A variety of claims surround the use of apple cider vinegar to improve your overall health. Proponents believe the acetic acid in apple cider vinegar can treat anything from obesity to diabetes to high blood pressure. While acetic acid does have some benefit in the body, particularly when it comes to diabetes, it isn’t likely to lower your blood pressure — or cause you to lose weight, for that matter. Another form of treatment is often necessary to improve your cardiovascular health. Talk to a doctor before taking apple cider vinegar to treat any medical condition.
Evidence
A study the Central Research Institute in Japan conducted found that acetic acid — the main component in apple cider vinegar — could reduce renin activity. Renin is a plasma enzyme known to regulate blood pressure. If the activity of renin increases, blood pressure tends to rise. The reverse is true when its activity declines. If acetic acid can reduce the level of this enzyme in the body, it should help lower blood pressure; at least in theory. Preliminary studies, however, focused on hypertensive rats. Additional research is needed to determine if the same effects occur in humans.
Lifestyle
If you’re looking for a way to lower blood pressure without medication, you need only turn to your lifestyle. Many people can see an improvement in their blood pressure when making very simple changes to diet and level of physical activity. In fact, most medical professionals will tell you that to lower blood pressure, you should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains while lowering your sodium intake. Getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week can also improve blood pressure. Talk to a doctor or dietitian to devise a plan that best suits your needs.
Medications
If lifestyle changes fail to make an impact on your numbers, you will most likely need medication. Diuretics are one of the most common, but your doctor might prescribe beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. Other medications known to improve blood pressure include renin inhibitors, alpha blockers, vasodilators and alpha-beta blockers. Follow your doctor’s instructions for best results.
Warning
Although there’s nothing inherently wrong with drinking apple cider vinegar each day, it can lead to health complications. Throat irritation is by far the most common. Katherine Zeratsky, a nutritionist writing for MayoClinic.com, warns that the acidic nature of apple cider vinegar can irritate your esophageal walls. It’s also known to adversely interact with both insulin and diuretics, lowering serum potassium levels in the body.
References
- “Bioscience, Biotechnology and Biochemistry”; Antihypertensive Effects of Acetic Acid and Vinegar on Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats; S. Kondo, et al.; December 2001
- MayoClinic.com; High Blood Pressure (Hypertension); March 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Apple Cider Vinegar for Weight Loss: Effective?; Katherine Zeratsky; April 2010
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