Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Bettyboop (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 06/14/2011

I know that apple cider vinegar is good for gout and alot of other problems like weight loss and arthritis and more. But I see that a lot of people are asking what is the mother. It is when you buy vinegar that have not been processed in making so it is cloudier than say Heinz which is clear and processed so all of the healing properties are loss. Where as unprocessed vinegar with the mother ( is cloudy and floats around in the bottle is part of the apples used to make the healthy brand of vinegar). Can be bought at most health food stores.

Best Time to Take Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Sheila (San Diego, Ca, Usa) on 05/25/2011

When I take it, I drink the diluted ACV before or during a meal. Helps with digestion; stimulating/increasing the digestive acid in the stomach (read this in Jarvis' book), and helping kill off any bacteria in the meal you're consuming.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Carly (Seattle , Wa - Usa) on 05/16/2011

Just to note - here is where I could have used a "Thumbs Up" button. ;-) I totally agree with Debbie. Aspartame is evil (mo).

Read up on it.... It is not to be put into the human body lightly. I personally would NEVER knowingly ingest it. It is poison as far as I can tell. You would be better off with a drink with sugar or honey (I use molassas myself) in it any day of the week.

Carly

EC: Hi Carly, a thumbs up button is in progress! We're just testing it out now and troubleshooting some design issues.

Apple Cider Vinegar Tips

Posted by Stanford (Las Cruces, Nm) on 02/03/2011

My wife and I use LOCAL organic honey... Helps get it down AND helps with allergies

Gout

Posted by Alain (Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) on 08/12/2010

Hi Deirdre
Those crystals are probably uric acid crystals. Their accumulations create all sort of problems. The pain in joints is called gout. So look for gout treatment. Eat the least processed food as possible. Don't drink sodas pop. Avoid food with aspartame, msg, any food with high fructose corn syrup, reduce protein... All these are acidic. 60% or more of uric acid is eliminated by the kidneys via the urine. If the urine is acidic a lot less of it will be eliminated. To measure urine acid level you can use pH paper or sticks. You can verify that your urine is most probably acidic (pH lower than 7). The closer the urine pH is to 7, the more you will be able to eliminate uric acid. This is about the best thing I learned for myself. So, learn about alkalizing, search for alkalizing formulas here or on the web, read some of my posts here. Unlike filtered vinegar, good unfiltered raw unpasteurized ACV is alkalizing. But there are better formulas than just ACV alone. Good luck, Alain

Apple Cider Vinegar and pH Balance

Posted by Kay (North Carolina) on 12/28/2024

Hi Jessica-hope you are well. Do not take Apple cider vinegar and colloidal silver together. The colloidal silver will kill all the good stuff in your Apple cider vinegar

Broad Benefits

Posted by Dan (Myrtle Beach, Sc, Usa) on 01/03/2011
★★★★★

Still going strong! I still feel the energy benefits, my allergies have been perfect this fall (my worst season), and I've not had more than two sore throats which went away FAST after gargling with the ACV and some water! My dad boiled some on the stove and breathed the vapors and it got rid of a sinus infection really fast. (I've been waiting to try this one, but haven't needed it yet! ) I haven't been sick at all, which is rare for me- Very intriguing! Had my cholesterol checked 2 months ago, and it dropped to 203, but I want to get it checked again to be sure! I am thoroughly convinced!

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.

Dental Enamel Issues

Posted by Averillh (Eastsound, Wa) on 02/13/2012

Swishing with baking soda or another acid-neutralizer immediately after consuming ACV is the best way to protect your teeth. Brushing your teeth directly after acidic things have gone into or come out of your mouth can further the damage to enamel since enamel is softer then.

Broad Benefits

Posted by Tim (Euless, Tx) on 05/03/2010
★★★★★

acv worked well at getting rid of my prostate infection. it also helped for my gout and constipation. i'm using 2tsp acv to 8oz. of carrot juice, also added 2tsp of wheat grass.

question: will the acv destroy the benefits of carrot juice and wheat grass? thanks for a response.

ACV Vs. Other Types of Vinegar

Posted by Don (Rodeo, Nm) on 10/27/2011

Hi Bill, in the Philippines, you mentioned lemon or lime with baking soda. Would like to know the recipe for that. Would you share that with me? Thanks, Don

Broad Benefits

Posted by Faron (Freetown, Prince Edward Island) on 03/12/2010
★★★★★

i have been taking 2 tbl spoon acv 3 times a day for two months now for weight loss and have found it quite good and lost 20 pounds and also careful what foods i eat plus i find it cuts my appetite also but have found that the longer i am taking it i was able to cut down 50% on the meds i was takeing for arthritis up to this point. I have back pain and nerve damage from an auto accident and have cut these meds by 50% as well i have since dropped the breakfast dose and added it at bed time that way i find i have better pain control at night. i find the pain relief beyond belief.

