Apple Cider Vinegar: Uses, Health Benefits and FAQ

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

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Posted by Myrna (Pasig, Philippines) on 02/12/2011
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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.

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

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Posted by Alwayssora (Columbia, Tennessee) on 10/17/2010
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I am a great fan of ACV. I drink it in iced water. When I had tonsillitis, I mixed it with a bit of honey and swabbed my throat every hour. The white spots would disappear(and my fever) within 24 hours. I had a small wart on the back of my knee and 2 days of soaking it in ACV and it fell off! I use it with Dawn detergent to shampoo my dogs to prevent fleas. It is also good for gradual weight loss, lowering glucose levels, and relieving my rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. And the biggie: to stop charley horses at night, I keep a spray bottle of ACV by the bed, and at the first sign of leg cramps, I spray it liberally with ACV. Immediate relief. I even have started spraying my leg before bedtime. NO more cramps!

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Posted by Rich (Tampa, Fl) on 09/30/2010
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I have had at least one sinus infection each year for the past 10 years. Every year it got so bad I had to go to the doctor and every year the doctor prescribed antibiotics. This year I got two infections, one in February and one in September. Both times I decided to drink apple cider vinegar with OJ and honey. I also boiled water with ACV, ginger, garlic, peppermint oil, and oregano. As God is my witness it started to get better immediately and it was better in two or three days.

I also had a stomach virus in February and took ACV for my nausea. I took it for 5 days and after the 5th day I was reading that ACV was good for high blood pressure. For the last 10 years I have very high blood pressure and refused to take medication. I decided to take my blood pressure , I was very skeptical that it would help but again as God is my witness it was 120 over 80. I stopped taking ACV and when I had to take a two part government physical it was very high again. I started taking it again and within two days it went down twenty points.

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Posted by Dan Dean (Myrtle Beach, South Carolina) on 07/27/2010
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I am 34 year-old male who had terrible side effects (severe constipation) from statins while trying to reduce my cholesterol of 234. I had to quit taking them. A friend at work recommended 2 tablespoons of Apple Cider Vinegar with some juice every day. She said her results shocked her doctor after 2 months. She also said it worked for her sister. So, I tried it that night, and also wanted to check it out online, because I'm always a skeptic. What I found was that a LOT of people recommend ACV for a whole range of things that interest me. After reading all I've read, and from my personal experience so far, I'm really diggin it. The only side effects I've seen is the taste, and because it is very acidic, people say you should keep it off your teeth as much as possible.

Here's a list of some of the things I've read that it helps dramatically with: Cholesterol, blood pressure, immune system, detoxification, eczema, migraines, headaches & sinus headaches, hair thinning & hair loss, warts, slow steady weight loss, diabetes, depression, insomnia, increased energy & alertness, infections & cancers, the flu, sinus infections & post nasal drips, allergies & asthma, chronic fatigue, sore throats, arthritis, ulcers, bowel problems & IBS, nail fungus, acne, skin problems & complexion.

The list goes on and on, to the point where it sounds WAY too good to be true. I read several testimonials from teachers and nurses that used to get sick repeatedly, to the point where they thought they'd have to quit their jobs, until they started taking ACV. They claim they don't get sick anymore at all. Since there really doesn't seem to be any side effects from ACV, I can't think of any reason NOT to try Apple Cider Vinegar. I am curious/anxious to see if it helps with some of my stuff. In particular, I get sick. A LOT. I work in retail and I usually need antibiotics at least 4 times each winter for sinus infections, sore throats and post nasal drips, going back to when I was a kid. Allergies. Cholesterol. More energy and some weight-loss sounds good too! Basically, it seems to clean out your blood and detoxify your body really well, which helps to get the whole machine running like it should. I've only been on it for 14 days as of this writing, and what I can testify about so far is:

1. Energy/Alertness. I feel really good so far. Many users claim they feel a very persistent boost of energy within a day, and I certainly felt it too, and it hasn't stopped. I've also been sleeping very well. For at least 10 years, (since about when I had mono) I have always felt like I was in a bit of a brain fog. (No jokes please! ) Since taking it these past two weeks, I feel very alert with increased energy. It just FEELS like my body and brain are simply "on their game", so to speak.

