Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Erectile Dysfunction?

Apple cider vinegar has been used as a popular natural remedy for various conditions. This product has become a popular remedy for many centuries due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Apple cider vinegar benefits people with common health ailments, including heart diseases, high blood sugar levels, and excess body fat percentage, among others.

But the question among men around the world is, can apple cider vinegar help to treat erectile dysfunction?

Keep reading this content to understand if apple cider vinegar benefits men with ED or if this is just a myth.

An Introduction To Apple Cider Vinegar And Erectile Dysfunction

Apple cider vinegar is the fermented juice obtained from crushed apples. It contains vitamins B and C and acetic acid [1].

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the constant difficulty of getting or sustaining an erection long enough to have sexual intercourse. There are numerous causes of ED, which may include mental health conditions, neurological conditions, injuries, etc [2].

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Help With Erectile Dysfunction?

There are no existing research studies that directly support apple cider vinegar as a cure for erectile dysfunction. However, studies suggest that apple cider vinegar may help manage the causes of ED [3].

How Does Apple Cider Vinegar Help Erectile Dysfunction?

Apple cider vinegar has an indirect effect in reducing impotence or ED through the following mechanisms.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

It is crucial to know that ED can be caused by underlying vascular issues, such as improper blood flow to the penis.

Cardiovascular ailments and ED are closely related. In a study, it was concluded that Apple cider vinegar can have a positive effect on blood lipids [4], and it has been found that high levels of blood lipids are linked with cardiovascular disease.

Apple cider vinegar can reduce the blood concentration of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, potentially decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease developing or improving already-existing issues. This may be effective in managing erectile dysfunction as it can facilitate proper flow of blood to the penis.

Management of type 2 diabetes 

Apple cider vinegar improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar levels after meals. Consuming it with food or before bedtime could aid in managing blood glucose levels.

It also slows down the digestion process of complex carbohydrates, resulting in a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream, which in turn can prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels after meals.

While apple cider vinegar is not recommended to replace other treatments for diabetes, it may help improve the levels of glucose and reduce some complications associated with this condition, such as ED.

Helping with weight management 

Obesity and excessive weight are widely known as risk factors for erectile dysfunction. Intake of apple cider vinegar regularly has demonstrated efficacy in weight reduction, indirectly helping erectile dysfunction.

A study published in 2018 by Solaleh Sadat Khezri et al. found that individuals who took two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar every day for 12 weeks noticeably lost more weight and body fat than those who didn’t take any.

How To Use Apple Cider Vinegar?

Some ways one can try apple cider vinegar at home include:

• Taking 1 to 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar orally (by mouth) each day. This dose is the same one used in some human medical studies.
• Mixing it with sparkling water for a flavorful drink.
• Adding a little quantity, such as a tablespoon, to a smoothie.

Risks Associated With The Use Of Apple Cider Vinegar

While some people may consider using apple cider vinegar as a remedy for various health problems, it’s crucial to be aware of side effects and potential risks [5].

• Dental health – The acetic acid found in apple cider vinegar may erode tooth enamel. A study stated that taking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar each day for eight weeks or more is associated with noticeable tooth erosion [6].

• Upset stomach and nausea – Apple cider vinegar may cause nausea or an upset stomach, particularly if it’s not adequately diluted. Starting with small amounts and increasing the dosage gradually can help minimize the risk of digestive issues.
• Gastroparesis – It is defined as a condition where the stomach takes longer to empty than normal. Consumption of apple cider vinegar can slow down the emptying of the stomach, which can cause concern among people with gastroparesis.
• Hypokalemia – Consumption of apple cider vinegar excessively has been associated with low potassium levels. Low levels of potassium are associated with muscle weakness, cramps, and irregular heart rhythms.

Natural Remedies For Erectile Dysfunction

A few natural ways to treat erectile dysfunction include [7] –

Regular physical exercise – Workouts can improve ED by improving blood pressure, blood flow, stamina, and mood. It is also an effective solution for improving a person’s overall well-being.

A balanced healthy diet – A balanced diet keeps the circulatory system and the rest of the body healthy. Eating a nutrient-rich diet reduces the risk factors of erectile dysfunction, such as clogged arteries, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

At Vedi Care Health, we have a guide on the best and worst foods for ED that may help you understand which food items are good and bad for your condition.

Quitting smoking – It is important to quit smoking to improve your sexual health. Smoking has numerous bad effects on your health, especially on your circulatory system. Blood flow to the different parts of your body is affected, including the genitals. This can make it difficult to get or keep an erection.

Proven Erectile Dysfunction Treatments

Apart from natural remedies, there are various other solutions, such as oral pills, injections, and hormone treatments for erectile dysfunction. The following are some of the proven treatment options for ED.

Oral medications – These include medications such as Vardenafil, Tadalafil, and Sildenafil. These medications aim to improve blood flow to the penis when a man is sexually aroused by relaxing the muscles and arteries in that area.

Discover the best brand drugs for erectile dysfunction by clicking on our category page, Erectile Dysfunction Treatment.

Therapy – Consider seeing a mental health counselor if ED is caused by psychological reasons such as anxiety, stress, relationship problems, and depression.

Surgery – When other treatment options like medication and therapy fail to improve ED, surgery may be considered, such as

Penile implant surgery – These are basically devices implanted into the shaft of a penis in order to get an erection.

Conclusion

While the research investigating the effects of apple cider vinegar on erectile dysfunction is lacking, its effects on cardiovascular health, weight, and diabetes may make it an effective addition to other treatment options for ED. It is easily accessible and well tolerated.

Remember that apple cider vinegar should not be replaced with any over-the-counter or prescribed medications you are currently using.