Apple Cider Vinegar
Health Benefits

Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

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.
Broad Benefits
Posted by Suzanne (Los Angeles, Calif/usa) on 02/26/2011
★★★★★

I had read that drinking apple cider vinegar is good for your bones, that the vinegar prevented oxidation (as in brittle bones)also there was a whole page of the benefits that one will reap drinking 1 tablespoon of vinegar everyday. well all I can say is that it changed my body (internally)for the better, I do not think that there is enough space to describe everything, also the artritis in my hands, the pain, swelling is no more.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Myrna (Pasig, Philippines) on 02/12/2011
★★★★★

For years I have problem w/ my bowel movement and experience constipation for years. After doing some research about ACV I tried taking it first thing in the morning when my stomach is empty 1tbsp ACV and 1 tbsp honey after several days I notice that I have my bowel movement regularly my acid influx is gone and my stomach is no longer bloated compared before. Thanks for the stuff. I use organic ACV with the mother. I hope it can help some who have problems the same as me.

ACV and Pregnancy
Posted by Jen (South Jordan, Utah) on 10/10/2011
★★★★★

Glad I have it now. Thanks. I have been looking for a painkiller/anti-inflammatory that is safe for pregnancy. I am so glad I found ACV.


Fungus
Posted by Teresa (Grand Valley, Ontario Canada) on 12/22/2010
★★★★★

Does anyone know if ACV will help ingrown toenails either by drinking it or by soaking feet in it? I am currently taking it for bronchitis and have noticed that my toenail fungus is disappearing. My son has terrible problem with ingrown toenails. Thanks. Teresa


Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Posted by Rsvp2244 (Cuyahoga Falls, Oh) on 12/17/2010

I take 1 tsp ACV and 1 tsp honey daily. I do not add water, just mix the two and down it goes. Could this be hurting me in some way?

ACV Rash
Posted by Carol (Tucson, Az) on 12/02/2010

I've been taking ACV with the Mother for about two months. 2 tablespoons in 4oz of water, 2x/per day. For the last 2-4 weeks I've noticed a slightly raised/slightly rough circular rash on the leftside of my body about the size of a quarter. Mostly on the left cheek on my bum & left thigh. Lately I've noticed these same circular rashes about the size of a dime on my chest & neck. I've heard of the Healing Crisis, meaning that my body is releasing toxins through my skin but yikes! Has anyone experienced a rash breakout after taking ACV for a length of time?

ACV Rash
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/03/2010

Take less and more diluted.


ACV Rash
Posted by Jeff (Nashville, Tn) on 12/03/2010

Hi Carol,
The same thing happened to me after about 6 months of ACV. I originally thought it was a scrape from moving tree branches, but when it did not heal I thought ringworm. Tried everything and it got worse and I noticed new small patches(20-25)forming on my body. Turns out to be Pityriasis rosea. Look this up.
I also wondered if the detox process of ACV may have triggered this. If yes, so be it. I will always have ACV in my life and have lost 15 lbs without even trying! As far as the Pityriasis rosea, all you can do is stay clean, cool, and dry. (G--- Bond Powder seems to help) It will eventually start SLOWLY fading away.


ACV Rash
Posted by Misha (Binghamton, New York) on 04/03/2011

I am absolutely shocked to read this post! Years ago in college I came down with the Pityriasis Rosea rash. I was told that this condition rarely reoccurs. However, when taking apple cider vinegar for about a month, again I had the unsightly, very uncomfortable Pityriasis Rosea condition again! I am thinking that this might be some sort of healing crisis.


ACV Rash
Posted by Larry (Fairfax, Va) on 07/28/2013

Your skin rashes may have been caused by excessive amount of toxins released into the body when the ACV may have inadvertently too quickly killed-off a large amount of bacteria or fungus; this is known as the Herxheimer reaction. I have had this type of thing happen to me recently.


Energy
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, Usa) on 11/13/2010 113 posts

Well, Mrs Spiceitup in TN, Well I want to say something cute but just keep up with hubby and pray for your lonely, single sisters in Christ here in FL, and I must agree that ACV is good for you, and a lot can be said for that clean, farm living, and Gods Blessings.


