Naturopaths and natural health professionals see apple cider vinegar as a healing product with many benefits. If you purchase natural, organic apple cider vinegar, you get a product made with fermented organic apples containing valuable enzymes and minerals. An antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal substance, apple cider vinegar has been used medicinally for hundreds of years.
Joint Pain
Apple cider vinegar may work to alleviate joint pain and arthritis. Sometimes joint pain is cause by a buildup of calcium in the joints, and since apple cider vinegar is high in potassium, it can help prevent that buildup, according to the NaturalNews website. Mineral deficiency may make joint pain worse, and apple cider vinegar contains a lot of minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Arthritis is associated with poor digestion, and apple cider vinegar taken before meals aids digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Glucose Levels
The November 2007 issue of "Diabetes Care" reported on a study in which participants took a shot of apple cider vinegar before bed, with improved fasting glucose concentrations in the morning. The participants in the study had type 2 diabetes and experimented with eating 1 oz. of cheese before bed. The vinegar had a significantly better effect on fasting glucose levels and could be a viable and affordable treatment for diabetes, though more research is needed. If you are diabetic, consult your doctor before considering such a treatment.
Weight Loss
Apple cider vinegar may contribute to weight loss, according to some reports noted by the Global Healing Center. When you take apple cider vinegar, it helps your body break down fats so that they can be used. If your body breaks down fats, it doesn't store them, resulting in weight loss. Apple cider vinegar may also lead to weight loss by boosting your metabolism, says the Home Remedies Web site.
Other Potential Benefits
Apple cider vinegar may have many other benefits. Some things apple cider vinegar may help with are acne, allergies, boosting your immune system, constipation, heartburn and urinary tract infections. The minerals and other ingredients in apple cider vinegar help with several issues. Potassium and calcium protect teeth and hair loss, while pectin helps blood pressure and cholesterol.
Quantity
Keeping apple cider vinegar mixed with water in a pitcher will make it easier for you to drink it throughout the day. Mix 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with 1 gallon of water in a pitcher. Add organic honey for flavor and other health benefits. Another way to premix apple cider vinegar is to carry a 32-oz. bottle of water with 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar mixed in.
You can take 1 tbsp. of apple cider mixed with 4 oz. of water after your meal to help with heartburn. To help with joint pain, consume 1 to 3 tsp. of apple cider vinegar with 8 oz. of water three times a day, preferably before meals.
Warnings
The acid in apple cider vinegar can hurt your throat over time. MayoClinic.com warns that apple cider vinegar may interfere with supplements and drugs, especially diuretics and insulin. Such interactions may pose dangerous reductions in your potassium levels. Be sure to consult your physician before taking daily doses of apple cider vinegar.
References
- "Diabetes Care"; Vinegar Ingestion at Bedtime Moderates Waking Glucose Concentrations in Adults With Well-Controlled Type 2 Diabetes; Andrea M. White, et al.; November 2007
- NaturalNews; Learn How to Relieve Arthritis and Joint Pain With Apple Cider Vinegar; Elizabeth Walling; July 2009
- Global Healing Center: The Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar; Dr. Edward Group; August 2008
- Home Remedies Web: Apple Cider Vinegar Health Benefits
- MayoClinic.com: Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss Seems Far-Fetched. Does It Work?
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