Baking Soda Trick for Men with ED Over 65: Does It Work?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) becomes more common as men age. Many look for simple home "tricks" like baking soda or apple cider vinegar to boost blood flow and firmness. But what does the science say—especially for men over 65? Below is a clear, balanced look at the evidence, potential risks, and safer, proven options.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction in Older Men

• ED affects up to 50% of men aged 65 and older.
• Causes are often a mix of:
  • Reduced blood vessel health
  • Hormonal changes (e.g., lower testosterone)
  • Nerve function decline
  • Chronic conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol
  • Medications and lifestyle factors: smoking, poor diet, inactivity

Recognizing that ED often signals broader health issues is key. If you're experiencing symptoms and want to understand what might be causing them, take Ubie's free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights about your erectile dysfunction.

What Is the "Baking Soda Trick"?

The "baking soda trick for men with ED over 65" typically involves:

1. Mixing a small amount of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) into water.
2. Drinking or rinsing with this solution before sexual activity.

The theory: baking soda's alkalinity might improve blood flow by neutralizing acids and relaxing blood vessels. However:

• No clinical trials support this method for ED.
• No reputable studies show a direct link between baking soda intake and improved erections or vascular health in older men.

What About Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is promoted for many health benefits, including weight loss and improved circulation. A key study often cited is:

• Kondo T, et al. (2009). Vinegar intake reduces body weight, body fat mass, and serum triglyceride levels in obese subjects. Obesity. PMID: 22846233.

That research found modest weight and fat reductions in obese adults consuming vinegar daily. While weight loss and lower triglycerides can improve overall cardiovascular health—and by extension, erectile function—this is an indirect effect. There's no direct proof ACV cures ED.

Weighing the Evidence

1. No Direct Clinical Proof

   • Neither baking soda nor ACV has been tested in controlled trials specifically for ED in men over 65.
   • Claims are based on anecdote, not solid human research.

2. Indirect Cardiovascular Benefits

   • ACV may help with weight management and blood sugar control.
   • Better metabolic health can improve blood vessel function over time.
   • Baking soda has no known cardiovascular benefits when ingested; excessive use can cause electrolyte imbalances.

3. Risks and Side Effects

   • Baking soda: can cause high blood pressure, swelling, electrolyte disturbance, worsening of heart or kidney disease.
   • ACV: may erode tooth enamel, irritate the throat, interact with diuretics or insulin.

Safer, Proven Approaches to ED

Rather than untested home remedies, consider these evidence-based steps:

Lifestyle Changes

• Regular Exercise
  Improves circulation and heart health. Aim for 30 minutes, five days a week.
• Balanced Diet
  Emphasize fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains. Mediterranean or DASH diets show cardiovascular benefits.
• Weight Management
  Losing even 5–10% of body weight can improve erectile function if you're overweight.
• Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol
  Both damage blood vessels over time.

Medical Treatments

• Oral Medications
  PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) are safe and effective in many older men.
• Hormone Therapy
  If low testosterone is diagnosed, replacement may help—but only under doctor supervision.
• Vacuum Devices & Penile Pumps
  Non-invasive tools that can aid erections when pills aren't suitable.
• Counseling & Sex Therapy
  Helpful when stress, anxiety, or relationship issues play a role.

Monitoring & Tests

Given the strong link between ED and cardiovascular disease, your doctor might recommend:

• Blood pressure checks
• Lipid panel (cholesterol and triglycerides)
• Blood sugar testing
• Testosterone levels

You may also hear about non-invasive liver tests (e.g., APRI score, FibroScan) used in other conditions. While not directly tied to ED, overall organ health can influence hormone balance and metabolism.

When to Talk to a Doctor

ED can be a warning sign of serious conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Speak to a healthcare professional if you experience:

• Persistent difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations during sex
• Sudden changes in sexual function

Always discuss any home remedy—especially one involving baking soda or ACV—with your doctor before trying it. They can advise you on safe doses, possible interactions, and better alternatives.

Key Takeaways

• There's no clinical evidence that a "baking soda trick for men with ED over 65" works.
• Apple cider vinegar may support weight loss and metabolic health, but its direct impact on ED is unproven.
• Both baking soda and ACV carry potential risks—alkalosis, electrolyte shifts, throat irritation, tooth erosion.
• Focus on proven methods: healthy lifestyle, FDA-approved medications, counseling, and medical evaluation.
• Before seeing a doctor, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your erectile dysfunction symptoms and possible causes.
• Always speak to a doctor about any serious or life-threatening concerns.

By choosing safe, research-backed strategies, men over 65 can better manage ED and protect their overall health.