Energy
Posted by Hotlava (Seattle) on 10/18/2013

Most of the US centenarians in this day and age grew up "poor on a farm"... There is nothing like organic farming and living a traditional agrarian lifestyle to boost people's health for a long and healthy life! Weston Price was right in his book Nutrition and Physical Degeneration- "Life in all it's fullness is Mother Nature Obeyed".

In Love and Health


Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Australia) on 11/04/2010

Hello slidefoot, Yes you can add some honey to the apple cider vinegar, you can also put the Apple Cider Vinegar in some apple juice which disguises the taste quite well. Lily.


Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey
Posted by Nurioneheart (Tacoma, Wa, Usa) on 11/13/2010

Hi, Slidefoot. I am 70 years old too and I have reduced my high blood pressure, my cholesterol and my blood sugar all in the last 3 months by using the many ideas on this website. So I do not know if using just one healthy remedy will do the trick. I treat my body as a whole system and not just isolated parts. I started eating a larger variety of vegetables especially green leafy ones, breakfast lunch and supper. I cut my carbs down to about 120 a day. I cut my fruit down to just a small slice of fresh fruit for 2 morning snacks; 2 afternoon snacks; 2 evening snacks; and I eat cucumber slices or celery or cauliflower with a little sea salt and nutritional yeast sprinkled on it (yum yum! )if I get hungry when reading before bed. I make a tonic for myself and my friends once every couple of days which I sip on throughout the day. The tonic tastes pretty good (to me anyway ) and all the ingredients are very good for all your body parts.

The Tonic Recipe is:
Put 1/4 cup organic raw apple cider vinegar and 1/8 c organic raw local honey
Or real maple syrup (not fake maple flavored syrup) into a food processor or blender. Blend this with the following fresh living ingredients
(not bottled or dehydrated stuff)
Equal parts of:
1 whole peeled lemon
peeled garlic
sliced onion
sliced ginger root

Pour this mash into a pint size glass jar and cover. It will stay useful for a couple of weeks, but it is best to take a 3 or 4 spoons of this every day so it shouldn't be sitting in the fride very long. Take a heaping table spoon of this Health Tonic as soon as you awake in the morning, with lunch, and before bedtime. You can mix it in water, juice, or tea if you wish. I often take it right out of the spoon. It is quite zesty and I have developed a fondness for it. It is good for cleaning/toning your liver. It is good for heart and blood pressure and a hundred other things that need support in our internal organs which work in harmony with each other. This tonic is also anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-fungal, anti-bacteria, ant-viral, anti-parasite, anti-yeast, anti-fungus. It supports your pro-biotics. Good health to you, hope you're enjoying your journey into sharing your own wisdom. Nuri


Leg Cramps
Posted by J (St. Louis, Mo) on 10/20/2010
★★★★★

My husband has terrible leg cramps. I had read that ACV would help, so we tried it recently when he had a bad bout with the leg cramps. It seemed to help. We put some in the bath too and he thought that was helpful too. I had read not to put it on the skin, but it did not seem to burn his skin.


High Cholesterol
Posted by Royce (Phil Campbell, Al., Usa) on 10/13/2010

I recently had stints put in my neck and one valve in my heart. I take Plavix 75gm and Lipitor 40gm. Will ACV help me get off these meds as they are very expensive? will they damage the stints. Thanks for your help, Royce


Broad Benefits
Posted by Raquel (Davao City, Philippines) on 01/05/2011

The cholestrol is lower due to ACV cleaning the veins and arteries of calcium deposits. My mom drank ACV with honey in distilled water for years and it not only lowered her cholestrol but got rid of her arthritis and vericose veins. Its great stuff.


ACV and Probiotics
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 06/16/2010

Hi Joyful, There is no contraindication of what you are doing. As a matter of fact, apple cider vinegar is a prebiotic which feeds probiotics! So they work hand in hand. There should be no problem with the other 5 ingredients listed either. Hope this helps. Glad you're doing well! Lisa


Liquid Vs. Pills
Posted by Becky (Elberton, Ga.) on 08/02/2010

If you have 500 mgs. In a capsules, how does that equal out by teaspoon?


