When you go into the doctor's office for a routine physical, one item that's often checked is your blood pressure. Should you find that you have high blood pressure, you could be at a greater risk for disease later in life. In lieu of medication, some people opt for apple cider vinegar as a treatment option. However, you should never substitute home remedies for real medical advice.
High Blood Pressure and Its Health Risks
According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure happens when blood is propelled through the blood vessels with too much force, causing damage to the arteries. Over time, this can put you at an increased risk for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Typical treatments involve changing your diet, exercising, losing weight and taking medications like beta blockers and diuretics.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is used in many home remedies. According to Dr. D.C. Jarvis, author of "Folk Medicine," vinegar can treat high blood pressure, infections, rashes and even an upset stomach. The standard remedy involves drinking between 1 and 3 tbsp. of apple vinegar mixed with a cup of water twice a day. However, there is no medical evidence to substantiate this claim.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Blood Pressure
As of 2011, it is not clear whether or not apple vinegar can lower your blood pressure. However, limited studies on lab animals have shown some positive results. According to a review published in "Medscape General Medicine," in 2006, a 2001 study conducted in Japan showed lab rats with high blood pressure experiencing a reduction in blood pressure after consuming white vinegar as a part of their diet. Acetic acid was the primary ingredient tested, which is also present in apple cider vinegar.
Weight Loss
According to the same review published in "Medscape General Medicine" in 2006, a study published in "Diabetes Care," showed that participants experienced a reduction in blood glucose following meals when their diets were supplemented with apple cider vinegar, which improved feelings of fullness and suppressed their appetites. This could help people lose weight and subsequently reduce blood pressure. However, much more study is needed before this result is considered conclusive.
