the day, keeps me perfectly alkaline. I do take extra potassium as I know it can cause a deficit there, & I use a brand that seems to work well for me personally, for that, namely Twinlab.
For times when I am away from home I have ACV capsules, one brand that smells especially strongly of vinegar so I know it's the real deal.
Rina (Phalaborwa, Limpopo, South Africa) on 02/26/2012:
Apple Cider Vinegar for Acid Reflux: Dear TED, I went to my pharmacy for a blood test to see what my acid count was. 5.9 it is very high. Today I bought a swimmingpool test kit, to test my urine and it was 7.6 the acid count. My friend told me about your Apv and bp drink, I've been taking it for 4 days now. Yesterday my legs and fingers was swollen. I take 2 tbsp acv, 1/4 tsp bp in a 1/2 glass of water. Why the swollen legs an fingers. Can you please advice me. My fingers are very stiff in the mornings.
I had a operation 3 years ago my small intestine died 10cm. I am fine after the operation.
I've been taking apple cider vinegar (2 TBlspns) along with 1/4 tsp baking soda in 8 oz of water. I seem to be having diarrhea and stomach cramping. Is this normal? I've taken it for once a day for two days on an empty stomach in the morning. Should I stop taking this or am I doing something wrong?
I started taking ACV with BS a couple months ago and I feel I have seen some positive results ie: my skin etc. The problem is I noticed since I started this regime I feel like something is crawling under the skin on my upper back. This doesn't happen everyday, but enough for me to notice it.
Have you heard of this before? What kind of reaction is this? I am anxious to hear your opinion and advice.
Well I have tried this as well, and I find it makes my face twitchy and red and I just do not feel good when I take it. Also, I have tried the baking soda and water with lemon juice as well as just with water, but it still seems to give me a headache and yes, somehow I suspect its because of Candida.
I get a constant headache when I use the ACV. I lowered the dosage to 1t ACV with Baking soda but still get the headache. Is anyone else having this problem? Is it a normal temporary side effect? I am trying to get rid of candida.
I wonder if someone could shed some light on this: I've been taking the ACV and baking soda together: (1 tbl and 1/4 tsp) and actually enjoy the taste. Ironically, my father, who lived to be 100 and took no medications but baking soda for upset stomach his whole life, lived independently until his late 90s. I never suspected a connection between his health and longevity until I started reading all the posts on this site.
Anyway, since taking the ACV and BS, I suspect it has an affect upon my thyroid. I've been taking thyroid meds for hypothyroidism for decades. Lately I've had a terrible problem with sleep; I'm awake the whole night. And I'm sweating a lot. IN the past this was a sign that my thyroid meds were too strong. I've lowered the dosed (my endocrinologist thinks I'm wacky, doing this on my own) because this wakefulness is a torment, night after night.
What I would like to know--from Ted, if he is available, or others--is if anyone has experienced this situation. I suspect the ACV has increased my metabolism. I hope to hear from someone re this situation. I'll add my praise to this site: there's nothing else like it.
I am so confused about what this is. I started taking baking soda(1/4 tsp.) mixed in 2 tblsp of ACV. I let it set about 30 minutes and then add about 4-5ounces of orange juice and drink. I have done this for about 7 days 2 times a day. Lately I am having big time JOINT PAIN. Today I had pains so sharp in my knees that I couldn't stand on them until it quit.When I wake in the a.m. my fingers are very stiff and my knuckles hurt. Is this a possible side effect of the Baking soda and acv? I have been using it to try and balance my ph as i have candida (mouth,scalp and vaginal). Any suggestions?
