Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lower Blood Pressure?

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lower Blood Pressure?
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Apple cider vinegar is used in many home remedies and cures for a variety of conditions. It might be able to lower your blood pressure, but there hasn't been enough medical evidence to confirm this. If you have high blood pressure, always see a physician for the best course of treatment.

High Blood Pressure

According to MayoClinic.com, high blood pressure is a medical condition that happens when your blood is pushed through the arteries too quickly with too much pressure. Over time, this stretches out the blood vessels and can put you at an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.

Pectin

According to Mountain State University, the pectin or fruit fiber within apple cider vinegar may play a small role in lowering blood pressure. According to MSU research, pectin absorbs fat and cholesterol and acts as a diuretic, meaning it acts similarly to blood pressure medication in the body.

Expert Insight

Though apple cider vinegar is thought to help you lose weight, improve your immune system, and prevent heart disease, there is little to no scientific evidence or research to back up these claims. According to Health Services at Columbia University, apple cider vinegar is not a suitable supplement or substitute for proper medical treatment.

Warning

If you have high blood pressure, you should see a doctor right away for professional advice. Standard treatments include maintaining a healthy diet, reducing your sodium intake and exercising regularly. Likewise, you may be prescribed a combination of medications including diuretics, beta blockers and ace inhibitors, according to MayoClinic.com. Consuming apple cider vinegar could put you in danger of developing dangerously low potassium levels if you take diuretics because the vinegar acts as a diuretic, too. Vinegar is also acidic and could burn your throat, according to Health Services at Columbia University.

References

Article reviewed by Helen Covington Last updated on: Aug 19, 2011

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