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.
Long Term Side Effects
Posted by Karlapep (Mandeville, La) on 06/13/2012

I am a 57 year old female, who had to go gluten/dairy and soy free a couple years ago. Been extremely strict with my diet and eat extremely healthy these days, excellent hydration habits and lost a ton of weight.

But for the past 6 months I'm plagued with something I can only describe as a dry mouth sensation. It started with stomach pains and spasms, but that went away and left me with the dry mouth. Sometimes this is very bad, sometimes it's tolerable, but it's been with me for 6 months now. It's not a matter of hydration, more water doesn't help. I've been to the doctor and months of testing show me as the picture of health, still I am plagued by this. I'm at the end of my rope. Now I have narrowed this down to my stomach. I am unsure whether this is connected to a low stomach acid problem or an excess stomach acid problem, but my dry mouth is worse whenever my stomach "isn't quite right".

So I am giving the ACV and honey cure a try. Just started this yesterday and so far I'm putting 2 tsp of organic ACV and 2 tsp of raw honey into about 8 oz of spring water and sipping it with my meal. (Tastes really good, I rather look forward to drinking it). At first I notice a very very slight burning in my middle, but it goes away pretty quickly if I sip a little more water. It does make the dry mouth abate for a couple hours. My worry though is that I'll damage my stomach if I actually have excess stomach acid causing the problem to worsen. How do you know if the ACV is doing more harm than good? How long should it take to see sustainable results?

Long Term Side Effects
Posted by Had (White River Junction, Vermont) on 06/15/2012

Stomach 'acid', is actually not enough acid in the stomach, so ACV tonic actually helps. I do the morning tonic, 2 TBS ACV, 1/4tsp Baking soda, 1cp water (i use a scoop of stevia as well but honey is good too). I'm in a treatment for hashimoto's, I get dry mouth, eyes, inside nose. For me, I added, cayenne pepper, 1/4-1 tsp in lilttle bit of warm/hot water, slam it back.... I do feel the 'burn' in the mouth/throat for a few min. , then heat in the stomach that soon moves to the abdomen. Dryness gone in minutes, stomach is soothed. I still do AVC, but having the cayenne everyday makes the difference for me.


How to Take
Posted by Deb (Vancouver, Canada) on 05/27/2012

I find the easiest way to take Apple Cider Vinegar is, put the amount on a spoon, pour it in your mouth but do not swallow, take a glass of water or juice if you prefer and while you still have the ACV in your mouth take a drink of the juice, mix it around in your mouth with the ACV and swallow, voila, done!!! I actually like the flavor so I can take it right off the spoon, but it can burn your throat that way so it's best to mix in some water or juice.

General Feedback
Posted by John (Melbourne, Victoria Australia) on 05/27/2012
★★★★★

In the past 2 weeks I have commenced using a cap full of organic ACV with a glass full of water every morning after breakfast. I am 54 years of age in good health and with the exception of a cholesterol lowering tablet, take no other medication. Over the past couple of months have felt lower energy levels and find it difficult to get going in the mornings. Since using the ACV have clearly noticed that my energy levels have returned and in fact better than what they were. I no longer have trouble getting out of bed and have found that there is no sign of constipation as was sometimes being experienced. I wasn't sure whether this was my imagination but now having read with great interest the feedback that have been posted, I do believe it is as a result of using the ACV. I intend to continue using it and am eager to see what my cholesterol levels will be at on my next blood test. If improved, I will suggest to my doctor that I trial a period of time ceasing the statins and maintaining the ACV. When I have some results from this experiment, I will post the update.


General Feedback
Posted by Erin (Clayton, Il) on 05/19/2012

I bought some of the _____s apple cider vinegar and it says that it is not necessary to refrigerate it, but I prefer it cold for the taste... Will it harm the vinegar if I keep it in the fridge? Also, I was wondering if it would be safe to mix it into my daily Emergen C drinks? Thank you!


Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Alice (Oro Valley, Az) on 03/18/2012

Soaking your feet in apple cider vinegar uses a LOT of vinegar.

I've been able to use way less vinegar by putting my feet into the gallon size zip lock plastic bags, putting the bagged feet into a rectangular dishpan from the $1 store, in case the bags leak or spill vinegar.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Tlynn (Al.) on 09/16/2017

I love this site sooo much! I found it accidentally or by way of heaven, I have had A C V in my cabinet for months without using it. However I want to live a healthier life. All the comments/testimonies have made me a believer. with all the medical lawsuits surrounding pharmaceutical recalls along with my last trip to the dr, I will not be using conventional meds.


Recipes
Posted by Tallfir (Vancouver) on 10/17/2016

Having read your comment regarding microwave, I reread the post above, realized she microwaves the water... not the ACV... problem solved?


How to Take
Posted by Laura (Jefferson, Wisconsin United States) on 01/22/2012

Delicious with tea. Works well with some teas, better with others. I have tried many.

MY FAVORITES: White tea with a little pomegranate juice; or raspberry tea. To either, add a teaspoon or two of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar actually ENHANCES the flavor of these two teas. Thats right, it makes them taste better. :-)

I have found it does not always taste well with green tea, however certain flavored green teas pair well. Such as the one I am drinking right now. It is called antioxidant max dragonfruit green tea. Made by Celestial Seasonings, the same brand that makes Sleepytime tea. It isn't organic and it does contain 'flavor' but it tastes great with the apple cider vinegar and contains more antioxidants than other green teas, so I will overlook that. As you get used to the flavor of ACV you can increase the amount in the tea without compromising your enjoyment.


Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother
Posted by Mamaleah (San Rafael, Ca) on 01/17/2012

What kind of Apple Cider Vineger is everyone using? I have a bottle that says Organic pasteurized Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar but I heard it's supposed to be raw for the affects? Does anyone know if that is true? Thank you.:)

Apple Cider Vinegar With the Mother
Posted by Zai (Houston, Tx) on 02/12/2012

Best kind of organic Apple Cider Vinegar is B______(there is a book available for it with the zillion of reasons why you should drink acv) and So____. Don't bother with Heinz - you want the organic acv. You want it slightly cloudy and with some residue at the bottom. I am currently looking for research regarding Apple Cider Vinegar and cancer. I would presume that taking Apple Cider Vinegar would be a good choice because it would neutralize the effects of sugar on the body.


Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Jeri (Macomb, Mi) on 01/12/2012

My doctor says to drink ACV solution with a straw. It by passes the teeth so they don't yellow from it or weaken them. It's easy to tell if its bad on your teeth, they will become more sensitive.


General Feedback
Posted by Julie (Oktaha, Oklahoma) on 01/10/2012

I am wondering if mixing lemon (1/2 of a lemon), 1 cup warm water and agave with the ACV is okay or does it dilute the benefits too much?


General Feedback
Posted by Liam (Co. Westmeath, Leinster, Ireland) on 01/06/2012
★★★★★

Hello, I've taken Apple Cider Vinegar for past 2 months never felt better.


General Feedback
Posted by Rubigirl (Alberta, Canada) on 01/05/2012
★★★★★

I did ACV for a month.. And honestly I found things different.. I was drinking it daily.. Hourly.. And well.. I just think I got addicted to it.. I wasn't even wanting my morning coffee's no more.. Now that is a shock.. Being off it for 1 month now. I feel more bloated and more heavy in weight.. Seems odd but it is true. I am going to start this up again and the brand I enjoy is bought at walmart and a product of Germany. It tastes super with green tea and honey and well of course water. I have read the Blackstrap Molasses info as well and going to be getting that into our lives here.. Especially with my husband who has Pulmonary Fibrosis of lungs and myself a lot of joint pain. Will post in a month.. This all works as long as you are safe and feel good doing it. Good Luck Everyone.


Recipes
Posted by Courtney (Beverly Hills, California) on 12/29/2011

I often dilute with water and add some cinnamon after a run. It's like apple cider. Yum.


General Feedback
Posted by Shernosonny (Wellington, Fl) on 12/28/2011

For all you people that are trying to get cures from ACV remember, it has to be organic. There is really only one brand that I even know about, unfortunatly we're not allowed to post the name. If you go to your health food store and ask for it they will be glad to steer you in the right direction.. Don't use store bought Apple Cider Vinegar it will not work- yes it is cheaper but it has been processed with heat and has no healing properties in it. There is a book on the organic apple cider vinegar you would be amazed at all it cures its worth getting...

General Feedback
Posted by Spiky (London, Uk) on 02/19/2012

Sorry I beg to differ while store bought ACV might not be AS effective as organic ACV with mother ive been using it for about two months now and my joint pain has lifted and my IBS has virtually disappeared plus my libido has returned after a bit of an absence. by all means use organic ACV but sore bought while it may not be the best is better than nothing.


Headache and Migraine
Posted by Lucy (Malta) on 12/22/2011
★★★★★

I've been taking apple cider vinegar (ACV) for the last two years and it's amazing how wonderful I feel... My headaches/regular migraine attacks/nearly disappeared... I am hardly sick with flu and my sinuses are absolutely clear... Now I rinse my hair with diluted ACV and it's so shiny and fresh.... Heartily recommend for anything...vinegar/Honey and ACV/ in winter to boost your immune system.


General Feedback
Posted by Deborah (Houston, Texas) on 12/12/2011

Today, I decided to start taking acv, to help lower my blood sugar level, so I drank about 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar by itself on a large serving spoon, then at that instant it took my breath away, it made me gasp for oxygen, so I grabbed the closest glass and poured water in it and tried to drink it, while still gasping for my breath, finally the water did help, although now the back of my throat has a burning sensation, so I ate some tomato soup and now, the burning has stopped.

General Feedback
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 12/13/2011

PLEASE EVERYONE start your experiments with VERY SMALL dosages!!! 1/4 CUP of vinegar is a BOMB!!! You should start with more like 1/4 TEASPOON!!!! And build up slowwwwwly!!

And this goes for MOST new things one may want to try, unless you are given a very specific dosage for YOUR ailment and condition!!!!


General Feedback
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 12/13/2011

1/4 cup is waaaay too much!!! You only need about 1-2 tablespoons in a cup of water. Some people only take 1 teaspoon in water.


General Feedback
Posted by Linda (New Haven, Ct - Connecticut) on 12/15/2011

Deborah, ACV should be taken in water, not straight or it will burn your throat. It can also cause damage to the enamel on your teeth. Take 2 teaspoons in 8 to 12 ounces of water twice a day and don't brush your teeth for about 1 hour. Many on this site also recommend using a straw to drink it down.



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