I have being very thrilled with the ACV/BS feedback on this site. I am trying the coconut oil as well. Since, I started the ACV/BS, I have seen a lot of changes for good but it appears to be I am gaining weight. Can any one help me? I take 2tablespoon ACV + 1/4 teaspoon of BS twice daily. I have been taking it for 3weeks now and I experienced terrible menstrual pains this month. I do not want to give the ACV/BS but somebody tell me if I am doing something wrong. I want to loose weight not gain. thanks
I added Baking Soda to my ACV treatment and had many of the side effects others mention on this site. Baking Soda lowers Vitamin C levels and this can lead to symptoms of scurvy. I had to do a lot of research to find this out. I woke up with a purple spot/bruise on my leg and that convinced me, as I had not bumped into anything to bruise myself. The purple bruise looking spot is a sign of scurvy. Luckily, it was recommened to me to take Vitamin C for Constipation. I was sooo sick (my asthma was out of control) last night and the night before. I did not know that Vitamin C actually helps Astmatics.
I took 6 mgs of Vitamin C last night in error. I picked up the wrong size of measuring spoon!!..luckily! I had been up the prior two nights coughing up mucus, but last night I slept through the night. I couldn't figure it out since I needed to take bendryl the other nights just to not choke on the mucus. It appears that the 6 mg of Vitamin C did it's job to replenish my Vitamin C and to help with my asthma.
I woke up with the usual morning junk to cough up and spit out. I took 1000 mg of vitamin C and it stopped this problem dead in it's tracks. People need to read about what vitamin C does, especially for people with Asthma and food allergies. Also, the baking soda should NOT be recommended on this site.
It depletes the Vitamin C. If someone is already low in Vitamin C it can cause Survy Symptoms as it did in me.
I love this site, but I think promoting Baking Soda that depletes Vitamin C is wrong. Also, I love Apple Cider Vinegar and it is promoted here as the top natural relief, but I never hear any talk of vitamin C. It works wonders for Asthma, Hay fever and a load of Respiratory illnesses and other illnesses.
Hello, am breastfeeding woman, age 35, am taking since a week acv + b.soda + honey and water and I've noticed that my milk production is almost gone. Please clarify.
Wondering if others have had this same experience . . . When I first started alkalizing, it didn't make me feel so good, when I used baking soda with my apple cider vinegar. Like you, I liked the vinegar alone in water better, even though that didn't feel quite right, either.
I used PH strips to find out I was way too alkaline. Long story short, I researched and decided that for me, it was a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency. I worked on this for awhile (with a good food based multi, colloidal minerals, Armour thyroid, and b- complex), and I started coming up consistently acidic like most people. It was exciting for me to go acidic, because then I knew I'd fixed the deficiency problem.
I've been able to take the baking soda/ACV combo with no problems now (it's helping with many problems).
I'm not sure that adding baking soda is for everyone, but I thought I'd share what worked for me. Also, don't drink tap water if possible.
I had really acidic urine (pH less than 6) and tried Ted's ACV + baking soda remedy. I started with 2 TBS ACV + 1/4 tsp baking soda 2X daily and reduced it to 1TB AVC + 1/8 tsp baking soda when my pH went way too high.
During this time, I developed severe UTI problems -- I hit them hard with things like Candex, probiotics and monistat, H2O2 gargling, swallowing, etc because I was determined to see the pH balancing through to the end. Four weeks ago I dropped the baking soda all together and am drinking 1TBS ACv per day with water and apple juice which gives me just a slightly acidic urine pH (around 6.8).
Today, partially due to a complication with being allergic to the new HFA asthma inhalers, I now have the fungus pretty much invading my entire GI tract at this point, and it is in my lungs. I am really ill, needing tons of Sporanox to begin to get better. Most of all, I am very confused. It seems candida and relatives are absolutely LOVING my higher pH and taking big advantage of it.
To all, I have use ACV for several months now and have been able to go off all blood pressure medication. I started to use ACV for Gerd (Acid reflex) blood pressure was 150/90 down to 112/60 in two months. Started to use baking soda in ACV and started to have several joint and leg pain. Stopped baking soda, leg pain is better. Forget baking soda - it will cause joint pain in some people so be very careful of it.
ACV will also cause anxiety in some people if used to often. Changes the PH of the body. I have to be careful not to do over one to two teaspoons at a time. Has anyone taken the tablets and do they work ? I also am a R.N. for 22 years and so sick of medication that D.R. put out like candy always looking for alter cures for problem. Most medication is short time cure to more medication.