ACV and Probiotics
Posted by Pat (Athens, Al, Usa) on 05/15/2010

Can ACV and probiotics be taken together or would the ACV override the probiotics? Or can I take both as long as there is a space of time between the two? Currently I'm doing both with no ill effects I'm just wondering if one is canceling out the other or if they both are "doing their own thing" in harmony??? Thanx in advance for any input.

Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Siobhan (Fairbanks, Alaska) on 10/23/2010

To protect my teeth from the vinegar acid, I swish baking soda and water around in my mouth after every dose of ACV. Usually about a teaspoon of baking soda to a mouthful of water mixed in a small cup does the trick.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Kristen (St. Peters, Mo) on 05/07/2010
★★★★★

ACV - (1 capful in 1 cup water per day after meals) Organic Raw Apple Cidar Vinegar - started taking it 2 years ago, I no longer have seasonal allergies, ( I also do a sinus flush 1 per week), also cured my Oral allergies to fruit (ie: apples, pears, etc) I also noticed after initial burning sensation when applied to a sunburn, all pain or evidence of sunburn subsides, also I notice when taken after eating aids in digestiontakes away feeling of fullness. I believe it lessoned an episode of slight food poisoning as my symptoms seemed far weaker than others poisoned.(drank after meal)


Storing Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Okanogan, Wa) on 04/14/2010

Hey Brenda, I just read your post, I don't know if you're freezing plastic water bottles, if so, don't, by freezing the plastic bottles, it causes the bottle to release dioxine, I believe that's what its called, which causes cancer. Don't freeze plastic bottles, use glass. I use old peanut butter jars. Bye for now, debbie


ACV Vs. Other Types of Vinegar
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines) on 03/16/2010

I would have to say that I disagree completely with the_phoenix's conclusions. I regard taking lemon or lime with baking soda as the major factor that helped me to successfully cure my candida. My understanding of the use of lemon and lime or ACV with baking soda came after my own long period of use and experimentation (4 years).

For me, lemon and lime with baking soda is the most useful because:

* It provides good citrate and ascorbate balance between sodium and potassium electrolytes.

* This remedy both alkalizes the blood as well as the internal body cell environment.

*As Ted has said, the lemon or lime remedy normalizes many biological parameters including pH, ORP, phosphates, bicarbonates and antioxidants of vitamin C.

I also use the ACV and baking soda remedy, but usually only if I need more energy, because the malates formed from the malic acid in ACV are utilized in the Kreb's energy cycle of cell metabolism and respiration. But I also use methylene blue or hydrogen peroxide internally, they are usually just as good as ACV, if not better, for increasing the efficiency of cell respiration and increasing energy levels in general.

I've also found, from personal usage, that lemon or lime plus baking soda seems to actually alkalize the body better than using ACV. As Ted says, ACV and BS only alkalizes the body to a pH of 7, whereas the lemon and lime remedy normally alkalizes the body to a higher and more balanced level.

Also, in the_phoenix's post, I note that she gives many reasons for her belief that ACV is better than the lemon/lime remedy and then afterwards, with no further critique on lemon/lime -- no reasons -- she concludes:

"Lemon juice has different properties[WHAT DIFFERENT PROPERTIES?] and hence is NOT a suitable subsitute in most cases although it is also an organic acid and contains potassium."

Here is what Ted from Bangkok offers and concludes regarding the ACV and Lemon/Lime remedies:

"In my opinion the best formula to use is the lime-baking soda formula, after drinking it many biological terrain parameters would be normalized the best."

The judgements the_phoenix offers are neither fair or good enough in the criticisms of the lemon and lime remedy.

Remember that people who have no experience at all read EC, and I would personally hate to think that I would mis-advise or mislead anyone concerning any of the remedies here.


General Feedback
Posted by David (Newburyport, Mass, Usa) on 02/23/2010

Anyone experiencing stomach discomfort after taking that particular apple cider vinegar should switch brands. the type of wooden barrel the cider is aged in can contain resin that can get into the applecider. it's not the acv vinegar thats bothering the stomach ie., bloating, cramping and gas pains etc...it's the resin from the barrel !