2. Allergies. When I started taking the ACV, my allergies were already bothering me for a bit, and I've been clear as a bell since the first day. Also, every time I go to my in-laws, my allergies go nuts from their dog. I usually have to start popping Benadryl within a half an hour. This past week, I was there for 2 nights and 3 days and didn't even need 1 pill. My sinuses were totally clear! Was it the ACV? Other people said they had similar quick findings, but I don't want to say for sure. Ragweed season is right around the corner, so we'll see how it handles that.

3. Complexion. ACV supposedly helps clear it up in a slow but steady fashion. My face was breaking out really bad for the past month when my cholesterol pills screwed up my whole system. In addition, I have always had many blackheads on my nose area, no matter what I washed it with. I poured a little bit of ACV on some paper towel and rubbed the area with it like a Stridex Pad, and within 2 days my facial complexion looks better than it has in years. I've never gotten results like this! Again, is it the ACV? I can't say for sure. It could just be that my body is happy I've stopped doing what I HAD been doing. Watch. . . I'll probably wake up with a big 'ol zit tomorrow morning!

In general, it just feels like I am being detoxed, and natural remedies like this are up my alley. If it helps with just 1 or 2 of these things, with no side effects like my pills gave me- I'll keep at it for a while. I don't want to go around running my mouth until I am positive it is seriously working, but I wouldn't mind hearing if it is working for other people too. So let me know if you try it and what you find, and I'll continue to do the same. . . I'm a bit of a closet scientist who loves to discuss his data! The only other things I take daily are a Men's One-a-Day vitamin, Activia (yogurt), Claritin (allergy pill), and a fish oil pill (also good for cholesterol & heart health). I've been taking 2 tablespoons of the ACV mixed with very little water, like a shot, and then I chase it with more water. The bad taste is over in less than 5 seconds- No sweat! One thing I've read over and over again, is to NOT buy the regular ACV you find in the store. People say that it has been distilled and filtered to make it look more clear- but that just takes out all the nutrients and potency. They say to look for "organic" or "raw" from a health store or farm stand, and it is just as cheap. They say that the cloudier it looks, the better. Just Google "apple cider vinegar" and you'll quickly find hundreds of user testimonials and advice from around the world, from all types of people. I was skeptical at first, but you have to ask yourself. . . "Could ALL these people be morons?" Or, "Why would they all lie about a 3 dollar bottle that they aren't making any money from?"

There doesn't seem to be much to lose. If it stops working, I'll stop drinking! I'll write another review after my cholesterol check-up within 2 months, and probably another after I see how it does with colds this winter! Good health!!

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

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

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

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Posted by Rachel (Saratoga Springs, Ut) on 02/25/2010
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I am 5'2" I weigh 142.6 I am turning 29 years next week. I am the mother of two children. I have had a hysterectomy. I have 40 pounds of baby weight to lose. My youngest is 4yrs. so it's time to take control of my body again.

I take 1-2 teaspoons ACV raw unfiltered (from the local health food store), with 2 Tbl. honey, and 12oz. filtered water. I started taking it b/c my mother in law gave it to me to use for a canker sore. I healed my canker with another natural remedies and noticed the apple cider vinegar still sitting in my pantry. Feeling guilty I began to use it thinking it should be a healthy supplement...

I have read so many comments and learned some interesting things. Like yeast infections- it makes sense to me... I haven't had one, but for those of you that have. Remember, with any new healthy vitamin or supplement to your diet, you must start slowly with very small amounts and build your way up to the actual dosage. I have been taking the ACV for three days now. I have lost a pound after being on a weight plateau for three weeks! I'm not sure if that is from the ACV or not. I will have to keep ya posted.:)

I know that it helps with filling full longer and giving you energy and clarity of mind. Another side effect for me has been looser bowl movements. I have always had IBS but since I began working out the last two months, eating healthy and drinking over 64oz a day, my stool has changed and I had been some what constipated for the first time in my life. (It was actually a nice change, to not have my bowels cramping and feeling nauseated all the time; still, a bit uncomfortable. The ACV has helped with the constipation and eased the pressure in the bowels.

