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 Shelagh (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) on 02/11/2009
★★★★★

Now that I'm faithfully taking ACV I received an email warning about danger of too much acid in our systems causing cancer... how do we know what is 'too much'? I have noticed a jump in energy and an elevated 'good' mood... so I am going to continue what makes me feel better... and yesterday someone mentioned a rosy glow, which is amusing as I am blessed with great skin... but this acid/cancer connection is a real concern. Ted? Any comment or suggestion? Anyone else? Thanks. This site rocks! Peace.

EC: Apple cider vinegar in fact alkalizes one's pH. Please review the introductory information on the acv main page as well as the Questions and Answers pages for more information on this subject.

Sadly, there is loads of false information planted on the internet about apple cider vinegar!


Acid Reflux
Posted by Porky (Metro, Gab) on 01/14/2010
★★★★★

Try taking the ACV with honey (I think 1 tbspn or 1 tsp?) IN 2 tbspn of ACV or 2 tsp and a HUGE glass of H20. This will help lessen the raw stomach feeling or sick feeling with ACV and acid reflux. Won't eliminate it, but eventually you won't need the honey anymore. This helped me I am late 20's and have acid reflux. The ACV DID help SO much, and with energy. I only knew of _____s prior to this well written article. It costs a bit, so I haven't used in a LONG time, but a hair forumn made me realize that ACV is made by more people than _____. I will try the over the counter as long as it is not pasturized since on this forumn someone said that takes away a lot of the good properties.

Much love and blessings and I hope this helps everyone!


Broad Benefits
Posted by Bob (Boston, Ma) on 10/05/2008
★★★★★

I ended up on your site looking for a cure for shingles. I found it and it involved among other things Apple cider vinegar to be ingested and a mix of Aloe vera and crushed cayenne pepper rubbed on the redness which almost instantly brought the blisters to a head. I was done with shingles in about a week. Because of all the testimonials here, I decided to keep on taking the ACV orally 3 times a day. In liquid form or capsules. I realized that my flow of urine got stronger and started to last much longer. I had prostate problems for a few years and I was taking every day some very expensive herbal tea that was working somewhat. I decided to stop the herbal tea and stay on the ACV only. I now pee like a 15 years old and I'm not on any medication. ACV also cured me of my insomnia! Thank you Earth Clinic for such a great site.


Blood Sugar
Posted by Pat (Ballwin, MO) on 09/05/2008
★★★★★

I found this article on RealAge (www.realage.com//ct/tips/2655) about ACV and wanted to share.

Vinegar Delight

Research suggests that a little bit of vinegar could have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels.

In a study, ingesting a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar before a high-carbohydrate meal was found to help dampen expected spikes in blood sugar levels from the meal.

For a bit of vinegar's benefit, try starting off your next pasta meal with a salad splashed with red wine vinegar and olive oil.

Vinegar is no substitute for healthy eating habits or for proven methods of blood sugar control. The beneficial effects of vinegar on blood sugar levels may not apply to healthy individuals, and more research is needed to confirm its potential benefits for other populations.

In a recent study, ingesting 20 grams (approximately 2 tablespoons) of apple cider vinegar before eating a high-carbohydrate meal improved insulin resistance.

Study participants who experienced the blood sugar control benefits from vinegar were either diabetic or had insulin resistance syndrome. They followed the 20 grams of apple cider vinegar with a high-carbohydrate meal consisting of a white bagel, butter, and orange juice.

After the high-carbohydrate meal, the acetic acid from the earlier serving of vinegar appeared to reduce blood sugar levels by 19 percent in people with diabetes and by 34 percent in people with insulin resistance.

Acetic acid may help lower blood sugar levels by suppressing enzymes required to break down sugars, resulting in slower absorption.

The best way to keep blood sugar levels steady is to eat a balanced diet, eat at regular intervals, and engage in a moderately strenuous program of physical activity. If you have diabetes or insulin resistance syndrome, follow your healthcare provider's advice.


