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.
ACV and Tap Water
Posted by Hawk120 (New Canaan, Ct) on 02/27/2010
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

My grandfather has long touted ACV for a variety of remedies-we all used to laugh but now he's 87 so I'm starting to believe him! I have one concern though with the ACV general tonic that people may not realize. I have city water (chlorinated and fluoridated) in my home, and when I added the tap water to the 2 tsp ACV I noticed a lot of very fine bubbling and a very light smoke.

I'm not a chemist, but remember how they say not to mix chlorine bleach and acid (including vinegar) because it will produce toxic chlorine gas? Is this happening with my tap water on a smaller scale!?

EC: Yikes! That doesn't happen here in Atlanta suburbs! I have relatives in your area and will have to ask them to test this too.

Deirdre

ACV and Tap Water
Posted by Daphne (Albany, Ga) on 04/26/2012

Just let the tap water sit out for about an hour on the counter before mixing. We have to do this with our fish tanks.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Rachel (Saratoga Springs, Ut) on 02/25/2010
★★★★★

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.


Joint Pain
Posted by Safiyya (Philadelphia, Pa) on 02/22/2010

Hello

I have a question reagrding ACV. My husband has joint pains and we want to try ACV for that.

The dosage
2 teaspoons of ACV in 8 oz of water 3x a day.

My question :
the 2 tsps of ACV is the whole quantity for 1 day or
2*3 = 6 tsps is the whole quantity of ACV to be taken in the whole day ? Can you please let me know?


Breast Reduction
Posted by Mel (Passaic, Nj) on 02/06/2010
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Hi,

I'm 26 yrs old. I had originally (last year) used acv when the doses were 2 tbsp in water at one shot. After a month, my boobs shrank a whole cup size, but I was still not overall thinner. Beware! I'm still afraid to take it now as the doses have changed. I think they grew back now though, because I took some dong quai and damiana (which I read increases them).


Broad Benefits
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...


Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Theresa (Zaklan, Or, Usa) on 01/24/2010

The first book on vinegar I read was by a Vermont doctor who did his studies in conjunction with the Uni. of Georgetown and and govt. agencies associated with their studies. He rcommended 1 tsp of acv with 1 tspn. of honey 3x's a day usually before meals or with meals because the trace minerals in the honey add to and complement those in the acv. For chronic conditions he upped it to 1TBSN of honey to 1 TBSN acv 3x's a day. He also reported on it's effective use with his patients who were having trouble staying pregnant or were having fertility problems. He got the idea from the local farmers who routinely used it to cure fertility problems with their cattle/dairy animals.


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)

Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Amber (Flint, Mi) on 01/13/2010

Hi, I actually have a question and couldn't figure out where to post it. I have been using Apple cider Vinegar from the Meijer brand. I really like it, I like the taste. But I bought the Heinz brand because I wasn't sure whether the Meijer brand is derived from real apples or not. And if it would work just as well. Does anyone know if it is? Because I can't handle the taste of the Hienz brand, it is terrible! Any help on whether the meijer brand is okay to use would be great, thank you!

Brands of Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Peggy (Fishers, In) on 01/14/2010

I use a Raw, unfiltered ACV. It should contain what is called the mother. I find it in the healthf food stores or in a natural section of Krogers. I can't say brand names but if you look for those particular components it will benefit you more.The vinegars that are distilled or processed have all the goodness stripped out of it, such as enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Good luck!


Apple Cider Vinegar Tips
Posted by Speedy (Columbia, Sc) on 01/09/2010

Use a drinking straw aimed at the back of the mouth to drink the ACV water concoction. It gets the drink past the teeth and most of the taste buds. Goes down smooth (almost.) Love this site.


Recipes
Posted by Hailey (America) on 04/29/2014

Well, no. It doesnt change the efficiency.... It just helps with the taste


Broad Benefits
Posted by Arlene (Meredosia, Il.) on 01/05/2010
★★★★★

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.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Ashlin (Sulphur Springs, Texas) on 12/23/2009
★★★★★

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


Foot Health
Posted by Queenie (Houston, Texas) on 12/16/2009
★★★★★

Apple cider vinegar cured my hurting feet within 3 days i will continue drinking it for weight loss, i am so thankful.


Dental Enamel Issues
Posted by Jordan (Houston, Tx) on 12/10/2009

Question, as ACV is acidic, would it be a bad idea to put some in coffee? Coffee i know, is acidic..so I was just wondering what it would do. I dont want it to ruin my teeth by having too much acid or any other part in my body.

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.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Shar (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) on 12/06/2009
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

hello all!

I am a 30 yr. old female who is overweight and recently had gall stones. I also have iron defienciency anemia. My family has started eating organic and all natural 3 yrs. ago. I recently started researching all natural cures as i don't believe in going to doctors unless its absolutly neccessary. I read about apple cider vinegar and blackstrap molasses. i started the blackstrap molasses first (2 tbs daily) and the numbness i was feeling in my fingertips and legs has went away. I am still waiting for my menstrual cycle to come to see if it will ease the heavy bleeding. but it has eliminated my stomach cramping (that felt like labor contractions) that I usually have monthly.

But this is about the apple cider vinegar. let me tell you it really works! started by taking 2 tsp. once a day in 8 oz. of water. 3 days later i had extreme pain in my ear and my jaw that has yet to go away. I also have extreme itching everywhere. That doesn't sound good does it? but it is good cause i know that it is my body getting rid of toxins. I have been peeing like crazy and having regular bowel movements without straining( which is the opposite of the consipation i was having from taking iron pills).

I think for all of you who are all sufferring from itching or jaw pain etc. should up your water intake. I started drinking a gallon of water a day and the itching is going away. I now take 2 tbs of acv chased by a 16 oz. glass of water in the morning,then proceed to drink water throughout the day and i feel great! I have more energy(no more sluggishness)and i know my 5 kids are happy to see that!

I plan to keep taking ACV despite the side effects(unless it brings more harm than good) to see if it will aid in my weightloss.

Also i have been using the ACV on my hair and it has smoothed the cuticle and made my hair less frizzy!

EC: Thank you Shar! Your feedback has been cross-posted to the blackstrap molasses section.


Flus and Colds
Posted by Codedwithout (San Diego) on 04/21/2016

It sounds like she had esophageal thrush. I had one just like it, including fever, after a 3 week course of several antibiotics. I drank a lot of probiotic drinks and it eventually went away, and would highly recommend doing the same, it keeps candida (fungus) under check by giving the body the good flora to fight it off.


Flus and Colds
Posted by Teresa (Michigan) on 01/29/2017

White spots in throat, with fever is strep throat, and if untreated with antibiotics can turn to rheumatic fever, which is life threatening.


Flus and Colds
Posted by Vera (Milltown) on 01/30/2017

White spots in throat with fever can also be mono. My son had those symptoms and was negative for strep and positive for mono.

And there are lots of reported cures for strep and mono with natural remedies on Earth Clinic.


Broad Benefits
Posted by Lisa (Cleveland, Ohio) on 11/07/2009
★★★★★

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.



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