Nummular Eczema
Posted by Harbo (San Diego, Ca) on 02/06/2010
★★★★★

I take two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar to 8oz of water every other day and I have noticed a STRONG difference in my body. I developed "nummular eczema" on my legs over three years ago which prevents me from shaving from the knees down. My legs were constantly breaking out and the bumps would flare if i went to a dry city keeping me awake all night in itchy pain. Lotion, baby oils, topical medicated creams, you name it, I used it. But since I've been using raw ACV I no longer suffer from blotchy red bumps on my legs and am free to shave every day!! It's absolutely amazing and something that three different doctors couldn't cure or even treat. The mild detoxification that the ACV did was truly remarkable and will continue using it for the rest of my life!


Apple Cider Vinegar Contraindications
Posted by Aseembaba (New York, Ny, Usa) on 01/22/2010
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

hi!

im a patient of DVT and PE (twice) and im on blood thinners to maintain an adequate INR value. as most patients will know that green vegetable can lower the INR value due to the Vitamin K content in them but ACV does the same.

im an ardent fan of ACV since 1994 and have been using it regularly but have had to stop using it after getting DVT. i have monitored my blood INR before and after having acv many a times and every time just after having it for 4 days my blood INR dropped to 1.2 when the i should be between 2 - 3.

in other words avc tends to clot the blood so dvt, pe and all other patients PLEASE DO NOT HAVE ACV while on blood thinning medication.

im bitterly missing acv since i know how wonderful it is for so many problems.
hope this helps

EC: Acronyms

DVT = Deep Vein Thrombosis
PE = Pulmonary Edema
INR = International Normalized Ratio (for blood clotting time)

Broad Benefits
Posted by Kandy (Lakeland, Fl) on 01/19/2010
★★★★★

I have been using apple cider vinigar for several months now for a sinus infection which is now under control after having problems with them for years, and as a toner for my face. The results are amazing. Pores are smaller face is clear of red spots and wrinkles fade. It has also taken away my body aches and pains. If I take regularly my legs dont hurt and I feel great. I take 2 tsp. twice a day followed by 1 tsp. of honey.I love not having to take medicine. Thanks Earthclinic.


Recipes
Posted by Jd (Quezon City, Philippines) on 01/07/2010

What is the difference between taking ACV with 8oz water from drinking it undiluted ? Does it affect its efficacy ?
Thanks in advance

Recipes
Posted by Eli (Brazil) on 01/07/2010

I don't think it affects efficacy. For example, one tablespoon of ACV in one litre of water ingested is still one tablespoon of ACV when ingested, along from one litre of water, period.

However, concentration is important. Undiluted ACV is more acidic than ACV that is diluted and that has ramifications: for example, it may hurt your teeth enamel more than diluted vinegar (although some dispute that). It may also impact liver cleansing, I would suppose. But I'm just speculating: since ACV is not patentable, we will never know because there is no financial interest in paying for such studies in order to understand the effects of ACV on health.

There is also some people who advise on very diluted ACV all day long instead of having a couple of "doses" in a day. You just have to try each for a couple of weeks and see that works best for you. Everybody is different.


Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Halfy (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 02/07/2012

Do not brush teeth after anything acidic!

It's correct that the acids weaken the enamel. Brushing immediately after will eventually brush away the tooth enamel. Not brushing right away lets the enamel strengthen again. You can rinse with baking soda and water before brushing your teeth, wait at least half an hour before brushing, or just use the apple cider vinegar after brushing your teeth.

The same goes after drinking cola, orange juice, or anything else acidic.


Energy
Posted by Ana (Vizcaya) on 07/19/2021

Hola, buenos días, Me estoy recuperando despacio con el vinagre, pero no acabo de encontrar una marca q me de energía, podría decirme la que le dio resultado? Muchas gracias.

Hello, good morning, I am recovering slowly with the vinegar, but I just can't find a brand that gives me energy, could you tell me the one that worked for you? Thank you.