How to Travel With Your Remedies
Posted by Linda (Ft Lauderdale, FL, USA) on 01/15/2008
★★★★★

Here's a suggestion for all those folks who write, "What if I go out to dinner with friends- How can I have my ACV/ Baking Soda or other concoction close to hand? I guess I'll just have to run home!

You can make up a tiny travel kit or "night out" kit.

If you are male, check with your women friends about what they use for travelling with makeup, etc. Tell them what you need to carry and ask for suggestions how- We ladies are quite resourceful with this kind of thing :).

I have travelled with a 1-ounce bottle of ACV and a baby food jar of Baking Soda. It takes up almost no room, and is right there when you need it. You don't have to lug a quart jar of ACV out to dinner with you.

It may work for you to place your small kit in the glove compartment of your car on your way out the door (Maybe not a good idea to leave it in there 24/7), or in a manpurse if you carry one. Or in the pocket of your parka.

Just put enough pre-measured in the container for one or two applications. That alleviates the need for measuring.

There are small, flat liquid and solid containers in the cosmetic department of Walmart, other department stores or beauty supply stores which you can use for things like this.

You can use empty, cleaned baby food jars from the grocery for powders. That's just an example. Stick one of baking soda in your glovebox so thsat it's there when you need it.

It's quite possible to get creative and come up with a tiny little, one-or-two application kit which will meet your specific needs.

Just sit down and work it out once and the problem is solved.

Hope this helps someone-

Linda


Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Tom (Milford, NJ) on 05/27/2006
★★★★★

I took acv for years and experienced problems with my dental erosion. Also, other problems possibly relating to amalgam fillings. Stopped acv and now ok. I would encourage anyone considering acv to dilute and then follow w/ sodium bicarb.


Recipes
Posted by Lisa (West Plains, MO)
★★★★★

I like the benefits I'm having since I've started taking acv. But I did not like the taste and surely I'm not alone. I tried it with mango tea and one spoonful of the vinegar and an equal amount of honey. It tastes wonderful. I drink it at least four times a day. It's that good. Lipton tea has mango and I'm sure other brands will work. Now, go have yourself a cup 'o tea.

Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Marco (Eindhoven, Netherlands)
★★★★★

I've read that eating a little bit of cheese afterwards will lower the acid level in your mouth. A high acid level is good for the ph balance of the body but not so good for your teeth.


Acid Reflux
Posted by Larry (Bellwood, Illinois)
★★★★★

Recently, I started taking a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar twice a day, to help with my life long acif reflux. I had heard that my medication was in fact stopping my natural production of stomach acid, and that the avc would supply me with the natural amounts need for proper digestion.

I have now been two weeks free without my pepcid or tums. I HAVE NEVER FELT BETTER, AND AM NOT AFRAID TO GO TO BED AT NIGHT WITHOUT A PEPCID. I know that some will not believe my comments, but as a licensed practicing attorney at law, I stand by what I experienced.


Allergies
Posted by Amy (Hartford, CT)
★★★★★

I was on prescribed allergy medicine for 17 years. I started the honey and ACV mixed with water 3 years ago and rarely even have to take an over the counter allergy pill. It takes about 4-6 days of taking it twice a day to build up in my system, and then I usually only have to take it once a day. I'm a massage therapist and I recommend it to all of my clients who come in with allergies, many of them have become faithful to the ACV too. So glad someone told me about it!!

Acne
Posted by Cheryl (USA)
★★★★★

My daughter developed a case of moderate acne, and after trying a number of different things for over a year which helped very little or not at all, she started drinking 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar three times a day and applying it topically once at night. She has been acne free for two months. It took about three weeks to clear up.


Acne
Posted by Andrew (Sydney NSW)
★★★★★

Apple Cider Vinegar has Cleared my Acne up very well, I drink it and also apply it to my face twice a day. Works a treat!

EC: Click here to read many more remedies to cure acne!