Update: I've gained 3 pounds in the last 30 hours! Am I creating a volcano in my stomach?? Does anyone have any suggestions on why I am gaining weight so rapidly?
My daughter (age 14) and I (age 44) have been taking ACV + baking soda for a week now and we have both gained 5 pounds! We have been taking it as follows: 2 tablespoons raw ACV, add 1/4 heaping teaspoon baking soda, wait until it stops fizzing, add 8 ounces water and a couple of teaspoons of apple juice (for taste). We are taking it twice a day, in the morning before breakfast and around 3pm. We are doing 5 days on, 2 days off. I look 8 months pregnant - very bloated!! HELP!! Energy levels are higher, so we'd like to keep doing it - what can we change or add?? Thank you.
AVC & Baking Soda. Thank god that i came across this site. I am 38 yrs. I suffer from obesity. I weigh about 70kg. I always feel sleepy and my foots hurt much when i stand long. I have trying to loose weight using several methods but all in Vain. I tried ACV last week. 2 table spoon in 500lm water, after 2 days i felt a burning sensatin in my tongue. I add 1/4 Soda in 1 tablespoon ACV mixed into 250ml water and took 3 times a day. I feel more energetic, but notice my skin went dry and burning sensation around my lips. My necks are stiff too. Is that anything wrong with the mixture or should I stop the Soda. Please advise.
Just wanted to put in my .02cents. I was taking the ACV Baking Soda tonic three times a day. It's ironic now that I think about it, the way our bodies talk to us, the last few times I took the recipe, (and I'm very used to the taste of the ACV/BS tonic) my nose would turn up at the smell, it smelled furmented, almost like old wine. Then I got a yeast/BV infection...and after research and trial and error, I realized that what Sandhi mentioned was true, too much BS can reverse the body's alkaline and actually make it too acidic. So, after curing the Yeast infection with Hydrogen Peroxide, yogurt and water (monostat DID NOT WORK) and quitting the Baking soda, I feel much better. Every once in a while if I feel heartburny I'll add BS to my ACV, but I skip the BS most days and just take ACV and feel much better!
It's been a week that i've been using ACV with baking soda to lose weight. Instead, I've never been this tired. I have lost all the energy & slept most of the day. I STOPPED taking baking soda, & instead diluted 2tbl of acv with 1liter water, & 1/2 tsp. of salt. & drink it with straw. Without baking soda, I feel much better & energetic.
I have been suffering with Acid Reflux for a few months now. I am so thankful for your website. ACV Baking soda works great for me, specially in the morning. But, if I take after 6:00 PM, it keeps me awake all night. I already suffered with insomnia, and it aggrevates it more. Now, having a good night sleep is my problem. Ted, what can I do for that?
Baking Soda remedy With all my experience, I can say the BS remedy is potentially harmful. I tried it and suffered bad consequences. Skin becoming dry, hair falling off in clumps and yeast infections.... Lemon Juice / ACV must be taken with just water. Our stomach is meant to be acidic and anything which tends to neutralise stomach acid is harmful and will prevent the absorption of nutrients. NO Baking Soda should be added. I am just wondering how many ppl might be harming their healths with BS..
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
I want to point something about the Baking Soda remedy for increasing the alkalinity of body. Unfortunately, this remedy worked for me in the beginning, as I noticed improved digestion, but then I noticed I came down with a chronic case of Bacterial Vaginosis. A fishy odor coming from the vagina. I have heard, women who are on Birth Control Pill get BV. But I have never used BCPs. Further reading, I found out that Baking Soda, and for that matter most antacids can lead to the depletion of B-vitamins in the body. (including Folic Acid & B12). And no wonder Folic Acid is recommended as a cure for BV. I am taking Folic Acid ( 1 mg) and B-complex now, but the fishy odor is not gone completely! I am really stuck with this odor which I NEVER had before. So could it be, my folic acid levels are depleted and I am unable to get them to a healthy level. As of now, I am suspecting Baking Soda has done this to me. And I am abstaining from using it anymore. I would be interested to hear what other female users have to say about this.
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
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...
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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