Energy
Posted by chris (bloomfield hills, MI) on 01/26/2023

The brand most of us use is organic and raw, unfiltered, with 'the mother'. It is a family last name that starts with letter b. It has a picture on the label of the father and daughter. Hope that helps! (since we aren't allowed to say brand names)


Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Giglez2u (Morrill, Ne, United States) on 09/30/2009

Here's the thing, I've recently adopted the acv ritual of 3tbsp acv, 16oz. glass water, 2 sometimes 3x's day. I like the taste of it, no necessary sodas or honey to add, and I find that I crave it throughout the day. I AM concerned however, about tooth sensitivity to it. I've not experienced it but have read previous posts that problems with sensitivity and softening of the enamal occurs. Is that true? Am I going to have to stop? I will admit, I am completely obsessed about my teeth and my dentist is on my speed dial! lol, Can't help it, I love to keep my smile looking its best. So, should I cut back or not worry? I've used a straw, but honestly, I don't think that works. Contact w/ teeth isn't minimal to me. Thanks in advance for any feedback.


Apple Cider Vinegar Soak
Posted by Tricia (Ireland) on 09/25/2009 84 posts

To Deirdre Re cracked heels. I have had great success with the following -

Before you put your feet in any liquids use an emery board to remove any dry flaky skin. Your feet MUST be dry for this. Wet skin will only move with the emery board not fall away. The type of emery board is important. Here we use the black style. The types for nails that come in different colors i.e. pink blue etc. The reason you don't want to use the metal ones or the one designed specifically for the feet that are like cheese graters is that they are too hard and pull too much skin at once from what is already a very dry area. Think of how they would leave the cheese looking. I always recommend that this can be done while watching the telly or listening to the radio cos you can't damage yourself with these as you can with the metal type. Try to get the hard bit on the edge of the cracks without making yourself sore. You will be very surprised at the amount of dust that you will see coming away from your skin but this is normal. The brown old fashioned emery boards are too gentle and the black ones are perfect. When the dust stops flying move to the next part. If you are getting sore at all you have done enough for the day. More will come off tomorrow.

Rinse that dust off your feet as while it is blocking your pores you will absorb nothing transdermally. And it should only be dust, if you see larger bits of skin the emery board is too strong for you. At this stage you can soak your feet in any liquid of your choice i.e. anti-fungal, vinegar, peroxide or oils or salts for as long as suits you. Doing this with a couple of sports clubs some of the men chose to do it with plain old washing up liquid (detergent). So it is a case of whatever suits you. Use antiseptics or peroxide if there is any chance of an infection or dirt being caught in the cracks as it may close over the dirt and cause a diferent problem.

Then this is most important. Pack the cracks with some kind of thick oil. Our choice at the time we did this was vaseline but some would not choose this because of the petrolatum issue. Whatever you use press it over the crack to ensure that it has gone in the full depth. These cracks cannot heal while they are dry. If you had an operation on your stomach and the skin dried out to the same extent it would not heal either. We usually put large medical issue bandages over them to keep the vaseline on the feet.This won't suit everyone so a cotton pair of socks will do. The people we did this with all had to walk home so bandages were needed to keep the vaeline well packed. Wash next day as normal and leave bandage off. You want your feet fairly dry to repeat the process the next evening.

Remember it will be easy to slip on the floor until this is washed off. Do the same the next evening and continue til necessary tapering the amount of times done as they heal.

This worked within 3 days for some and some took approx 2 weeks. But it makes sense that the hard skin needs to go and the skin to be wet for the cracks to knit together.

As for the fungal infection. Many people will only treat the area that they can see the infection on. The human eye cannot see all of a fungal infection so if it spreading nor can they see it when it is at the last stages of treatment so it is very important to treat outside the area and for a lot longer that you can see it or feel it. My husband picks up an athletes foot while he is travelling for business on a regular basis. He never feels it but we can see it between his toes. We only know he has it when I catch it because I get the itching and burning long before I can see it. We use a providone iodine antiseptic wash which is normally used for pre-operation swabs in a footbath then antifungal medicated creams. Because he gets the moccassin type we bathe and cream his feet up to the ankles. I only get the moccassin type around the toe area so I only need to cover the shoe area. This is a long winded way of telling you how to do it but it actually doesn't take long perform it. The longest part of it is how long you choose to soak you feet and it is our tried and tested method.

EC: Tricia - Wow, thank you so much for these detailed instructions! Much appreciated. I will start immediately.

P.S. Your feedback has been cross-posted to the cracked heels page.



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