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!

Acid Reflux

Posted by Ted (Bennnington, Vermont) on 02/05/2010
★★★★★

I also have suffered from acid reflux for about a year. Took acid-dissolving tablets which only temporarily alleviated the symptoms. Discovered ACV on this site and after taking two doses (2 tsp. of ACV in 8 oz. of water) in one day, I felt better for the next five days than I had for months. Problem totally gone.

While looking for information about ACV, I discovered at least one site that purported to pop the ACV balloon by declaring ACV has no medicinal or health-giving properties, etc. Amusing to see that the site's sponsors were all pharmaceutical and health care-insurance companies. Gee, how about that! As if those folks would tell the truth if their lives depended on it.

Dental Enamel Issues

Posted by Elysa (A, Tx) on 12/02/2011

Actually I saw a study saying we are not supposed to brush our teeth until 30 minutes after eating something acidic because acid apparently loosens the enamel and it's possible to brush it away.

I personally like to rinse my mouth out with plain water and then wait to brush my teeth 'til later. No more sensitive teeth while brushing! :)

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar Soak

Posted by Tricia (Ireland) on 09/26/2009 84 posts

One thing that I forgot to say in my previous post is to mark your nail file in some manner i.e. nail polish. Make it obvious so that you never use it on your finger nails or that somebody else might use it inappropriately. If you are carrying an infection of any kind (and most people do) it will be transferred to the fingers. The nail file can be cleaned with peroxide or rubbing alcohol but the dust is so minute and nail files are not easy to fully clean without a steriliser. So make sure it is kept for YOUR feet. As we say in Ireland "to be sure, to be sure".

Constipation

Posted by Noelle (Denton, Tx, Us) on 09/21/2010

Yes, I have been on a similar high protein/low carb diet, through a weight loss center, but in their case when I reported constipation as a side effect of the diet, their remedy was to sell me their "cleansing tea" which while pleasant tasting was just a teabag version of senna-based laxatives! It seems that the ACV is helping in this regard but it may be too soon to tell just yet. Of course the weight loss center will not like this because they don't sell ACV or make a lot of money off it...

Bacterial Vaginosis

Posted by Kh (Oklahoma City, Ok) on 12/18/2009

I have used regular vinegar for years now to clear up any problems in the region. I just buy the disposable douche bottles in the box with solution already in them, pour the solution out and replace with 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water. Do this twice a day for 2 days and then Im fine. It does sting a little at first, but nothing unbearable. The vinegar odor does not last long at all (maybe an hour or two). ACV is alot more powerful than regular vinegar so I would imagine it works better.

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!

Warts

Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 01/03/2011

I am glad that ACV worked for your wife's warts. I have tried it on my hand, not even a big wart and it never worked so after a while I got fed up. I would soak a piece of cotton wool and then tape it but it never disappeared. On my foot it did work but it was difficult to keep the tape in place as it would go loose when I walked. I had one on my leg, as ACV didn't seem to be working I used white vinegar and came to regret it as I had a bad burn which took quite a while to heal, was very painful and left a big brown mark which looks far worse than the wart which you hardly saw. Luckily it is getting a bit lighter. The wart in my hand is very flat and you hardly see it but I would love to get rid of it because I am afraid that if you have one you can get more. I will try the castor oil and bicarbonate next. The banana peel didn't work either!

Warts

Posted by Kathy (Hoboken, Ga) on 02/17/2013

I know this is going to be hard to believe.... But, trust me, it works! My mom had my niece do this for several warts she had on her hands and it worked. A couple of years ago, I had a wart on my finger... Tried everything.... Compound W... The duct tape... Then I remembered how my mom got rid of my niece's warts.. And tried it. IT WORKED! You put a stone or rock for each wart you have in a small bag and throw it out the window... I live in the country... So I threw it as hard as I could out the window.... And leave it. Two weeks later my wart was GONE! Completely! I have told other people about this... And they have experienced sucess also. Worth a try.

EC: We have 20 similar success stories on our warts page here: https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/warts17.html#VOODOOREMEDIES!

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.

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!!