Acne
Posted by Pjassal (Lake Forest Park, Wa) on 09/29/2012

try using 100% pure castor oil AFTER the ACV. Rub it in like a lotion on your face. Castor oil is a natural sunscreen and moisturizer.


Arthritis
Posted by Marcia (Fairforest, SC)
★★★★★

I am a huge proponent of RAW apple cider vinegar. My husband and I have been using it three times daily for about five weeks. He no longer has the joint stiffness and pain associated with arthritis. We did quit using all sugar and white processed flour as well.


Asthma
Posted by Kellen (Bridgewater, NJ)
★★★★★

I suffer of terrible asthma attacks since I have 3 pets that I love. I started taking 2 tbsp of ACV every night a week ago and have not used my inhalor since it. And I am feeling great!


Asthma
Posted by Satie (Charlotte, NC)
★★★★★

I stopped using an inhaler and singulair tablets for asthma as soon as i took 2 tbsp ACV. Then I took 1 tsp 2 times after 3 days. It still is helping after 2 weeks. No more shortness of breath and sinus problems.

'

EC: Read many more cures for Asthma here.


Canker Sores
Posted by Sharon (Western New York) on 10/10/2013

I struggled with canker sores for years, no dentist or doctor could tell me why..... After researching on line I discovered that SLS ( sodium lauryl sulfate) could be the culprit.. Most toothpaste has SLS in it. I started making my own toothpaste with baking soda, coconut oil and peppermint drops and have NOT had a canker sore since.... I will not buy shampoo that has SLS in it.... hope this helps...


Depression
Posted by Elizabeth (Fort Gibson, Oklahoma) on 07/15/2016

I started the Apple Cider Vinegar in hopes that I might get a better A1C score in the next 3 mo's.I'm also think'g of try'g cinnamon tablets from the health food store. Really the only way to turn this around is I got to loose weight. My thyroid is normal but my good cholesterol is not high enough w/in range and my bad cholesterol is too high, like the consistentcy of ketchup.I cook w/canola and olive oil I try to eat heart smart foods like honey nut cheerios and I like salads when I can but I like dressing on my raw vegetables.I try to cut back on soda pop, Coke, Ginger Ale and drink more water. When I was n school I weighed 134-150 and b4 I got out of high school, I slowly went up to 170 and slowly climbing.I was @ 235 lbs, now I'm @ 270.Its like I slowly gain and maintain the weight. My nutritionist doesn't reccommend that I try any of those as advertised on TV stuff like Cambodia Garcinia and all that other stuff. It might work but once u stop takg it, probably blow up like a tick on Dracula.I do like sweats but I'm sure I'm a modest Eater when it comes to food and sweats.I nvr eat till I get full and I have a hard x eatg bf by the x I do eat its like high noon.my nutritionists says that's part of the problem and that I must train myself to eat @ the same x everyday. I'm like who does that?

Anyhow, the point of writing is I think a good idea would b to brush your teeth and then take a swig of milk and then drink the vinegar water thru a straw.That's what I'm doing now.I might opt to get the vinegar tablets.


Ear Infections
Posted by MB (Belgium)
★★★★★

[Note: the following reader used white vinegar, not apple cider vinegar, to heal an ear infection. ACV might work just as well.]

My husband was suffering from an ear infection. He was confined in the hospital for almost 2 weeks still nothing happened, so we decided to check out of the hospital. And then I remembered when we were still small, whenever we had throat problems or ear infections, my mom always told us to apply vinegar on it & gargle for the throat. So I told my husband why don't we try it, true enough just after 1 day of applying white vinegar in a water on it, his ear was dry and we continue to apply it twice a day until it was completely healed, but sad enough he lost part of his ear bone because of the that infection before we found this "VINEGAR WONDER", but we are thankful to GOD, now his ear is totally healed.

EC: Read many more testimonials and cures here.


Fever
Posted by Erica (Us) on 12/05/2015

Only if the fever doesn't get too high. 102 is ok but 105 degrees is not.



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