I've taken my protein drink with fruit every morning for the last 6 weeks. Three days ago when I began the ACV I noticed that I stayed full longer and had more energy to accomplish everything on my list to do. (Even projects I have put off for years.)

I began my strict workout routine under the direction of my personal trainer the first week of January. It is now the last week of February. Which has included 4 days of intense intermediate cardio with weight training, 2 days of cardio, 1 day of rest. (Each workout is no more than 1 hour a day). I also cut out all flour, starches, sugars, and carbs. I eat 5 times a day (every 2-3 hours) with a serving of protein and fresh/frozen fruit and/or fresh/frozen veggies (No more than 300 calories per meal). I don't eat less than 1200 calories per day. (Eating less than that halts all progress making your body think it is starving and it hangs on to fat for storage). I am never hungry. I lost 13 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks. Which was totally awesome for me! (I have never have lost more than 7 lbs. that quickly; and it always comes back on in a matter of days- since the birth of both of my children. That includes every diet and exercise that I've tried over the last 6 years.)

The weight has stayed off! Until earlier this week I gained 1 lb. (could have been muscle- who knows), but it was depressing. Losing that pound again today, was a great feeling! I know that I feel even better; knowing that I am doing this the right way. No more yo-yo dieting. Even if it takes longer than the three months that my trainer told me it would take to drop the excess weight. I will continue the ACV along with the diet and workout plan I am currently on b/c of it's help with energy, bowels, and helping me to avoid that afternoon slump all day long.:)

I take the ACV in the morning with my protein drink and in the evening with my last meal of the day.

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Posted by Larry C (Bartlett, Il, Usa) on 02/03/2010
★★★★★

Been into holistic health for a few years now and stumbled upon Earth Clinic a few months ago when my 11 YO daughter had a bout with strep and mono. After a bad reaction to her antibiotic with a terrible rash and prescribed an even more terrible antibiotic, I pulled the plug on conventional medical "wisdom" and treated her with organic coconut oil for the mono and ACV for the rash as well as ACV and cayenne for the strep. Her sore throat was gone almost instantly with the gargle although the rash itself took longer she did get some relief. The mono disappeared in two days and she was back to being herself... Amazing!

I broke my left elbow about 22 years ago in a motorcycle accident and the Dr. then told me it would give me trouble later in life. He was completely correct as over the past 1-1/2 years it has gone from a noticeable throb to outright excruciating PAIN! Some mornings I couldn't even extend it fully and certainly not do anything physically stressful. After reading about ACV and arthritis I began using it as directed with about two tablespoons in water, sipping it throughout the day. Within 10 minutes of the first sips the pain subsided. I'm now into the fourth day and I'm a new man. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

BTW Gave it to my 19YO daughter for a headache and it was gone in minutes...

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Posted by Kandy (Lakeland, Fl) on 01/19/2010
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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.

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Posted by Arlene (Meredosia, Il.) on 01/05/2010
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I just realized after two weeks of acv, not only all of my sinus problems are gone, but the muscle aches that accompanied it. I didn't realize that that was what was causing the pain all over my body until someone mentioned it on this site. My husband and I have been miserable with the sinus headaches, congestion etc., but we attributed the aches and pains to arthritis. We are in our 70's so it was logical. It wasn't arthritis at all it was the sinus infection. I feel 100% better.

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Posted by Ashlin (Sulphur Springs, Texas) on 12/23/2009
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ACV. well i think it works my family uses it for every thing! sinus infections, high blood pressure, complication... just a little fyi dont take it raw you will loose your dinner! half a cap and a cup of orange juice is much better

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Posted by Lisa (Cleveland, Ohio) on 11/07/2009
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I started apple cider vinegar 2 months ago and I can tell you that it has helped my overall health. I feel more energy and my husband says my complexion is glowing.

I take 2 tbs in 10 oz of water 2 x a day. On the third serving I add a tablespoon of blackstrap mollasses. I call it "grandma's tonic" It worked for granny and it seemsto be working for me.

I also drink 4oz of buttermilk 2 x a day to help with the sinus.