Doctors Note Logo

Published on: 9/15/2026

How much baking soda and apple cider vinegar should a man take for ED?

There is no established or medically recommended dose of baking soda or apple cider vinegar for erectile dysfunction, because neither has been shown in clinical research to treat ED. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) carries real risks in large or repeated amounts, including sodium overload, high blood pressure, electrolyte imbalance, and rare stomach rupture, while undiluted apple cider vinegar can erode tooth enamel, irritate the esophagus, and interact with diuretics, insulin, and heart medications. ED itself is often an early warning sign of treatable conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, low testosterone, medication side effects, anxiety, or depression, so home remedies may delay care that actually works. Several important safety details, risk factors, and proven treatment options are outlined below and worth reviewing before trying either substance.

Because ED can signal an underlying health issue that a kitchen remedy will not fix, the fastest way to get clarity is a free, instant, online symptom check that reviews your symptoms, flags possible causes, and helps you decide what type of care to seek next.

Last reviewed for medical accuracy: 09/15/2026

answer background

Explanation

How much baking soda and apple cider vinegar should a man take for ED?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects up to 30 million men in the U.S. It can stem from a mix of physical, psychological and lifestyle factors. Over the years, folk remedies—like baking soda and apple cider vinegar—have circulated online as potential natural fixes. Here’s what the evidence says, how these substances might work, and what you should know before trying them.

Why baking soda and apple cider vinegar?

Some proponents claim that shifting your body’s acid-base balance or improving circulation can help with ED. The theory goes:

  • Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) makes your blood more alkaline, potentially improving oxygen delivery and blood flow.
  • Apple cider vinegar (ACV) boosts circulation, regulates blood sugar and supports healthy weight—all factors linked to erectile function.

Unfortunately, there’s no reliable clinical trial proving that this combo cures or significantly improves ED. Still, small daily doses are unlikely to cause serious harm in healthy men.

Baking soda: dose, benefits and risks

Baking soda is a household item known for neutralizing stomach acid. People also take it for workout recovery or to ease urinary discomfort.

Suggested dose for “alkalizing”

Common folk-remedy guidelines suggest:

  • ¼ teaspoon (about 1.2 g) of baking soda in a glass (8 oz) of water
  • Once daily, first thing in the morning

Potential benefits

  • May neutralize excess stomach acid
  • Could lend a small boost in blood pH

Note: Blood pH is tightly regulated by your kidneys and lungs. Short-term spikes in alkalinity from baking soda are minimal.

Possible side effects

  • Bloating, gas or stomach cramps
  • Elevated sodium intake (≈ 300 mg per ¼ tsp)—watch if you have high blood pressure
  • Alkalosis (rare if you stick to small doses)

Apple cider vinegar: dose, benefits and risks

ACV contains acetic acid plus trace minerals. It’s touted for weight control, blood sugar regulation and improved digestion.

Suggested dose for general health

  • 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 mL) of ACV
  • Mixed in a glass (8 oz) of water
  • Once or twice daily, ideally before meals

Potential benefits

  • May modestly lower post-meal blood sugar
  • Could support weight management and gut health
  • Might improve circulation indirectly by supporting metabolic health

Possible side effects

  • Sore throat or tooth enamel erosion if taken undiluted
  • Digestive upset (nausea, acid reflux)
  • Lower potassium levels if used in excess

Combining baking soda and apple cider vinegar

Some people mix both in the same glass, expecting a fizzing “neutralization” reaction. If you choose to combine them, here’s a simple protocol:

  1. Fill an 8 oz glass with water.
  2. Add ¼ teaspoon baking soda and stir until dissolved.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon ACV and stir again.
  4. Drink slowly, preferably before breakfast.

Key points:

  • Don’t exceed these amounts.
  • Split doses (baking soda in the morning, ACV at night) can reduce stomach discomfort.
  • Always dilute both in water—never consume them straight.

What the research says about ED

  • No human trials have tested baking soda or ACV alone or combined as an ED treatment.
  • Small studies link ACV to better blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes—a known risk factor for ED.
  • Sodium bicarbonate is used in medicine (e.g., to treat acidosis), but not for improving erections.

Bottom line: If you’re hoping for a quick fix, this remedy isn’t backed by strong science. However, its mild metabolic effects (blood sugar balance, potential weight support) could indirectly help men whose ED has a lifestyle component.

Other lifestyle measures to support erectile health

Rather than relying solely on home concoctions, consider these proven strategies:

• Regular exercise
• A balanced diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol
• Managing stress through mindfulness or therapy
• Getting 7–9 hours of sleep per night

If lifestyle tweaks don’t help, FDA-approved medications (e.g., sildenafil) or devices may be more effective.

Who should avoid baking soda and ACV?

Talk to your doctor before trying this remedy if you have:

  • High blood pressure or heart disease (watch sodium intake)
  • Kidney problems
  • Diabetes on medication (ACV can lower blood sugar)
  • A history of gastritis, ulcers or acid reflux

When to seek medical advice

ED can signal serious health issues—like cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hormonal imbalances. If you experience any of the following, please seek prompt medical attention:

  • Hardly any erections at all, even with stimulation
  • Pain during erections
  • Sudden onset of ED

For a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker, click here.

Final thoughts and next steps

  • There’s no magic dose of baking soda and apple cider vinegar that’s proven to cure ED.
  • If you try the combo, stick to ¼ teaspoon baking soda and 1–2 tablespoons ACV daily, always diluted.
  • Watch for side effects, and don’t exceed recommended amounts.
  • Focus first on diet, exercise and sleep—these have the strongest evidence for improving erections.

Above all, if your ED is persistent or accompanied by pain or other concerning symptoms, speak to a doctor rather than rely solely on home remedies. A healthcare provider can evaluate underlying causes and recommend proven treatments tailored to your health profile.

Remember: natural remedies may help some men marginally, but they’re not a substitute for professional medical care when it matters most.

(References)

  • * Rodger RS, Sheldon WL, Watson MJ, Dewar JH, Wilkinson R, Ward MK, Kerr DN. Zinc deficiency and hyperprolactinaemia are not reversible causes of sexual dysfunction in uraemia. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 1989;4(10):888-92. doi: 10.1093/ndt/4.10.888. PMID: 2515494.

  • * Moriel EZ, Rajfer J. Sodium bicarbonate alleviates penile pain induced by intracavernous injections for erectile dysfunction. J Urol. 1993 May;149(5 Pt 2):1299-300. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)36373-5. PMID: 8386779.

  • * Lowe FC, Jarow JP. Placebo-controlled study of oral terbutaline and pseudoephedrine in management of prostaglandin E1-induced prolonged erections. Urology. 1993 Jul;42(1):51-3; discussion 53-4. doi: 10.1016/0090-4295(93)90338-b. PMID: 8392235.

  • * Godschalk M, Gheorghiu D, Katz PG, Mulligan T. Alkalization does not alleviate penile pain induced by intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1. J Urol. 1996 Sep;156(3):999-1000. PMID: 8709384.

  • * Huff R, Karpinska-Leydier K, Maddineni G, Begosh-Mayne D. Rhabdomyolysis Risk: The Dangers of Tribulus Terrestris, an Over-the-Counter Supplement. Am J Case Rep. 2024 Jul 16;25:e943492. doi: 10.12659/AJCR.943492. Epub 2024 Jul 16. PMID: 39012853; PMCID: PMC11315611.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.