Erectile Dysfunction (ED) can be extremely frustrating for men and put a damper on their relationships and sex life. African American men are more likely to experience ED than other races due to inherent factors and lifestyle choices. How does apple cider vinegar play into this and can it help with ED?
Read below to find out.
There is little scientific research to support apple cider vinegar as an effective alternative treatment method for ED, but it may help manage some of the medical conditions that can cause males to experience ED.
Anecdotal evidence and folk medical tradition both suggest that ED can be improved by using apple cider vinegar. Because apple cider vinegar has little to no effects, many men have considered it an alternative to ED drugs that have adverse side effects. However, it isn't recommended to stop your other methods of treatment altogether, but rather use apple cider vinegar in conjunction with them.
Common Factors of ED
These are the most common factors that may cause you to develop ED:
- anxiety
- depression
- stress
- relationship issues
- kidney disease
- multiple sclerosis
- type 2 diabetes
- heart disease
- high blood pressure or high cholesterol
- injuries to the penis due to surgery or trauma
- bladder or prostate cancer
- bladder or prostate surgery
Anecdotal evidence has suggested that apple cider vinegar can reduce the following common factors associated with ED, according to MedicalNewsToday:
- Protecting Heart Health: Apple cider vinegar can help lower blood lower levels of blood lipids and cholesterol, which can improve heart health.
- Improving Organ Health: Apple cider vinegar may slow signs of oxidative stress in the kidneys and liver. Oxidative stress can cause damage to kidneys and liver over time.
- Diabetes: Research has shown that apple cider vinegar can help with diabetes by bringing down blood glucose levels. Other research suggests that other vinegars help with diabetes as well.
What is Apple Cider Vinegar?
Apple cider Vinegar is fermented apple juice made with apple cider. It may also contain alcohol, which is commonly found in many apple ciders. The healthier option would be an unfiltered or organic apple cider.
Many people use apple cider vinegar to manage diabetes, psoriasis, and cardiovascular disease.
How Safe is it?
There are many safety concerns to using apple cider vinegar, including that it can erode tooth enamel, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
People with the following medical conditions should steer clear of apple cider vinegar:
- Acid reflux or other acid-related stomach problems
- Throat pain, mouth sores, or ulcers
How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is a natural supplement, so there is no recommended dosage. However, take in mind that it does have a very strong flavor.
You can buy apple cider vinegar clear or with the cloudy strands of proteins and healthful bacteria for the gut.
These are a few ways you can use apple cider vinegar:
- Add a small quantity, such as a teaspoon, to a smoothie
- Replace salad dressing or other vinegars
- Sallow a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar as a daily supplement
- Mix a teaspoon with sparkling water for a flavorful drink
Takeaway
There is little evidence to support that apple cider vinegar helps men with ED. Therefore using apple cider vinegar should be discussed with your doctor, especially if the cause of your ED is unknown. You should seek medical consultation and testing to figure out what underlying causes may be causing your ED. Once you have talked with your doctor and/or found the cause of your ED, you can try apple cider vinegar (if your doctor deems it safe) in addition to your other supplements as a solution to improve symptoms.